TRAVEL CRUISE

A travel cruise is a vacation on a large ship that visits multiple destinations, offering onboard amenities like accommodations, dining, and entertainment, similar to a floating hotel. You can take cruises in India on rivers and coasts, or sail to international locations like Sri Lanka, Singapore, or even Venice. Popular operators include Cordelia Cruises and options are available through travel sites like MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, and Thrillophilia.

Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing. Unlike ocean liners, which are used for transport, cruise ships typically embark on round-trip voyages to various ports of call, where passengers may go on tours known as "shore excursions".

Modern cruise ships tend to have less hull strength, speed, and agility compared to ocean liners. However, they have added amenities to cater to water tourists, with recent vessels being described as "balcony-laden floating condominiums".

Operators of cruise ships are known as cruise lines. Cruise ships are organized much like floating hotels, with a complete hospitality staff in addition to the usual ship's crew. Traditionally, the ships' restaurants organize two dinner services per day, early dining and late dining, and passengers are allocated a set dining time for the entire cruise; a recent trend is to allow diners to dine whenever they want. Besides the dining room, modern cruise ships often contain one or more casual buffet-style eateries. Most cruise ships sail the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. Others operate elsewhere in places like Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Baltic Sea.

What is a cruise?

• A cruise is a voyage on a passenger ship for pleasure, typically involving travel to several different places.

• It provides a convenient and comfortable way to travel and explore various destinations.

• Cruise ships are essentially "floating hotels" equipped with amenities such as staterooms, various restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms, and shops.

Types of cruises and destinations

• Inland/River Cruises:

These travel along rivers and canals, offering themed journeys and cultural experiences. Examples include the Mahabaahu Cruise through Assam and the Sunderbans cruises in India.

• Ocean/Sea Cruises:

These navigate coastal waters and open seas.

• India-based: You can take cruises from cities like Mumbai to Goa or Diu, or from Kochi to other Indian destinations.

• International: Some cruises depart from India for nearby countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, or even further destinations like Venice and Athens.

• Ocean cruises: The most common type, these travel to destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska. Mega-ships, such as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, are floating resorts with a wide range of onboard activities, while smaller, large-ship lines like Holland America cater to those who prefer a classic, slightly more refined atmosphere.

• River cruises: Popular in Europe and Asia, these voyages on smaller ships explore inland waterways and offer a more intimate, immersive cultural experience in charming towns and scenic landscapes.

• Expedition cruises: Small, specialized vessels travel to remote locations, such as the Arctic, Antarctica, or the Galápagos Islands. These are often more expensive and feature expert guides.

• Luxury cruises: Small, boutique ships or yachts from lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas focus on opulent decor, exceptional service, and all-inclusive packages. They often visit smaller, exclusive ports.

Organization

Cruise ships are organized much like floating hotels, with a complete hospitality staff in addition to the usual ship's crew. It is not uncommon for the most luxurious ships to have more crew and staff than passengers.

Dining

Dining on almost all cruise ships is included in the cruise price. Traditionally, the ships' restaurants organize two dinner services per day, early dining and late dining, and passengers are allocated a set dining time for the entire cruise; a recent trend is to allow diners to dine whenever they want. Having two dinner times allows the ship to have enough time and space to accommodate all of its guests. Having two different dinner services can cause some conflicts with some of the ship's events (such as shows and performances) for the late diners, but this problem is usually fixed by having a shorter version of the event take place before late dinner. Cunard Line ships maintain the class tradition of ocean liners and have separate dining rooms for different types of suites, while Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises have a standard dining room and "upgrade" specialty restaurants that require pre-booking and cover charges. Many cruises schedule one or more "formal dining" nights. Guests dress "formally", however, that is defined for the ship, often suits and ties or even tuxedos for men, and formal dresses for women. The menu is more upscale than usual.

Besides the dining room, modern cruise ships often contain one or more casual buffet-style eateries, which may be open 24 hours and with menus that vary throughout the day to provide meals ranging from breakfast to late-night snacks. In recent years, cruise lines have started to include a diverse range of ethnically themed restaurants aboard each ship. Ships also feature numerous bars and nightclubs for passenger entertainment; the majority of cruise lines do not include alcoholic beverages in their fares and passengers are expected to pay for drinks as they consume them. Most cruise lines also prohibit passengers from bringing aboard and consuming their own beverages, including alcohol, while aboard. Alcohol purchased duty-free is sealed and returned to passengers when they disembark.

There is often a central galley responsible for serving all major restaurants aboard the ship, though specialty restaurants may have their own separate galleys.

As with any vessel, adequate provisioning is crucial, especially on a cruise ship serving several thousand meals at each seating. For example, a quasi "military operation" is required to load and unload 3,600 passengers and eight tons of food at the beginning and end of each cruise, for the Royal Princess.

Other on-board facilities

• Buffet restaurant

• Card room

• Casino – Only open when the ship is at sea to avoid conflict with local laws

• Child care facilities

• Cinema

• Clubs

• Fitness center

• Hot tub

• Indoor and/or outdoor swimming pool with water slides

• Infirmary and morgue

• Karaoke

• Library

• Lounges

• Observation lounge

• Ping pong tables

• Pool tables

• Shops – Only open when the ship is at sea to avoid merchandising licensing and local taxes

• Spa

• Teen lounges

• Theatre with Broadway-style shows

Some ships have bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, sky-diving simulators, miniature golf courses, video arcades, ziplines, surfing simulators, water slides, basketball courts, tennis courts, chain restaurants, ropes obstacle courses, and even roller coasters.

The casino floors typically open when the ships enter international waters, usually 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Beyond that limit, they are generally governed by the laws of the nation in which they are registered.

Factors to consider when booking

Budget and booking

• Budget early: Decide on an overall budget that includes the cruise fare, plus additional costs like gratuities, excursions, and premium dining.

• Book ahead: Reserving your cruise 6 to 12 months in advance is recommended for the best cabin choices and deals, especially during "wave season" (January–March).

• Book with a travel agent: A travel agent can provide expert advice and may help with specific requirements, such as those for disabled passengers.

Ship and cabin selection

• Size: Large ships offer abundant activities and entertainment but attract large crowds. Smaller ships provide a more intimate, quieter experience and can access smaller ports.

• Cabin location: The cheapest interior cabins lack windows, while balcony cabins offer private ocean views. If you're prone to seasickness, choose a cabin located mid-ship and on a lower deck, where motion is minimized.

Onboard experience

• Inclusions: Confirm what is included in your fare. Basic packages typically cover accommodation, meals in the main dining rooms, and basic entertainment. Most cruises charge extra for alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, and spa services.

• Activities and dining: Research the variety of dining options, entertainment, and activities available on your specific ship. For example, some ships offer 24/7 dining and Broadway-style shows, while others focus on enriching lectures or culinary experiences.

Travel logistics

• Itinerary: Research the ports of call to ensure they align with your interests. Pay attention to how long the ship stays in each port; some offer full-day or overnight stays, while others are only for a few hours.

• Visas and insurance: For international cruises, ensure you have the correct visas for all countries on your itinerary. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover potential issues like weather delays, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

• Health: Cruise ships can be susceptible to infectious diseases like norovirus. Practice good hand hygiene and use the hand sanitizers provided throughout the ship.

• Packing: Pack a carry-on bag with essentials, such as medication, documents, and a change of clothes, in case your main luggage is delayed in reaching your cabin.