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.