The popularity of cruising probably owes something to “The Love Boat,” the
much-watched Saturday-night TV series that debuted in 1977 and ran for nearly
10 years. Each week, Hollywood stars would board a cruise ship for comedic and
romantic adventures. Some scenes were filmed on real cruises along the Mexican
Riviera. The actors (and the real passengers) dined in the main dining room,
played shuffleboard on deck, danced in the onboard disco and indulged at the
midnight buffet.
A
lot has changed since then, from how cruise ships are designed to how they
entertain guests. For example, the Love Boat was set on the S.S. Pacific
Princess, which carried 750 passengers at most. Today, some ships can sail
with 6,000 passengers; a ship that carries less than 1,000 is most often a
luxury or specialty ship. Ships now have better stabilizers, which help
minimize seasickness, as well as modern safety systems and eco-friendly
features.
Dressing
up for dinner was a daily event on the Love Boat, but today’s passengers favor
more casual, “dine when and where you like” programs. They often bypass the
main dining room in favor of onboard specialty restaurants, casual cafés, and
high-end quick-serve options. The midnight buffet has departed, but if the
midnight hour finds you hungry, many ships have 24-hour room service.
Dance
lessons, sunbathing and theme parties are time-honored cruise activities, but
today’s ships offer so much more to do. Onboard spas offer the newest
treatments (think Thai poultice massage and ginger-lime scrubs), and fitness
centers have equipment and classes you may not have encountered on land yet.
Depending on your ship, you might be entertained by water parks, light shows,
diving demonstrations, or Broadway-style musicals in high-caliber theaters.
Staterooms
have evolved, too, with more amenities in even the most economical cabins.
Flat-screen TVs, minifridges, safes, hairdryers, high-end toiletries and
clever spaces for storage are common. Suites come with even more, such as
bathrooms with actual bathtubs, fresh flowers, and plush robes and slippers.
Newer ships are designed so as many staterooms as possible have private
balconies; on some ships, interior cabins have a virtual window with an
ever-changing image of what’s outside the ship.
To
appreciate all that’s new about cruising and all that hasn’t changed (such as
the fun and romantic ambiance), talk with Anita, your professional travel
advisor about the many cruise line and itinerary options available to you.
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