Exciting Cruise Ship Innovations
Cruise ships have become spectacular floating resorts, and the cruise lines just keep topping themselves with ever more innovative features. The most exciting cruise ship innovations of the past year were recently determined by a survey of cruise experts conducted by Cruise Holidays. One hundred thirty-five Cruise Holidays owners and frontline agents responded to the survey.
The top innovation was the sheer size of the magnificent Oasis of the Seas, the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. With 16 decks and 2,700 staterooms, the ship can accommodate up to 5,400 guests.
The Oasis of the Seas also produced the second and third most exciting innovations: The AquaTheater and Central Park. Guests can use the AquaTheater’s kidney-shaped pool, surrounded by amphitheater seating, during the day. At night, it transforms into a venue for performances that feature synchronized swimming, water ballet, high-diving and fountains.
Central Park is just that – a lovely park, full of lush greenery and flowers, centrally located on the ship and open to the sky. There are serene pathways, hidden nooks and a piazza that serves as a gathering spot for open-air dining and strolling performers. More than 300 inward-facing staterooms have windows that look over Central Park.
Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice and Equinox contribute the fourth and fifth place innovations: the Lawn Club and the Hot Glass Show. The Lawn Club is a half-acre of real, manicured grass on the top deck of each ship. Here, guests can enjoy putting, picnicking and other casual activities on the grass. Nearby is the Hot Glass Show, the first glass-blowing studios at sea, where artists demonstrating the fine art of sculpting art glass.
Carnival Cruises’ Dream claimed the sixth spot on the list with its innovative cove balcony cabins. These cabins are on Deck Two, much closer to the water than other balcony cabins. The cove balconies don’t extend beyond the hull of the ship – instead, they are set into the hull. An opening about six feet wide creates a cozy feeling for guests.
The survey respondents’ votes resulted in a tie for seventh place.
The Carnival Dream’s Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; The Seabourn Odyssey’s luxurious spa, with private, ocean-view treatment rooms; and the Viking Legend’s two spacious suites, the largest on any European river cruise ship, all made the cut to round out the top ten.
To experience one or more of these exciting innovations for yourself, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.