20 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Cruise Lines
If you’ve never been aboard a major cruise line, it’s hard to fathom how much is actually on the ship. It’s like a city on water, sailing through the middle of the ocean. There’s everything you need for a great vacation from nightlife to pools, restaurants, bars, entertainment which even includes a show on ice and a bungee fitness class.
Different cruise lines have something for everyone from Virgin Voyages’ adult only sailings to Royal Caribbean’s family-friendly fun. There’s even an outdoor track if you need to get your run in before a late night out. We bet you didn’t know these fun facts about some of our favorite cruise lines!
There’s a crew-only bar
Crew members have access to their very own crew bar along with their living quarters. For most cruise lines, it’s located below deck, but on Virgin Voyages, their crew-bar sits above Deck 17 which might just have some of the best views on the ship.
Dress codes aren’t actually mandatory
Stereotypically, there is a formal night with sailors in full-on tuxedos and ball gowns. While this is strongly encouraged for some, it’s not mandatory. Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a dress code at all across their 20+ eateries as their motto “come as your are”.
Cruises will exclusively get you to National Parks that can’t be accessed otherwise
Did you know that Alaska is more than double the size of Texas? On Holland America Line, guests will be able to get up close to ice formations as the ship sails through Glacier National Park. With National Park rangers giving talks and answering questions on the ship, it should be on everyone’s bucket list.
You can sail with some of your favorite characters at sea
Onboard any Disney Cruise Line, you’ll sail with a few lovable friendly faces. At sea on the newest ship, the Disney WISH, sailers can attend the engagement party of Queen Anna and Kristoff in the Kingdom of Arendelle from Frozen. Along with Elsa and Olaf, guests will enjoy Norwegian inspired dishes while singing along to fan favorites.
The is a bar run completely by a robot
On Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, guests can get drinks specially made from two robotic bartenders at Bionic Bar. With the ceiling above the bar lined with upside bottles hanging, watching the process of giant mechanical arms pouring and shaking your cocktail is just as good as how it tastes.
Some cruises are adult only
Kids running around can be inconvenient when you’re trying to find your inner zen poolside on the top deck. While many cruiselines promote their kid friendly environment, it’s rare to find adults only – unless you’re on a Virgin Voyages sailing. With no screaming children, all guests must be 18 or older.
Irons are not allowed
Before you start packing your bags, be sure to always check what isn’t allowed on the ship. Across any cruiselines, irons are not allowed so you won’t find one in your closet. Pack wrinkle release spray because it will become your best friend onboard.
Never leave the balcony door open when you leave your room
Rule number one of cruising is to always shut your sliding door before leaving your living space. If you don’t you’ll create a windtunnel and it’s even worse on the higher floors.
Some ships have shows on ice
Don’t underestimate how good the entertainment is onboard. Royal Caribbean is the only cruiseline that has an ice skating rink on their ship. The shows by professional skaters include all of the theatrics from jumps to spins!
Flames aren’t allowed but some cruiselines found a way around it
For safety measures, open flames are not allowed. However, cruiselines have gotten creative to find ways around it like Virgin Voyages. They have a Korean BBQ resturant onboard called Gunbae, and invented a flameless grill just for the ship.
You may find a speakeasy onboard
While it may seem like guests can just get a haircut at Hook’s Barbery onboard the new Disney WISH, there’s more. Based on the classic Peter Pan, sailors who are over 21 will find a secret whiskey bar for perhaps the best haircut of their lives.
You can shake the app for Champagne
On Virgin Voyages, guests can literally shake their app on their phone for Champagne. Moments later, a crew member will deliver a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial wherever they are located. Talk about first class service!
You can get botox while at sea
It’s not just about getting a manicure while in the middle of the ocean anymore. Virgin Voyages offers botox to sailors as well as other self care activities including a spa, pedicure salon and blowout bar. Fitness classes include bungee, spin, boxing, HIIT, pilates and more.
You’ll have the same waiter throughout your voyage
On Holland America Line, sailors will dine at the same table with the same waiter in Main Dining throughout the voyage. Headed to foreign places, it’s nice to have a familiar face to always ask about your day along with telling you the night’s menu specials.
Disney Cruise Line does the same — with the waiters traveling with the guests to different restaurants on the ship. Planning ahead is the move as popular restaurants may get booked. Throughout the expedition, staff remembers will remember your name and what you like to drink which will make your day that much better.
Virgin Voyages has a tattoo parlor named Squid Ink
Their ship the Scarlet Lady is the first ship to have a fully functioning tattoo parlor. What better way to commemorate a great trip? With piercing services too, make an appointment on the first day because their ink slots fill up fast.
They say on the ship it’s your best night’s sleep
Rock-a-bye-baby, but actually! Many first time sailors will find how soothing sleeping is on the ship. It’s probably because of the subtle rocking as it sails through the night.
An average cruiser gains a pound a day
With all meals included and available at anytime, there’s no rules while you’re on vacation. Many cruiselines even have alcohol included for one fee so the possibilities are endless.
Many cruiselines own private islands
Typically a stop on the ship’s route, it’s common for cruiselines to own an island. It’s convenient for sailors to get on and off of the ship and enjoy activities on land. Royal Caribbean’s island called Perfect Day at CocoCay has the tallest waterslide in North America! Named Daredevil’s Peak, this adrenaline-seeking structure stands at 135-feet-tall.
There’s an outdoor track
You can get in that morning run with an outdoor track that is usually on the top deck. Even if you don’t like running, head up for a walk because it has some of the best views on the ship!
On some ships the beds can be reconfigured
Most interiors on a ship are well-designed and functional for a small space. On Virgin Voyages, your bedroom can be configured in multiple ways from one full size bed that can convert into two single beds or even a couch!
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