The cruise experience can be broken into three distinct days: sea days, port days and turnarounds. This last term covers changeover days when different groups of passengers depart and arrive at the ship. Those embarking are normally given a time window to come to the port. On arrival, their luggage is taken by porters and loaded on to the ship separately, appearing outside their stateroom door a few hours later; sometimes even after the ship has sailed. Guests then continue into the terminal where they check-in and pass through security before embarking the ship and locating their cabin (normally after 2-3pm) where they will find the daily programme of activities. New arrivals can enjoy settling in as they familiarise themselves; go for a drink at one of the bars, grab a snack in the buffet restaurant, or take a dip in the pools and hot tubs (remember to take bathing suits in hand luggage).
Embarkation day is also an ideal time to make speciality dining reservations, reserve spa
treatments and book excursions. Quite often, the first and final days of a cruise may be sea days. These are occasions when the ship is at its busiest with everyone onboard. All facilities are open and there is a really lively atmosphere, with a full programme of activities that starts early morning with fitness classes and continues throughout the day and into the evening. Lectures, port talks, dance classes and other workshops will be scheduled on these days, while out on deck live bands will keep up the musical tempo interspersed with games sessions on the main pool deck. These are ideal days to make most use of the ship facilities, whether this involves relaxing in the spa and thermal suites, racing down the waterslides or simply relaxing by the pools.
The obvious drawback of sea days is that the outside decks can be crowded, the pools very busy and empty sunbeds may be hard to find, but there are often tucked-away spots that are quieter, along with adult-only areas and private decks. Port days are different again as the ship empties out when guests go ashore. Those on tours may have early starts and be off the ship by 8am, while passengers without specific plans tend to disembark later. This leaves the ship virtually empty apart from the crew and a small number of passengers who decide to stay aboard. It is the polar opposite of a sea day. Everything is peaceful and not all facilities are open, but it's easy to claim a sunbed by the pool (which will be virtually empty) and spa prices are often discounted too. For passengers with no desire to go exploring, port days can be one of the best times to enjoy the ship and revel in having it to themselves.
Disembarkation days normally command an early start as most cruise lines require passengers to vacate their staterooms by 8am (for cleaning), regardless of what time they are leaving the ship. Luggage has to be left outside staterooms late on the final evening, when the crew takes it to a storage area, ready for unloading the following morning when the ship docks (normally 6am). Guests are given coloured luggage tags which correspond to the time they've been given to depart the ship. They need to keep overnight items with them and a change of clothes for the following day. The main buffet restaurant and some suite restaurants will be open for breakfast and guests either disembark immediately afterwards or sit on deck or in one of the lounges until their disembarkation group is called over the ship tannoy.
There can be a lot of choice when it comes to cabins on cruise ships, I will give you the basic 4 categories. Inside/interior staterooms, which do not have a window or porthole; outside/ocean view staterooms that have a porthole or window; and balcony/veranda staterooms which are the most popular choice with a balcony.
The most expensive, and luxurious, category is suite accommodation which has separate sleeping and living areas split into different rooms or in one large room, but separated by a curtain. Junior suites tend to be entry-level grade and on some cruise ships may simply be a more spacious version of a balcony stateroom. At the other end of the scale are owner's suites that come with acres of space, opulent décor, balcony hot tubs and butler service.
Most cruise companies, especially US lines, also describe their accommodation as staterooms whereas other lines may call them cabins, which is the more traditional term. Regardless, there is no difference between them. Rather like hotel rooms, all cabins come with a selection of fixtures and fittings as standard that include a TV (normally flat-screen), and sometimes a DVD, a minibar or fridge, and hairdryer. The majority of cabins also have private safes. There is clothes storage with wardrobes and/ or drawers, and guests can generally stow their luggage beneath the bed. There is usually a dressing table area and perhaps a small table with a chair.
All cabins have ensuite facilities that include a shower, though some higher-grade accommodation will also have a bath too. Among the stateroom variations are spa suites/ cabins which have the same distinction as those listed above, but come with a package of amenities and are close to or have direct access to wellness facilities. Virtual inside cabins are a new phenomenon on a handful of ships that have "virtual balconies" or "virtual portholes" - special screens showing realtime footage from the ship via external cameras.
The rise in family-orientated ships has also ushered in more family-friendly accommodation, with cabins offering additional space with extra beds that slot down from the ceiling or bunks that fold out from sofas. Inter-connecting cabins for families with older children are another good option. While the accommodation grade determines the price, another influencing factor is its location on the ship as staterooms on lower decks are cheaper while those on higher decks - which enjoy better views and are closer to facilities - cost more. Families may want a location closer to children's clubs, while passengers susceptible to seasickness should opt for a midship cabin which is less affected ship movement.
