Recently, we spoke with Cruise Lines International Association’s President and CEO, Terry Dale about the cruising scene in 2009. He said: “In all my experience, there is no other industry or destination that’s as versatile and that adapts as quickly as the cruise industry.”
And it’s true – where can you find a rock-climbing wall, wave-surfing pool, casino, spa, and multiple restaurants in one place? So tripatlas.com/new has put together a number of the coolest cruise ship features to date.
Cool cruise ship features not-to-miss
Planetarium. On Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, experience its Illuminations show that will take you on a virtual ride into outer space in the ship’s full-scale planetarium seating 500 people.
Generation YSPA. For teens only, the Generation YSPA is found on some Royal Caribbean ships and offers spa treatments like massages, fitness classes, facials, scrubs, tanning application, manicures/pedicures, and hair treatments, for guests 13 to 17 years old.
On-board adventures are to be had on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas ships, like the H20 Zone Aqua Park that features water slides and the FlowRider surf simulator. Don’t forget its popular rock climbing wall, not to mention zip-lining activities. Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Lines also offers a rock climbing wall and bowling alleys.
Movies under the stars. The first “Movie Under the Stars” feature took place on Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess where they show a movie on a giant LED screen outdoors under the stars on the pool deck. This has become so popular that all new Princess Cruises’ ships are adopting the idea as well as other cruise lines.
Adults-only sanctuaries. For those looking to get away from the crowded pools and screaming children, many cruise ships are now offering adults-only areas where things are quiet, service is fantastic, and chairs area plush, not plastic.
Themed cruises for every hobby. Singles cruises, poker cruises, Elvis cruises, John Mayer cruises, scrapbooking cruises, yoga cruises, New Kids on the Block – and even Twilight cruises – there’s a cruise for nearly every hobby in the world.
Real trees & grass. At first, it may seem silly that grass is really a “cool” cruise feature – but Celebrity Solstice’s lawn is a refreshing sight when you’re cruising; as is Royal Caribbean’s live trees & plants.
Outdoor spas. Many spas on cruise ships are now a main draw and offer both indoor and outdoor options for treatments and relaxation pools or sundecks.
Want to book a cruise? Check out the tripatlas.com/new Trip Builder where you can request a quote from local travel agents who are ready to offer you custom prices on your trip.