Cruisearama

Top 10 Global Cruise Destinations

The Panama Canal – This is one of the most inspiring engineering projects ever planned and built by human hands. It bridges the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean and provides the type of tropical environment that many people enjoy. The chance to see where civilization has joined two major oceans and divided two of the planet’s largest continents is certainly an experience that will not soon be forgotten. For a tropical visit to Central or South America that will make for great stories later, the Panama Canal is a top choice.

Aruba – Many people have heard this stretch of the Caribbean mentioned in a famous Beach Boys song and there is a reason for this. Aruba happens to be the Las Vegas of the Caribbean and for those who love to game, there really is no better port of call. Not only is there Vegas fun to be had, but there is a hearty party atmosphere and of course, tropical beaches that stretch on for miles.

Hong Kong – As a former British Crown Colony, Hong Kong is now part of China and one of the major economic hubs of the world today. Many on business trips will need to visit here, but there are also those who want to get a real flavor of Asia and there are few places more impressive than Hong Kong to be able to do exactly this. There are plenty of exciting things to do here from luxurious hotels to shopping that must be seen to be believed.

Norway – In the heart of Scandinavia there is one of the most impressive countries in the world for those who admire beautiful surroundings but are not inclined towards the heat and humidity of tropical zones. The fjords and soaring cliffs of stone that Norway offers make for photo opportunities that would impress anyone.

Cayman Islands – With underwater reefs to explore that give access to ships sank back in the days of pirates, the Cayman Islands offer up some truly exotic fun. This is one of the sought after destinations in the Caribbean region and one foot in the soft white sands on the beach will prove to a visitor why so many people want to visit here.

Alaska – Another cold weather retreat that is majestic in the summer months is Alaska, part of the United States. The scenery here is breath taking due to the vast glaciers and, of course, the forests that must be witnessed first hand to truly appreciate. Those who love the wilderness will be greatly impressed by what Alaska offers and the mild temperatures make for a very nice way to explore this wild place.

Australia & New Zealand – This is a more recent addition to the list of favored world destinations, but the scenery of rolling green could be straight from a Tolkien movie and, in fact, this is where the Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Amazing animals, kind English speaking natives and a fun atmosphere make these two destinations an up and coming choice for many.

Virgin Islands – This is one of the less popular islands that are toured in the Caribbean since places like Jamaica and the Bahamas tend to take up the spot light. That means there is a definite charm to these islands that will give a more subdued and relaxed experience. The gorgeous scenery and primal beauty of these islands make them a chief choice for those who don’t wish for a typical tourist-oriented getaway.

French Riviera – As one of the most famed places in all of Europe, the French Riviera offers up not only its scenic beauty that ties back to Renaissance times, but also the fact that it is near Monte Carlo, a mecca for casino enthusiasts, in Monaco, as well as Cannes, in France, where one of the most important film festivals are held each year.

Barbados – For those who want a real taste of the historic Caribbean there can be few choices quite so gratifying as Barbados, a true port for pirates in the age of sails. There is much to enjoy from Bridgetown port to the beaches at Batts Rock, Mullins Bay or Folkestone Park. The gorgeous sun, sand and vast blue sea are all a part of this friendly Caribbean destination.

Royal Carribean Plans Whole New Cruise Experience with New Ship

According to recent comments coming from the upper echelon of Royal Caribbean International, it appears as if there may be some new features on the horizon for the ship that got its name from a contest: The Oasis of the Seas. It turns out that Adam Goldstein, the CEO of Royal Caribbean has hinted at the possibilities that there will be another ship up for cruisers to try out which is quite similar to the Oasis and is known as the Allure of the Seas. This new vessel will be something of a next generation version of the first ship, but it looks as if this will be a copy of the largest ship ever to set sail. The new ship will be 225,000 tons in total size and this alone has set it up to receive a great deal of attention. While the company had previously said that Allure of the Seas would not be much different from its parent, Oasis, it turns out that this may not quite be the case according to what Goldstein revealed in a recent blog posting.

According to the CEO, the company has founded its entire image on the idea of embracing innovation and they are sure to keep some new features for the Allure that will definitely please their customers. The ship will be able to hold over 6,000 passengers and is being constructed in Finland at the moment. It appears that Goldstein may have been seeking some dreams from his audience that he would be able to make come true. Only time will tell how the story unfolds from here.

