A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship’s amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way. Transportation is not the prime purpose, as cruise ships operate mostly on routes that return passengers to their originating port, so the ports of call are usually in a specified region of a continent.
In contrast, dedicated transport oriented ocean liners do “line voyages” and typically transport passengers from one point to another, rather than on round trips. Traditionally, an ocean liner for the transoceanic trade will be built to a higher standard than a typical cruise ship, including high freeboard and stronger plating to withstand rough seas and adverse conditions encountered in the open ocean, such as the North Atlantic. Ocean liners also usually have larger capacities for fuel, victuals, and other stores for consumption on long voyages, compared to dedicated cruise ships.
Although often luxurious, ocean liners had characteristics that made them unsuitable for cruising, such as high fuel consumption, deep draught that prevented them from entering shallow ports, enclosed weatherproof decks that were not appropriate for tropical weather, and cabins designed to maximize passenger numbers rather than comfort (few if any private verandas, a high proportion of windowless suites). The modern cruise ships, while sacrificing qualities of seaworthiness, have added amenities to cater to tourists, and recent vessels have been described as “balcony-laden floating condominiums”.
The lines between ocean liners and cruise ships have blurred, particularly with respect to deployment, although the differences in construction remain. Larger cruise ships have also engaged in longer trips such as transocean voyages which may not lead back to the same port for months (longer round trips).[1] Some former ocean liners operate as cruise ships, such as MS Marco Polo and MS Mona Lisa, however this number is ever decreasing. The only dedicated transatlantic ocean liner in operation as a liner, as of February 2010, is the Queen Mary 2 of the Cunard fleet, however she also has the amenities of contemporary cruise ships and sees significant service on cruises.[2]
Cruising has become a major part of the tourism industry, accounting for U.S.$29.4 billion with over 19 million passengers carried worldwide[3] in 2011. The world’s largest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean International‘s MS Allure of the Seas. The industry’s rapid growth has seen nine or more newly built ships catering to a North American clientele added every year since 2001, as well as others servicing European clientele. Smaller markets, such as the Asia-Pacific region, are generally serviced by older ships. These are displaced by new ships in the high growth areas.
Friday, February 11, 2011
About Cruise Travels
Although 12 million people will cruise this year, many other travelers avoid cruises because of one of the 10 myths listed below. Cruising is a wonderful vacation option. Don’t let these myths keep you from planning a cruise!
1. I will get seasick.
Many people fear seasickness; however, today’s cruise ships are very stable and seasickness is a rarity. For those prone to seasickness, there are many remedies available to travelers to alleviate the symptoms.
2. I will get a stomach virus like Norwalk virus.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Getting a flu shot will not prevent contracting a norovirus. Noroviruses can be found almost anyplace with lots of people in close proximity, not just cruise ships. Schools and businesses are also norovirus hotbeds. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with the Norwalk Virus or norovirus on a cruise ship by washing your hands frequently.
3. Cruises are all-inclusive.
Most cruises are not all-inclusive. In an effort to keep the basic price low, most mainstream cruise lines charge for everything that could be considered “extra”, from wine to bottled water. As ships become more creative in their onboard activities, more things come at a price. However, the basic cruise fare still includes room, board, and the traditional cruise ship amenities such as a swimming pool and entertainment, so you can cruise and only have to pay for tips and drinks if your choose.
4. I have to dine at assigned times and with people I might not like.
Many cruise ships still feature traditional seating for dinner, with assigned times and tables. However, more and more cruise lines have open seating for dinner, which means you can dine when you like and at different tables. Since today’s cruise ships also include alternative dining venues, you can vary your restaurant choices along with your table mates.
5. Cruise ships are crowded.
I have never been on a cruise ship where I could not find a quiet corner to read a book or be alone with my spouse. Although a cruise ship with over 3000 passengers can seem crowded at times, it is no more so than most hotels, restaurants, or resorts. Cruise ship managers understand crowd control much like they do at Disney World. Luxury cruise ships usually have plenty of space per passenger and many spacious common areas.
6. I don’t like beaches, so I won’t like cruising.
Since most cruises go to the Caribbean, many people associate cruising with this beautiful part of the world. However, a cruise is more than sitting in the sun by the pool, sandy beaches, or sparkling blue waters. Cruise ships visit every continent, and anyone who loves to travel should be able to find a cruise destination that appeals to them. And, you only have to unpack once!
7. Cruise ships are packed with old people.
Many cruisers are senior citizens, but most of these seniors are active, and all of them have amazing stories to tell about their life experiences. I’ve met some amazing seniors on cruise ships, and now I am one myself! A good general rule is the longer and more expensive the cruise, the older the passenger. Sailing ships and those with water sports also seem to appeal more to a younger crowd.
8. Cruise ships are packed with party people.
Most mainstream cruises are marketed to multi-generational families. Although you will find partiers on a cruise ship, you will also find teetotalers, passengers of all cultures, races, and ages. The one thing all cruisers have in common is a love of travel and having fun, which doesn’t necessarily equal wild partying.
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9. Cruise ships are dangerous.
Like flying, cruise ships seem to have gotten a bad rap about danger. They are actually very safe, and with over 11 million people cruising each year, the crime rate is very low. There are steps you can take to help ensure a safe cruise vacation.
10. Cruise ships are boring.
Although this is a common fear of non-cruisers, no one should be bored with cruising. You can be as active (or inactive) as you like. Cruise ship activities range from working out in a high-tech gym to sitting on the deck and reading a book. You can learn computer skills, a foreign language, how to play bridge, or how to dance. You can enjoy Las Vegas-style entertainment or a classical pianist. Many cruise ships spend all day in port, so you can explore all the fascinating parts of the world.
