A revolution is underway on the high seas as modern cruise liners take to the oceans with never before seen features and attractions.
Cruise operators are spending tens of billions to deliver a cutting edge cruise experience with everything from open air parks to private luxury spa retreats.
Cruising specialist Discount Cruises has compiled a top 10 list of the latest and greatest innovations at sea.
Size
The largest cruise ships ever constructed are now on active routes throughout the world including Royal Caribbean International’s world record holder, Allure of the Seas, a 1,187ft behemoth capable of carrying more than 6,000 passengers.
Other mammoth liners in operation include Cunard’s 1,132ft Queen Mary II and Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) 1,081ft Norwegian Epic.
Next Gen Cinemas
With Hollywood’s latest blockbusters now being presented in 3D, cruise ship operators including Royal Caribbean have revamped onboard cinemas to deliver a seamless 3D experience.
Costa Cruises have gone one step further installing a 4D cinema onboard the Costa Deliziosa. This astounding attraction offers eye popping visuals and live special effects including vibrating seats, water sprays and air blasts.
Bars and Nightclubs
Passengers aboard the Queen Mary II can sit back with a fine Cuban cigar and glass of cognac at Churchill’s cigar lounge.
Guests can slip into a faux fur coat at the frozen fantasyland of the Svedka Ice Bar on the Norwegian Epic. Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, Svedka is one of only 14 ice bars in the world and the only true ice bar at sea.
The revolutionary design of the Aquavit Terrace at the bow of Viking River Cruises Viking Freya offers amazing viewing over the water and a picturesque location for dining and relaxation at any time of the day.
Michelin tarred chefs
Triple Michelin star winner Marco Pierre White has opened signature restaurants onboard P&O’s Ventura, Oceana and Aurora liners.
Double Michelin star winner Arnaud Lallement joined with Disney Cruises to deliver Remy, a premier restaurant onboard the Disney Dream.
Menus onboard all Seabourn liners are prepared under the watchful eye of American Michelin star winner Charlie Palmer.
Themes
Whatever your interests, there is a cruise bound to satisfy. Technology buffs can hop aboard Celebrity Cruises’ MacMania Cruise and discover the secrets behind Apple’s most innovative devices.
Parents can treat children to a Nickelodeon All Access Cruise with NCL for a week of fun with their favourite cartoon characters.
Keen dancers can take an up tempo voyage with MSC Cruises Dancing Under the Stars series. Onboard lessons include Samba, Merengue, Lambada and many more.
Next Gen Recreation Facilities
Royal Caribbean passengers can show off their surfing skills at the Flowrider, a purpose built, man-made wave on its Oasis and Freedom class vessels.
Hitting golf balls into the sea is no longer allowed but passengers travelling with Princess Cruises can tee up at St Andrews or Pinehurst with high tech, computerised golf simulators.
Solo Rooms
If you’re going it alone, a number of cruise lines have options to keep costs down and still enjoy the biggest and best ships in the world.
Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O and Holland America all have cabins dedicated to solo cruisers with no extra supplements and Silversea Cruises offer special fare deals for solo travellers.
Spa Facilites
Passengers on Seabourn’s Odyssey can book spa villas by the half day for extensive, revitalising treatments.
Renowned spa operator Canyon Ranch offers specialised facilities onboard Oceania and Regent Seven Seas liners.
Onboard Shows
Licensed works of Andrew Lloyd Webber and critically acclaimed productions of Hairspray and Chicago have featured on P&O and Royal Caribbean liners.
Celebrity Cruises passengers can watch living art take shape at a fascinating Hot Glass Show created in association with New York’s Corning Museum of Glass.
Fitness Facilities
Some of the most sophisticated gyms in the world are now located onboard cruise liners. Passengers can access the latest in equipment as well as aerobics classes, yoga and pilates.
The fully equipped gym onboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Conquest incorporates floor to ceiling windows facing the sea to create an atmosphere designed to take the guest’s mind off the exertion of working out.
For more information contact Discount Cruises on 0860 600 787 or visit www.discountcruises.co.za for the latest cruise news and products.