New Cruise Ships to Set Sail in 2010

In the cruise ship industry, as in all of the travel and hospitality industry, innovation is one of the key ways that companies have of delighting their customers. For many, according to experts in this field, there are few things which will turn customers on to a cruise line faster than a brand new ship and it looks as if 2010 just may be a banner year for new and improved voyaging ships setting sail around the world. In all, there are several different brands from North America and Europe that will be unveiling new ships this year, chief among them are Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Each of these companies have ordered their ships years ago since it can take many years to complete even one vessel to their enormous size, but this means that there will be plenty for new travellers and old fans alike to be able to choose from if they would like to sail in a brand new ship fresh out of the harbor.

From Royal Caribbean will come another version of the contest named Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest ship so far. The Eurodam is a new ship from Holland America that is very similar to its existing ships, while Celebrity Cruises is planning to expand into a new ship from its Solstice Class, a fairly popular choice or many cruise enthusiasts. The Epic from Noerwegian will definitely be a big name attraction with all of its Vegas style glitz and glamor. Over all, travellers should be able to revel in high seas fun any way they like in 2010.

Elvis and Madonna to Bring Entertainment to Cruise Line

One of the big sources of entertainment on cruise ships these days has begun to come from an ever growing number of impersonation performers and Norwegian Cruise Line has picked right up on this. The have announced that they are taking some Las Vegas Strip Style fun to the high seas by offering what is being called the Legends in Concert series of shows on their cruises. These shows will include musicians who will be performing tribute acts to some of the biggest musical performances in the history of show business. There will be performances from a variety of different performers, chief among them Madonna, Elvis Presley and Tina Turner – all major acts in their time that have done a great deal to revolutionize entertainment. While opinions vary on the amount of draw the Legends in Concert series will have for Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Epic ship is certainly set to live up to its name. The recently announced shows will be a huge part of the summer fun for 2010 and executives at the company are hoping travelers will enjoy themselves with on-board entertainment.

The Epic ship itself is practically its own legend and weighs in at 153,000 tons, the largest ship ever from Norwegian. The performers will be putting on 45 minute sets for three days out of the week long cruises and there will also be some cabaret type shows for those who prefer that sort of entertainment in the ship’s Manhattan room where a supper club will prevail. The Legends in Concert will hold their performances in the Epic Theater, a massive amphitheater that seats nearly 700 people all told.

Top 10 Global Cruise Destinations

The Panama Canal – This is one of the most inspiring engineering projects ever planned and built by human hands. It bridges the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean and provides the type of tropical environment that many people enjoy. The chance to see where civilization has joined two major oceans and divided two of the planet’s largest continents is certainly an experience that will not soon be forgotten. For a tropical visit to Central or South America that will make for great stories later, the Panama Canal is a top choice.

Aruba – Many people have heard this stretch of the Caribbean mentioned in a famous Beach Boys song and there is a reason for this. Aruba happens to be the Las Vegas of the Caribbean and for those who love to game, there really is no better port of call. Not only is there Vegas fun to be had, but there is a hearty party atmosphere and of course, tropical beaches that stretch on for miles.

Hong Kong – As a former British Crown Colony, Hong Kong is now part of China and one of the major economic hubs of the world today. Many on business trips will need to visit here, but there are also those who want to get a real flavor of Asia and there are few places more impressive than Hong Kong to be able to do exactly this. There are plenty of exciting things to do here from luxurious hotels to shopping that must be seen to be believed.

Norway – In the heart of Scandinavia there is one of the most impressive countries in the world for those who admire beautiful surroundings but are not inclined towards the heat and humidity of tropical zones. The fjords and soaring cliffs of stone that Norway offers make for photo opportunities that would impress anyone.

Cayman Islands – With underwater reefs to explore that give access to ships sank back in the days of pirates, the Cayman Islands offer up some truly exotic fun. This is one of the sought after destinations in the Caribbean region and one foot in the soft white sands on the beach will prove to a visitor why so many people want to visit here.

Alaska – Another cold weather retreat that is majestic in the summer months is Alaska, part of the United States. The scenery here is breath taking due to the vast glaciers and, of course, the forests that must be witnessed first hand to truly appreciate. Those who love the wilderness will be greatly impressed by what Alaska offers and the mild temperatures make for a very nice way to explore this wild place.