1. I will get seasick.
Many people fear seasickness; however, today’s cruise ships are very stable and seasickness is a rarity. For those prone to seasickness, there are many remedies available to travelers to alleviate the symptoms.
2. I will get a stomach virus like Norwalk virus.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Getting a flu shot will not prevent contracting a norovirus. Noroviruses can be found almost anyplace with lots of people in close proximity, not just cruise ships. Schools and businesses are also norovirus hotbeds. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with the Norwalk Virus or norovirus on a cruise ship by washing your hands frequently.
3. Cruises are all-inclusive.
Most cruises are not all-inclusive. In an effort to keep the basic price low, most mainstream cruise lines charge for everything that could be considered “extra”, from wine to bottled water. As ships become more creative in their onboard activities, more things come at a price. However, the basic cruise fare still includes room, board, and the traditional cruise ship amenities such as a swimming pool and entertainment, so you can cruise and only have to pay for tips and drinks if your choose.
4. I have to dine at assigned times and with people I might not like.
Many cruise ships still feature traditional seating for dinner, with assigned times and tables. However, more and more cruise lines have open seating for dinner, which means you can dine when you like and at different tables. Since today’s cruise ships also include alternative dining venues, you can vary your restaurant choices along with your table mates.
5. Cruise ships are crowded.
I have never been on a cruise ship where I could not find a quiet corner to read a book or be alone with my spouse. Although a cruise ship with over 3000 passengers can seem crowded at times, it is no more so than most hotels, restaurants, or resorts. Cruise ship managers understand crowd control much like they do at Disney World. Luxury cruise ships usually have plenty of space per passenger and many spacious common areas.
6. I don’t like beaches, so I won’t like cruising.
Since most cruises go to the Caribbean, many people associate cruising with this beautiful part of the world. However, a cruise is more than sitting in the sun by the pool, sandy beaches, or sparkling blue waters. Cruise ships visit every continent, and anyone who loves to travel should be able to find a cruise destination that appeals to them. And, you only have to unpack once!
7. Cruise ships are packed with old people.
Many cruisers are senior citizens, but most of these seniors are active, and all of them have amazing stories to tell about their life experiences. I’ve met some amazing seniors on cruise ships, and now I am one myself! A good general rule is the longer and more expensive the cruise, the older the passenger. Sailing ships and those with water sports also seem to appeal more to a younger crowd.
8. Cruise ships are packed with party people.
Most mainstream cruises are marketed to multi-generational families. Although you will find partiers on a cruise ship, you will also find teetotalers, passengers of all cultures, races, and ages. The one thing all cruisers have in common is a love of travel and having fun, which doesn’t necessarily equal wild partying.
Sponsored Links
Civitavecchia TransferTransfer Rome – Civitavecchia Port Cruise Shuttle & Limousine Service www.italyairportlimousine.com
Men Elevator Shoes & LiftMake you 5 inches Taller Invisibly 200+ Styles Selection, From $29.99 www.TallMenShoes.com
9. Cruise ships are dangerous.
Like flying, cruise ships seem to have gotten a bad rap about danger. They are actually very safe, and with over 11 million people cruising each year, the crime rate is very low. There are steps you can take to help ensure a safe cruise vacation.
10. Cruise ships are boring.
Although this is a common fear of non-cruisers, no one should be bored with cruising. You can be as active (or inactive) as you like. Cruise ship activities range from working out in a high-tech gym to sitting on the deck and reading a book. You can learn computer skills, a foreign language, how to play bridge, or how to dance. You can enjoy Las Vegas-style entertainment or a classical pianist. Many cruise ships spend all day in port, so you can explore all the fascinating parts of the world.
Cruise Tours
European cruise tours combine a Northern Europe or Mediterranean cruise with sightseeing on land, offering a more in-depth look at some of the world’s most famous cities. Your Europe cruise tour will take you to the sparkling Mediterranean or enchanting Scandinavia with a land tour by train and motor coach, including stays in hotels convenient to top sights and attractions. London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Venice and Stockholm are just a few of the options for overnight stays on a Europe cruise tour.
* European cruise tours in the Mediterranean are available from May through October. Northern Europe cruise tours are available from May through August.
* A European cruise tour can last from 10 to 18 nights.
* If you need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your European cruise tour. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship or beginning the tour.
For a list of ports in Northern Europe, click here. For a list of ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, click here. For a list of ports in the Western Mediterranean, click here.
Cruise, Cruise Tours, Cruise Travels, Cruise lines, cruise review, family cruise, single cruise, cruise deals, cruise vacations, cruise travel guide, cheap cruise, discount cruises, cruise travel agents, cruise travel tips, cruise information, cruise travel magazine
* European cruise tours in the Mediterranean are available from May through October. Northern Europe cruise tours are available from May through August.
* A European cruise tour can last from 10 to 18 nights.
* If you need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your European cruise tour. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship or beginning the tour.
For a list of ports in Northern Europe, click here. For a list of ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, click here. For a list of ports in the Western Mediterranean, click here.
Cruise, Cruise Tours, Cruise Travels, Cruise lines, cruise review, family cruise, single cruise, cruise deals, cruise vacations, cruise travel guide, cheap cruise, discount cruises, cruise travel agents, cruise travel tips, cruise information, cruise travel magazine
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