In the late 1990’s I decided ships had had become too big when a cruise line announced it was building a 2,500-passenger vessel. The size was unimaginable. I envisioned long lines and waiting to board and disembark. Certainly there would be crowds at the lido café since people seemed to show up for breakfast and lunch at the same time. And, a day at sea would be unbearable with all those people sunning by the pool.
If you, like me, think you don’t want to cruise aboard a big ship there are times when you may be wrong.
The two largest ships afloat – Royal Caribbean’s Allure/Oasis of the Seas – carry up to 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew and are the most popular ships in the industry. And while these ships are big hits with families, they are also wildly popular with couples of all ages seeking a romantic escape at sea.
Best Suited For Large Ships:
* Families with children
* Groups with a wide range of ages and personal preferences
* Those who are active
* Caribbean/Mexico cruises (These ships really don’t work well in Europe or Alaska)
* Nightlife is important
A larger ship doesn’t only mean there will be more passengers but there will be myriad dining choices. Instead of eating each evening in the main restaurant, one can opt to make reservations and “go out” to dinner in a more intimate steakhouse or dine on French, Italian or Asian fare. Superb ship designs ensures there’s no more of a wait in the lido restaurant at lunch than there is on a significantly smaller ship, even on a day at sea.
While aboard a smaller cruise ship one typically finds a theater for Las Vegas-style reviews, a cabaret, a bar or two, casino, disco and sports bar. The newest behemoths, however, take nightlife to a whole new level. In addition to a conventional stage shows you’re likely to find comedy clubs, champagne and martini bars, movie theaters, bowling (Norwegian Epic), ice skating shows (Royal Caribbean’s newer ships), a sing-along piano bar (Carnival) and Broadway-caliber performances like Blue Man Group (Norwegian Epic).
Part of the fun is strolling from one entertainment venue and bar to another after dinner, just to check out the action. On Carnival and Royal Caribbean’s ships built in the last decade you’ll find central promenades that connect the evening entertainment.
If your idea of a wonderful day at sea is sunning on deck, you’ll find acres of space to do it. On smaller ships those who avoid the sun, like me, could hang out on deck of sit alone in an empty lounge since nothing else was happening. But today I can choose the atmosphere (with the masses, or a secluded adult area) or people-watch inside as passengers shop, linger over a pastry and espresso, visit the library, attend culinary classes, do yoga or just relax.
I was genuinely surprised that the wait to board and disembark enormous ships is minimal, no longer than much smaller vessels. That’s because there are more elevators and gangways to accommodate a larger number of people.
You’ll still be able to watch the sun set on the horizon and sit on a deck chair as the world passes by. And when you return to your stateroom it will be perfectly made up by the steward as you’ve been dining in elegant restaurants and spending a night on the town.