Australia & New Zealand – This is a more recent addition to the list of favored world destinations, but the scenery of rolling green could be straight from a Tolkien movie and, in fact, this is where the Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Amazing animals, kind English speaking natives and a fun atmosphere make these two destinations an up and coming choice for many.

Virgin Islands – This is one of the less popular islands that are toured in the Caribbean since places like Jamaica and the Bahamas tend to take up the spot light. That means there is a definite charm to these islands that will give a more subdued and relaxed experience. The gorgeous scenery and primal beauty of these islands make them a chief choice for those who don’t wish for a typical tourist-oriented getaway.

French Riviera – As one of the most famed places in all of Europe, the French Riviera offers up not only its scenic beauty that ties back to Renaissance times, but also the fact that it is near Monte Carlo, a mecca for casino enthusiasts, in Monaco, as well as Cannes, in France, where one of the most important film festivals are held each year.

Barbados – For those who want a real taste of the historic Caribbean there can be few choices quite so gratifying as Barbados, a true port for pirates in the age of sails. There is much to enjoy from Bridgetown port to the beaches at Batts Rock, Mullins Bay or Folkestone Park. The gorgeous sun, sand and vast blue sea are all a part of this friendly Caribbean destination.

The 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World Today

As the cruise industry has continued to expand over time, not only has the number of ships at sea during any given month of the year continued to rise, but the size of these ships grows, as well. This list of the world’s 10 largest cruise ships shows that progress is definitely being made in creating even larger ships than ever before and covers those ships which are in service at the time of this writing. Currently, with the exception of the Queen Mary 2 from Cunard Cruise Lines, all of the top 10 are from Royal Caribbean International, but this will change over the course of the next 2 years as Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Costa Cruises all finish construction on ships which will begin to sail between the years 2011 and 2012.

Here is the list of the world’s largest cruise liners as it stands today, beginning with number 10:

MS Adventure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – This is the 4th largest passenger ship in the world, weighing in at 137,276 tons with a length of 1,020 feet. At a cost of $800 million to build, it is a diesel powered electric ship that can hold over 3,000 passengers and a crew of 1,180 across its 14 decks. The ship is part of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class of ships and is so large that it is not able to pass through the Panama Canal. Built in Finland in 2001, the ship sails the Southern Caribbean region out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Amenities include: an ice skating rink for ice shows, a full sized basketball court, a casino, a wedding chapel, an internet cafe, 3 outdoor pools, a Johnny Rockets 50’s themed restaurant, and a 32 foot rock climbing wall.

MS Voyager of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – Another member of the Voyager Class, this ship was completed in 1999 in Finland at a cost of $500 million. It weighs in at 137,276 tons and is 1,020 feet long. It contains 15 decks and is capable of hosting over 3,000 guests with a crew of 1,181. As one of the premiere luxury liners for its maker, the ship is commonly referred to as ‘the floating hotel’ and offers interactive TV in most of its rooms along with en suite bathroom facilities. There is a 3 story theater that can put on Broadway quality performances, a casino, 2 themed night clubs, a golf simulator, an ice skating rink, a day spa, and a rock climbing wall. This ship has many ports of call including: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Grand Caymen, Mexico and St. Maarten.

MS Explorer of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – As a vessel in the Voyager class, this ship is the same size as the others in its class on this list, offering the same capacity for guests and crew. It regularly hosts scientists who have access to its built in atmospheric and oceanographic lab which is run by the University of Miami. It was completed in 2000 in Finland and offers many of the same amenities as the Voyager of the Seas and the Adventure of the Seas, both by Royal Caribbean. An executive meeting room and conference space make this ship a popular choice for business tours.

MS Mariner of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – As another of the Voyager class vessels, this ship shares the size and capacity of its sister ships, but since it is a 2nd generation of the Voyager class, it weighs in at 138,297 tons. Currently, the ship’s primary tours are from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera on week long voyages. Built in Finland in 2003, the ship improves upon its class with staterooms that are a bit larger than standard rooms on such a liner. It has taken over the route that previously sailed by Vision of the Seas. In addition to standard Voyager amenities, there is a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shop aboard this ship as well as a special club for teens.

MS Navigator of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – The same size as Mariner of the Seas, this is another Voyager Class ship from the 2nd generation. The design is a copy of that ship, as well, except this ship sails from United Kingdom to the Mediterranean and offers a more Greco-Roman theme with salt pools for tourists to relax in. She sails around Florida, Spain and Italy as premiere destinations and was completed in 2002. The primary difference for food enthusiasts will be the Jade, an Asian fusion restaurant she is known for.

