Cruises have come a long way since their inception. Taking a cruise used to be more about getting to a destination than about enjoying the journey. Cruises, on the other hand, have evolved into floating resorts, synonymous with luxury and extravagance in the last 20 years.
A typical modern cruise offers a wide range of entertainment options. There is something for everyone, from nightclubs to people-watching. Various types of entertainment are usually scheduled throughout the day on a cruise. A reggae or salsa band may perform poolside on a Caribbean cruise, while a winter cruise may offer indoor wine tasting, lectures, or workshops.
Most cruises have a variety of musical entertainment available at night. Aside from the dining room’s background music, a cruise usually has several bars and restaurants where passengers can sing along to karaoke, enjoy disco dancing, or line dance. On cruises, ballroom dancing is a popular activity, and many ships provide lessons before the dance floor opens. Deck parties are common on warm-weather cruises.
On cruises, Las Vegas-style entertainment is also popular. Some of the larger cruises have casinos, variety shows, and cabaret acts, and many have circus performers such as magicians or jugglers. Comedy shows are also very popular.
A cruise usually has a library and a lounging area where people can relax to the sound of live piano music for those who prefer a more subdued kind of fun. On the average cruise, a basic gym is also becoming a must-have. While many people prefer to play poolside games, others prefer to get a more traditional workout inside.
Another type of cruise is a theme cruise, which caters to those with a specific interest. Themed cruises appeal to a wide range of people, from aspiring writers to singles to foodies. The majority of the activities on these cruises revolve around a single theme. Exercising and cooking workshops, for example, can be the main attraction on a weight-loss cruise.
Some cruise companies go above and beyond what a cruise is all about. The Canyon Ranch spa, a planetarium, and a basketball court are all available on the Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest and most luxurious cruise ship. Such luxuries are becoming increasingly popular.