Anyone sensitive to noise should avoid accommodation just below the main lido deck, entertainment areas or on low decks close to the ship's engines, while passengers with mobility issues should opt for staterooms close to the elevators and restaurants. While many cabins are doubles or twins, a growing number of cruise lines are catering for solo travellers with single staterooms - though such is the demand, these are always among the first to sellout.
In addition to suites, there has been a rise in premium-category cabins that have access to their own private areas, whether it's an exclusive lounge where snacks and drinks are served, selected restaurants, or a VIP deck area. Some ships have pushed this concept even further with "ship within a ship" complexes, that have their own private entrances and cannot be accessed by other passengers.
Passengers can tuck into food virtually 24/7, starting early morning and continuing throughout the day to past midnight, while taking their pick from a rich variety of venues - most of which are included in the price. The larger the ship, the greater the choice with up to 30 or so dining spots on the largest vessels, ranging from poolside burger bars, hotdog stands and pizza counters to classy haute cuisine restaurants and exclusive chef's table experiences.
On larger ships, in particular, diners can expect to find first-class speciality restaurants ranging from Japanese teppanyaki to American-style steakhouses or French bistros and Italian trattoria. Some cruise lines have teamed up with speciality chefs such as Nobu Matsuhisa, Jamie Oliver and Marco Pierre White who have opened their own onboard restaurants with prices at a fraction of what they are ashore.
All ships have either a single main restaurant or a cluster of them offering different themes and these are the focal point of the onboard dining experience, where guests are generally free to take their main meals whenever and with whoever they wish to.
Traditional set dining times and shared tables are still offered for those who want them, but freedom and flexibility are key ingredients, and this is also reflected in the extensive buffet restaurants found on nearly all ships, and virtually open round-the clock. Cruises bring the flavours of the world together with the likes of Japanese sushi bars, English pubs and Brazilian steakhouses along with the fulsome flavours of Mexican and Tex-Mex, Asian fusion and continental cuisine.
In addition, special dinner shows bring an engaging backdrop of acrobats and entertainers, while supper clubs serve up a sophisticated vibe where singers and musicians inject musical flair into each course. Exclusive tasting menus and private dining experiences add to the mix, along with the thrill of eating on deck at open-air grill restaurants, hot stone dining where guests cook their own meat on slabs of volcanic rock, and full-on deck parties with mouth-watering barbecues. Alternatively, anyone wanting more private al fresco moments can take breakfast on their balconies or enjoy dinner served course by course - sometimes by their own butler. More ships now have their own culinary centres and show kitchens where guests can rustle up their own masterpieces under the guidance of a professional chef, having accompanied them to markets ashore to gather local ingredients.
There's no shortage of healthy-eating options too, with menus highlighting dishes low in salt and/or fat, plus low-sugar desserts. Special dietary needs are also catered for, from vegan and vegetarian to diabetic and gluten-free requirements. It's not all about the food either as ships boast impressive wine cellars serving some of the best vintages and have also tapped into the craft beer craze with a growing selection of ales and lagers. Some even have their own onboard breweries, while others offer dedicated bars serving champagne, different-flavoured gins or exotic mojitos.
Additionally, a growing appetite for epicurean experiences has sparked growth in food and wine themed cruises with classes and talks plus wine and food-tastings that tie-in with excursions ashore to areas such as Bordeaux or the Iberian Peninsula. Be aware of formal nights on some ships, or themed nights like '80's night' if you want to take part, although not essential. Some ships however do expect certain dress wear to restaurant, so no shorts or flipflops, this is more the traditional lines.
While guests are free to do as much or as little as they please, they will not be short of choice especially on sea days when the ship becomes the main attraction with a full programme of classes and activities that run from early morning until late at night.
Sea days are when ship attractions come into their own (though sometimes it's even better to experience them in port, without queues, when many passengers are ashore). Aside from numerous swimming pools, hot tubs and water play areas that nearly all ships now have, there are a host of high-adrenaline thrills that range from waterslides and zipwires to surfing simulators and climbing walls. Passengers can also pound top-deck jogging tracks while admiring the views, tap into their competitive streak on sports courts or even serve up
games of paddle tennis.
Cruises can be ideal for guests wanting to dabble in more unusual pastimes such as fencing classes or learning how to scuba dive. If it's simply a matter of keeping fit, nearly all ships have gyms and exercise studios where pumping iron is accompanied by classes offering everything from aerobics, yoga and Pilates to meditation, body sculpting and Zumba. Anyone after less energetic diversions can browse the onboard libraries, attend fascinating lectures by eminent speakers or pit their wits in brainstorming quizzes. Alternatively, art enthusiasts can bid for a favourite painting during auctions in the ship's art gallery or relax on deck while watching a film on a giant movie screen.