RMS Queen Mary 2 from Cunard Line – When she was built in 2003, the Queen Mary 2 was the largest, longest and tallest passenger ship in the world at that time. She weighs 148,528 tons, is 1,132 feet long and 236 feet high, costing $900 million to build. She can hold 3,056 passengers and has a crew of 1,253 in all. As the flagship of Cunard Line, she is a transatlantic ocean liner and was named by the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II for Queen Mary of Teck who was the wife of Britain’s King George V. Her amenities include 15 unique restaurants, a casino, a ballroom, 5 swimming pools and the world’s first planetarium aboard a ship. 

MS Independence of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – This ship was built at a cost of $828 million in 2008 and is a member of the Freedom class of ocean liners. It weighs in at 154,407 tons with a length of 1,112 feet total. A crew of 1,360 service this ship which can carry 4,370 passengers. An on-board water park called the H20 Zone and a shopping street are part of this ship’s amenities, but it also includes several pubs and wine bars. An Egyptian themed cabaret lounge and plenty of sports related activities will make this ship quite an attraction.

MS Liberty of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – This is another Freedom class ship with the same size and weight as its sister ships and the same capacity, as well. Having set sail in 2007, she will be making her first voyage to the Mediterranean in 2011 and touring much of Europe though she now tours the Florida coast Along with many of the amenities shared with Independence of the Seas, she also offers a unique feature of whirlpools which are cantilevered out over the ocean so that as guests relax they have a clear view of the sea below in total safety. She is equipped with Wi-Fi and mobile capacity as are the other ships in her class.

MS Freedom of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – The final entrant to this list also comes from the Freedom class line of cruise ships and shares their same size and capacity. She sails from the Bahamas after being built in 2006. Her amenities are the standards for the Freedom class and there are flat screen TV’s in all of her state rooms. She shares the unique whirlpools with ocean views that the Liberty of the Seas has and is famous for having been the setting for the casting of the 9th season of America’s Next Top Model. More than 4,700 works of art are present on this ship, making it an experience that many tourists appreciate.

MS Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International – This is the largest cruise ship in service today and it cruises the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida as the world’s largest passenger ship. Completed in 2009, the ship cost nearly $1.5 billion to construct and weighs in at 225,282 tons with a length of 1,181 feet. The ship’s name is the result of a contest that was held by Royal Caribbean in 2008 and it offers 2 story suites that are a first of their kind and 1,600 square feet in size, featuring balconies which give a view of the sea. The ship’s entertainment areas are vast and divided into neighborhoods that mirror a theme park’s layout. There are places for teens and youth with computer labs and youth oriented sports activities, boutiques, restaurants, a comedy club, a karaoke bar, a beach pool, a tattoo parlour, and the word’s first park at sea which has 56 trees and more than 12,000 plants.

Planning Your Cruise

There are many important questions that must be asked when one is expecting to go on a cruise. It is crucial to decide which type and style of voyage one wants and also whether or not the cruise line and specific ship offer all of the things they would like to be able to do while at sea. For those who are just beginning the cruise life style or those who want to refresh themselves before hitting the waves once again, this list will run down what all should be thought about before purchasing a package.

Who Will Be Going? – This is a very important question and will change the choices that one has. Since there are family cruises, those who will be bringing children or teens will definitely want to seek out a line that offers some fun for the younger folks. Disney now offers cruises, but there are a variety of other options for families with young ones. If a couple is looking to voyage together, would they prefer a standard cruise environment or perhaps a couples retreat? Singles, also, will want to decide if they would like to have a mingling cruise or stick to the standard sea escapes. Those in their golden years may want to consider a seniors only voyage or they may wish to bring along the grandkids for a special time in a family cruise. The options are nearly endless, but the first thing to do is decide who all will be going along.

What is Your Budget? – This is where a travel agent can come in handy because they are familiar with the current pricing for a range of packages, but it should not be difficult to locate a package for nearly any budget. While it should be noted that there are, of course, minimum costs for a cruise (which would be around $100 per day per person before additional costs are added such as plane tickets to the port) there really is no ceiling on cruise package pricing. This is a luxury industry, so if a person has the means they can buy an experience they will not soon forget. One way to reduce the budget is to room more than one person per room in cruises where this is possible. Competition can be very high so shopping around is another way to save, as is booking far in advance. 

