The Cruise Industry’s Newest Additions

The cruise holiday industry has evolved and developed over the years and now it seems that every year there is a new ship offering the most dazzling array of activities and entertainment on board. There have certainly been plenty of mind-boggling innovations, from the design of the ships to the exceptional options for fun. You can enjoy these features on both luxury or cheap cruises, because at the end of the day, when you’re travelling at sea everyone needs to have a lot to keep themselves busy. And certainly, with all the new features and constant improvements, boredom is nigh on impossible.

Ships:
Royal Caribbean has recently brought out its new ship, the Allure of the Seas, the twin sister ship of the Oasis of the Seas. This is the world’s biggest cruise ship, which has the capability to transport as many as 6,000 passengers on a single journey. As well as its vast size, the ship’s innovative new additions include 2-story loft cabins, a zip-line and an aqua theatre (a pool by day, and an incredible water-themed show by night). Prior to the launch of the Allure, the largest cruise liner was the Freedom of the Seas, and this ship features a jungle-themed solarium for adults with panoramic sea views. Celebrity Cruises’ ship Celebrity Eclipse (part of the new Solstice class which will also see the ship Celebrity Silhouette out later this year) also offers innovative on board concepts, such as a real grass lawn where passengers who miss dry land can enjoy picnics and croquet.

Food And Drink:
If you’re keen on good food and wine, then you can also find a range of things on board to keep you happy, and all included in the price of the cruise packages. Every ship has a selection of cuisines and restaurants, but there are constantly new and innovative gourmet experiences being offered on newer ships. Two of Celebrity Cruises’ soon-to-be-launched ships Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection will be part of the new Solstice Class which feature a Lawn Club Grill. Here passengers can cook their own choice of meats, and make their own pizzas. Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas has its own wine bar where guests can enjoy wine and cheese tastings. And the just-finished brand new ship Marina, from Oceania Cruises, has its own culinary arts centre with 22 cooking stations and cooking workshops in association with Bon Appetit magazine.

Activities:
Every modern cruise ship will now offer all kinds of exciting and adventurous activities, from the easygoing to the truly challenging, depending what you’re into. You can find such features as indoor climbing walls, miniature golf, ten pin bowling and basketball courts to name but a few. Marine innovation has seen the introduction of self-levelling pool tables for playing billiards at sea, while surfing simulators, and wave pools feature regularly alongside the usual swimming pools. Those looking to take it easy can enjoy spa treatments and saunas and passengers can now also expect to find cinemas, retail shopping areas, and nightclubs on almost every ship. Some even have their very own roller coasters! Forget shuffleboard - there is more to do on board than you can imagine.