Standard Features of Cruise Ships

Have you ever taken a cruise? If not, you’re likely embarking on this vacation out of curiosity or because you’ve heard how great a cruise trip can be. Nevertheless, if you have never taken a cruise before, keep the following in mind as you plan for a trip.

Design

Rather than simply being ocean liners, cruise ships are often described as “floating hotels.” Essentially, the backbone of a cruise experience is much like staying in a hotel. Staterooms, cabins, or living quarters come in various sizes and configurations, with more expensive options offering a view of the ocean or even a balcony. Typically, these rooms fit two people.

Added to the experience are the staff and crew on the vessel. On certain luxury cruise ships, in fact, the passenger to staff ratio is two to one.

Dining

Whether you realize it or not, dining is a dividing factor for many travelers, often determining the cruise package, liner, or company selected. For years, cruise ship dining was fixed: breakfast and lunch in the day, with at least one offering a buffet option, and two times for dinner, with travelers assigned to one or the other.

These days, likely as a result of the growing activity options on board a ship and at port, travelers often seek out versatility with their schedules. More and more companies offer freestyle dining or open seating, providing travelers with meal and seating choices. Added to this are 24-hour restaurants, bars, and nightclubs on board the ship and cuisine exploration opportunities in each port.

Packages

A stateroom and unlimited dining, as well as access to pools, the gym, and onboard entertainment, are included in most cruise ship packages. However, options are changing, and any novice traveler has more than one choice these days. All-inclusive packages cover expenses associated with a cruise, excluding activities and purchases in port. Aside from the basic amenities, these packages cover complimentary drinks, tours associated with the cruise, and hotel and airfare expenses. All-inclusive packages are typically options for luxury cruise ships.

On the other hand, as a result of more freestyle cruising, a la carte packages are another option. While the ticket includes all of the basics, drinks and restaurant meals, touring, certain activities on board and in port, photos, internet use, and casinos all have fees.

Shows and Entertainment

On a general level, packages for cruise ships cover the entertainment – usually a show or movie – as well as other activities and relaxation options. Typically, regardless of whether the ticket price covers it or a fee is charged, a ship is equipped with a casino, spa, fitness facility or gym, shopping options, a theater, a cinema, library, pools, lounges, and one or more nightclubs. Certain companies, in recent years, have expanded these choices, adding water park amusements, nightclubs for multiple age groups, enrichment activities, and rock climbing walls.