How Long Would You Like to Cruise? – This is a big determiner of a cruise because there are short jaunts and then there are the long world traveling voyages. Some people will want to travel simply from one port to the next before flying home while others will prefer to travel the ship’s entire cruise circuit. This definitely affects the budget, but there are plenty of options across Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean. For those who would like to see all the continents, budgeting 2 weeks is the best way to do so.

What Time of Year Do You Prefer? – This is a big question because it will affect not only the experience of the cruise, but also the cost. Those who wish to reduce the prices of their packages generally choose the spring or fall to cruise as the weather is not as stabilized as in the winter or summer months and therefore not as popular for tourists. Winter voyages through tropical areas are cheaper, in general, but not by much. Those who are looking to travel in the Southern Hemisphere, such as New Zealand or South Africa, will want to keep in mind that below the equator the seasons are reversed. The climate and time of year that is selected will have a lot to do with weather, but it remains a personal choice above all.

Where Would You Like to Cruise? – This is a big factor for many and can be one of the toughest decisions for people who are eager to see the world. Since nearly 75% of Earth’s surface is covered by water there are a huge variety of options. There are river cruises as well as sea voyages and all continents can be explored by one or the other. Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands remain the most popular, but the travel industry is always expanding so voyages to destinations in Africa and Asia are being added at a rapid pace.

What Type of Experience Would You Like? – The amenities that a cruise ship offers as well as the types of rooms it has will make a big difference in the experience that one is able to enjoy while on a voyage. Room sizes will vary and they have an effect on pricing, too. There are also different activities ranging from scuba diving to on-board sports. Be sure to check out the list of amenities and weigh them to decide where the better value lies. This is one of the tougher parts of a cruise decision, but in the end it can be a deciding factor for many. Keep in mind, also, that many cruises have scheduled dining times but there are those which offer far more flexible times than others. Dress code can be something that affects the experience, as well, because some cruises have a certain feel or fashion style that they approve of while others are more open minded. 

Last Minute Details – Finally, don’t forget to plan who will take care of the home while the cruise is taking place. Those with pets will want to make sure their needs are handled, possibly in a facility that caters to that type of pet. Gardens may need to be tended and neighbors may need to be alerted to the travel plans. Remembering to schedule the transportation to and from the cruise is another sound idea so watching for ticket prices may well be a good way to reduce the amount spent on the cruise, as well. Once all the details are handled, the only thing left to do is have fun!

Types of Cruises

When it comes to taking a cruise, those who choose to take a voyage today have more options than ever before. There are many different ways to sail around the world and once a guest understands what their choices can be, they will find that the world is a much more exciting place than they might have thought for those who enjoy an adventure at sea. There are so many options ranging from huge ships with thousands to small ships that create a cozy sailing experience. Short 3 day cruises are now offered, as are several month long trips around the globe. One can visit the tropical areas of the world for fun in the sun or enjoy the crisp, cold climate of the world’s majestic glacial regions. No matter what type of cruise a person is interested in, this list will give the most popular options to help them decide what will work best to meet their desires.

Large Cruise Ships – There are ships today that carry anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 or more guests. These are the largest passenger vessels in the world and they are packed with amenities. To some, they are floating hotels and offer all sorts of vacation escapes such as arcades, shopping centers, spas, areas for kids and teens, rock climbing, wave pools, sports courts, swimming pools and plenty of bars and night clubs. Many different types of rooms are offered from singles suites to 2 story rooms of immense size. These big ships travel around the world or they may specialize in places such as Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Alaska or even Australia.

Smaller Cruise Ships – These vessels usually carry around 500 guests and are focused on providing a more personal atmosphere. Since they have a smaller size, they are able to get much closer to the ports of call than the larger ships and they visit Latin America, Alaska, Egypt, Fiji, the Baltic, Iceland, New Zealand and more.

River Boats – For those who would like to take a look and the waterways of Europe and learn about its history, these cruises offer a great look into the heart of European history. They serve as a hotel that will take guests from one famous spot to another, covering rivers like the Danube, Seine or the Rhine to get a glimpse of Europe’s more intimate waterways.

