If you’re a frequent cruiser, you may have noticed that some cruise ship traditions are making way for more modern versions of themselves. If you haven’t cruised for a few years, or you’re planning your first cruise, here are some cruise ship features that are entering a new era:
Formal nights are fading.
Just as dress codes in schools and workplaces have become more relaxed, some cruise
lines are relaxing or completely doing away with “formal night” dress codes. Still,
if you love dressing up for dinner, you certainly can!
Paper newsletters are
going digital. Lots of passengers look forward to receiving their daily onboard
newsletter and schedule of events, but it’s now more likely to appear on your
mobile device than under your cabin door. Cruise lines are also using their apps
to provide personalized recommendations for onboard and onshore activities, reminders
of upcoming spa appointments or specialty restaurant reservations, and more.
Buffets are going
full-service. For a time, It seemed that the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to
the complete disappearance of the cruise ship buffet. But, the tradition
continues – with some changes. Many buffets now have the staff plate the items you
select, and even deliver your plate to your table.
Art isn’t just in
onboard galleries anymore. Some cruise lines are highlighting art all around
their ships, rather than enclosing it in galleries.
Single-use plastics
are giving way to alternatives. This often begins with straws and bottles of
water; cruise lines are replacing the plastic versions of these high-use items with
alternatives made of reusable or biodegradable materials.
Cabin light switches
are being replaced by keycard ports. To ensure that cabin lights turn on only
when passengers are in their cabins, some ships are installing keycard ports
where light switches used to be. Instead of flicking the lights on (and
possibly forgetting to flick them off when you leave), you simply put your keycard
into the port.
New fuels are
gaining ground. Traditionally, cruise ship engines burned heavy fuel oil; now, some
ships have switched to engines that use liquid natural gas, which reduces greenhouse
gas emissions, particulate matter, odors, and engine noise. Research into new
alternative fuels for cruise ships continues, too.
To learn more
about new and improved practices in the cruise industry – and to select a
cruise line and ship with the updated features you want – talk with Anita, your
professional travel advisor.
Find us
on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
