Days Spent at Sea Can be the Best Part of an Ocean Cruise
Despite the popularity of ocean cruises, some people are still reluctant to take a chance on one. They think visiting exotic, colorful ports-of-call sounds great. What better way to spend a vacation than seeing places you’ve always dreamed of going to? But it’s the thought of the days at sea that leave them cold. They think they’ll feel trapped or bored with little to do and no fun to be had for miles around.
But today’s ships that take passengers on an ocean cruise are chock full of amenities and attractions for sailors of all ages. These ships are enormous, and even with perhaps 4,000 other passengers on board, it’s still possible to find plenty to do without waiting in line. It’s even possible to find a quiet, cozy corner to read that paperback you’ve wanted to get to for months.
Of course, with all the onboard activities offered during an ocean cruise, you may have little time for reading. If you feel like getting active, consider climbing a Rockwall or taking part in a basketball tournament; take a yoga class at the gym, or run on a treadmill that treats you to panoramic views of the sparkling sea.
Feeling the need for a little mental stimulation during your vacation? Plenty of cruise lines offer classes at sea. In the middle of the ocean, you can learn to line dance or make a ceramic plate, attend a lecture about handwriting analysis, or watch a cooking demonstration by a world-class chef. There are even bingo tournaments and passenger talent shows. The best way to enjoy a day at sea is to get active, and get involved!
As day winds down to evening, thoughts turn to dinner, shows, gambling, and dancing. After a memorable meal, take in a musical production or laugh along with a comedian. Try your luck at the gaming tables or slots and boogie the night away at the club. On an ocean cruise, the possibilities for fun and entertainment are as endless and varied as your imagination. Give it a try, and you might discover that a day at sea is your favorite part of the cruise!
Filed in: Fun on board
Different Types of Ships for Ocean Cruises
The purpose of a cruise ship is to focus completely on holidays on the water and provide recreation, food, and opportunities for relaxation. The cruise industry is expanding all the time with more and more people are taking advantage of good deals on ocean cruises all around the world. Cruise ships are becoming more specialized and this has a big influence on the design, including size, functionality, aesthetics, and even the material from which some areas of the ship is made.
There are four general types of ships that cruise companies employ for different styles of ocean cruises.
Contemporary Ships
Cruise ships that fall under this type usually run cruises that are low to medium in price. These ships are large, often referred to as “mega-ships”, with the capacity to accommodate upwards of 3,000 passengers. These ships are gaudy but modern and brimming with amenities like many different bars and restaurants, spas and gyms, and enormous facilities for children. They may have different types of entertainment for a variety of age groups.
Premium Ships
Premium ships can be medium to large and even include the mega-ship category. But they generally take a smaller number of passengers so the cruises are less crowded. Quality of food tends to be better and they can often provide a wider choice of destination.
Budget Ships
These tend to be the older, smaller ships and some people refer to cruises on these ships as “cheerful and cheap”. Both entertainment and food are more old fashioned than on the Premium or Contemporary ships and the other amenities like gyms, spas, and children’s areas are much more basic. The usual destinations for the budget ships are the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Luxury Ships
These ships provide a much more lavish cruise experience. They serve gourmet-quality food in elegant restaurants with great service everywhere on the ship. Tips for staff, alcoholic beverages, and shore excursions are often included in the price of the cruise. The ship itself, including the cabins, are much more elegant. Most cabins are suites and are usually “outside” cabins, often with a private balcony. The ships are smaller and can access smaller, more unusual ports than the big mega-ships, making destinations options broader.
Filed in: Ships