Sailing Boats – These are a different type of experience that harkens back to the past with sailing voyages and very personalized service. They will offer voyages down Egypt’s charmed Nile or perhaps through the islands of Greece. Getting up close and personal with the destination is easy when one cruises this way.

Paddle Steamers – These boats offer something truly unique in a river cruise, using a steam engine to traverse rivers such as the Murray River in Australia or the Mississippi River which is a famed part of the history of the United States. This is a vintage travel experience with plenty of amenities, often featuring the type of casino gaming that made these boats hot destinations centuries ago.

Themed Cruises – One thing to keep in mind is that in today’s cruise industry there are plenty of different themed cruises out there. Whether one wants a singles cruise to mix and mingle or perhaps a family cruise where the kids will have a blast, there are plenty of options. Seniors can have their own social group to mix with and alternative life styles of all types now have specialty cruises catering to their interests. Of course, the couples oriented romantic escapes are also popular.

Cruise Facilities

In the cruise industry there are many different types of facilities that are on board the ships from various lines around the world. These are also sometimes referred to as amenities by some and are what attract most tourists to this type of travel. While these will vary from line to line and from ship to ship, there are different features that tourists can look for which may be able to give them an experience closest to what they dream of. By understanding their options, it will be much easier to locate the specific cruise that will meet their desires. This listing covers the most common facilities aboard today’s cruise ships.

Casinos – These generally offer the standard games of chance and wagering, but they are, of course, only open to adults. While family voyages often happen aboard a boat with a casino, there are options for those who prefer to avoid such activities just as there are casino themed cruises that cater to avid gamblers. Games offered include blackjack, roulette, craps, video poker and slot machines. This is where guests can come for a night of fun if the weather is less than ideal.

Spas – Even during a holiday escape, guests will want to be as relaxed as possible so almost all cruise lines now offer spas with massage experts, beauty treatments, steam baths and a range of other ways to relax right on board. Some spas also take a health and fitness angle, offering natural products and treatments to ease stress and create a more fun time aboard the ship. Family cruises will often offer teen specific spas that offer ways for teens to relax after having participated in the sports facilities on board.

Fitness Centers – This is where the on-board work out equipment is usually housed and most ships have a full gym that they offer for both their guests and their crew, which needs to stay in great shape in order to keep the ship in top performing mode. Here one can find all of the standard exercise equipment ranging from weight sets and machines, treadmills, stationary bikes and more.

Shops – Cruise lines today often have what could be seen as a full mall on board. There are boutiques and shops which offer all sorts of products from handcrafted goods to the consumer products that one would find back on land. Many times there are specific themed shops, as well, which offer gifts that one might wish to take back as souvenirs of the voyage.

Library – No cruise ship would be complete without a full library since reading at sea is a favorite past time for many, especially those who love to lounge in the sun with a good novel in hand. Most ships have a huge selection of books which tourists are allowed to check out at their leisure, catering mainly to entertainment reading. However, reference books are generally provided, as well.

Theater – This is where guests can take in performances and live entertainment that are often part of Las Vegas style shows. There are plays and musicals performed in the theater and these days a full Broadway production can generally be expected. Often, these theaters are 2 or more stories in size and capable of seating over a thousand people.

Cinema – Just as one might expect on land, cruise ship guests love to take in a movie and not always in their rooms. This is where the guests can gather to catch the latest films and share some popcorn. Normally, current films are offered that would be showing on land.

Swimming Pools – These are main stays for cruise ships and normally there are more than one aboard any given ship. Hot tubs are another type of pool that are offered and some ships even offer salt water pools.

Sports Facilities – Almost all modern ships have sports facilities ranging from basketball courts to miniature golf ranges to rock climbing walls. This is where guests can take in some vigorous exercise. Some cruise lines also offer ice skating links, inline skating and even hockey matches for those who wish to participate. 

Restaurants and Buffets – These are the places guests will dine and the majority of vessels sailing today offer their own mixture of restaurants in different styles such as ethnic cuisine, themed restaurants and family style buffets.

Just for Kids – Since cruises can often be a great family escape, the majority of today’s lines will have plenty for kids to do on a family cruise. This ranges from play areas with supervision by a trained staff to water parks and other amusements. Teens are catered to, as well, so that they aren’t forced in with young children who might not be in their social interaction range. One thing about cruises is for sure, they will always cater to the kids so that parents can go off and enjoy some alone time together.