| Since its inception, the cruise industry has experienced rapid and dynamic change. Cruise lines compete with each other to build ships that are Bigger, Faster and more packed with Amenities. Consequently, a ship built in 2000 might seem small and almost quaint compared to one built in 2010. No matter what the size and particular amenities, however, all Cruise Ships follow certain Basic Guidelines that Passengers have come to expect. |
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| When boarding any modern cruise ship, you will cross the gangway into some sort of open atrium. During the cruise, this area serves as a central gathering spot for passengers and often features a bar, piano or other performance space for Live Music, Elevators and Sweeping Spiral Staircases. Services--such as the Purser’s Desk, Shore Excursion Sign-Ups, Photo Gallery and Gift Shops--are usually located on this deck. The atrium deck also serves as a division on many ships. Lower decks generally house the main dining rooms, the lower level entrance to the main show lounge, the medical office and numerous passenger cabins. On the upper decks, you will find the Casino, Nightclubs, Bars, Kids’ Clubs, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Alternative Restaurants, Buffets and more Expensive Cabins. Crew Quarters, Dining Rooms and Entertainment areas are housed below the lowest passenger deck, sometimes below the waterline. |
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| Cruise Staff and Crew |
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The passenger to staff ratio on mass market cruises averages around 3 to 1. The ship’s officers include the Captain and a highly trained team of Engineers and Nautical Experts. The Maintenance and Hospitality team keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly.
This group includes Electricians, Painters and other Repair Experts, as well as Bartenders, Waiters, Cabin Stewards, General Housekeeping Staff, Retail Sales Staff and Computer Specialists. The Cruise Director designs the weekly activity schedule and serves as the “face” of the cruise line, while the social host or hostess ensures that everyone is having a good time. |
| Those who run games and activities on board or care for children in the kids’ clubs are known as cruise staff. The entertainment team includes both onstage performers and backstage tech crew. |
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| Cabins |
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Cruise ship cabins are divided by category, which may vary slightly between ships. Inside Cabins are generally the smallest; they're so named because they are located in the ship’s interior, away from the exterior walls. Outside Cabins provide a window, which may range from a small porthole to a nearly full wall of glass.
Balcony and Veranda Cabins offer living Space both indoors and out. Suites range in size from one room to Elaborate Villas with Multiple Bedrooms. |
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| Activities |
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Modern Cruise Ships pack the schedule to overflowing with Deck Games, Tours and other Activities. Depending on the Cruise Director, you may find Karaoke Contests, High Tea Service, Midnight Buffets, Trivia Games, Foreign Language Classes, Bingo Games, Art Auctions, Ship Tours and dozens of other activities.
Look for your ship’s daily newsletter in your cabin each evening after dinner, which details the available options for the next day. |
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| Dining |
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Traditionally, cruise ships offer a Main Dining Room and a Buffet alternative. You are assigned to a specific table and dining time in the main restaurant and you're generally seated with others. Increasingly, cruise ships are providing additional alternatives. Some permit “anytime dining,” in which you can arrive at the restaurant during dinner service hours and be seated at the next available table. Some offer alternative gourmet restaurants for a small per person fee. Some ships even turn the buffet into a casual table-service eatery at night. We can provide you detailed information on alternative dining options based on the Cruise Liner you chose. |
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| Cruises We Promote |
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