When it comes to learning a new skill or perfecting existing ones, there are numerous options. Many ships now have state-of-the-art show kitchens for cookery classes, while some have craft studios where enthusiasts can brush up their artistic talents. Singing workshops and onboard choirs along with dancing classes inject a musical theme, while budding techies can brush up their knowledge on the latest innovative kit or sign up to digital film-making tutorials. But it's evenings when ships really come alive with glitz and glamour. Ultra-modern ships boasting hi-tech facilities now stage interactive shows full of breathtaking special effects with acrobatic displays, icen skating spectaculars and West End and Broadways shows such as Mamma Mia!, Hairspray and Kinky Boots.
Cruise lines have also adapted hit TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice and Pop Idol with their own versions, while others have partneredwith international names including Cirque du Soleil, Liverpool's Cavern Club for Beatles tribute bands, and BB King's Blues Club. Larger ships have dedicated comedy clubs where alternative-style adult-only and family-friendly comic acts take to the stage, while some ships fly in top comedians or magicians (sometimes straight from Las Vegas) for one-off performances.
Ship theatres are still the main hub for evening entertainment with cabaret productions that generally pay tribute to musical styles and eras, though there are quieter alternatives in smaller cosy venues with classical recitals or folkloric displays by local artistes. The larger the ship, the bigger the choice of nightspots, with piano bars providing everything from
soothing selections to lively singalongs and duelling piano blowouts, lively karaoke evenings or silent discos.
Dining can also be given added sparkle with themed dinner shows and live musical performances in cosy supper clubs and the beat can rumble on into the small hours at onboard nightclubs and late-night cabaret bars. Evenings are not just about adult entertainment as dedicated cinema rooms or giant outdoor screens will show movies, and even provide popcorn, while youngsters can also enjoy special family-friendly game shows and contests.
The latest generation of new ships has ushered in a rising roll-call of indulgent temptations with expansive spa areas that often stretch across two decks and offer an increasing selection of therapies. Much of this has tapped into the growing trend for healthy living, gathering pace to such an extent that many spas afloat easily rival those on land and are
headlined by leading names such as Champneys, Elemis and Canyon Ranch, but come with the added bonus of ocean views and sea breezes.
Guests can while away hours in thermal suites of sizzling hot hammams, Arabian-inspired rasuls, herbal saunas and steam rooms before retiring to plush lounges, full of crushed velvet sofas, chaise longues and swinging chairs. Some ship spas even have snow rooms full of fluffy white flakes, along with bubbling thalassotherapy pools and relaxation suites where guests can laze on heated mosaic spa beds amid calming music and a diet of glossy magazines and healthy drinks.
The choice of treatments continues to grow, from Swedish and aromatherapy massages to those with exotic twists such as hot stones and bamboo sticks or scented poultices and delicate shells. There's also an assortment of wraps and scrubs, while facials can be pepped up with opulent touches that include caviar and even 24 karat gold.
Most spa complexes also include a full-service salon offering hair treatments and make-up consultations plus manicures and pedicures, though more lifechanging options include makeover packages, metabolism and toxin tests, tooth whitening or even Botox treatments and dermal fillers. Additionally, many offer cellulite reduction, such as ionithermie, and weight-loss therapies, along with acupuncture (which can also be a convenient cure
for anyone suffering from seasickness), reiki and reflexology.
Booking a treatment generally guarantees free use of the thermal suites, though passengers not wanting to do this can pay to spend a full or half day in the facilities - or even buy a pass for the duration of the cruise. Some cruise companies offer multiple
treatments for a special price and most lines promote special deals on port days when passengers go ashore.
Couples are catered for with special spa treatment rooms and, on some ships, guests can even choose to have al fresco pampering in a deck cabana or in the privacy of their own balcony. Most spas offer male grooming services that include wet shaves or facials, along with massages. In addition, there may be joint father/son and mother/ daughter treatments, while children can relish treatments aimed at teenagers, with some larger
ships featuring dedicated kids and teen spa areas.
Wellness scores highly on ships with enrichment seminars that focus on weight loss and lifestyle, which include nutritional counselling, detox and cleansing workshops, plus skin and body clinics. This lifestyle theme filters beyond the spas on some ships with dedicated healthy-eating restaurants, spa cafes and juice bars.
A growing trend in recent years has been the growth of spa cabins which come with a package of benefits and are located conveniently close to the spa so passengers can simply pad down in their robe and slippers.
