The best onboard cruise features
The concept of loading commercial passenger ships with features and amenities isn’t a new one. We only need to look at the many onscreen portrayals of the ill-fated Titanic’s story to see that things such as luxury and attention to detail were important even back in the earliest days of the 20th Century. But never has there been so much choice of onboard activities for the cruise passenger, with onboard pursuits going well beyond the traditional. That includes many opportunities for retail therapy, so be sure to take a travel money card.
Launched in 2010, the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth is the latest addition to the fleet of the legendary Cunard line. Maintaining the classic exterior of black hull, white decks and red funnel, as well as an interior that is strong on art deco, the mammoth ship nonetheless provides passengers with a very 21st Century experience.
Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Spa is the perfect place to detoxify and recharge the batteries. The sauna and beauty salon may not have looked out of place on the great ocean liners of old, but the somewhat newer practices of yoga and pilates may have raised some eyebrows back in the day.
That said, there are some charmingly old school activities to take part in on the Games Deck – what could be more relaxing than a game of croquet or bowls in the sea air? As for that retail therapy meanwhile, the ship’s Royal Arcade is inspired by the Burlington Arcade in London and features brands such as Harris Tweed and Fortnum and Mason.
If laid back spa treatments and gentle croquet are not what you want for your adrenaline fix, then an interesting range of features can be found on many of Royal Caribbean’s vessels. Adventure of the Seas, for example, has a rock climbing wall and a running track. There is a basketball court and you can get your skates on – either ice skates or inline skates! “Adventure’s” sister ship Explorer of the Seas, which will sail from the UK this year, even has an onboard FlowRider surf simulator – letting you catch a wave slap bang in the middle of the ocean.
The aforementioned ships and many of their counterparts of course have fantastic evening entertainment options too. With nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, top class restaurants, swanky bars and casinos it would certainly be advisable to check your currency banking is in order before stepping aboard.
*Cruise ship photo from shutterstock
*This is a collaborative Post
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