Top 10 cruising innovations

FROM 4D cinemas to massive wave machines, we reveal the top 10 latest and greatest innovations on cruise ships.

Oasis of the Seas

CRUISE operators are spending billions of dollars on delivering a cutting-edge cruise experience to cater for all types of travellers.

From 4D cinemas to massive wave machines and mammoth ships, modern cruise liners have taken to the oceans with features and attractions that have never been seen before.

Take a look at the top 10 latest and greatest innovations on cruise ships recently, by cruising specialist Cruiseabout.

In-depth: Ultimate cruising guide

In pictures: World's best cruise ships

Bigger and better

The largest cruise ships ever constructed are now on active routes throughout the world including Royal Caribbean International’s world record holder, Allure of the Seas, at 1187ft (362 metres) it can carrying more than 6000 passengers.

Other mammoth cruise liners in operation include Cunard’s 345m Queen Mary II and Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) 329m Norwegian Epic.

4D cinemas with vibrating seats

With Hollywood’s latest blockbusters now being presented in 3D, cruise ship operators including Royal Caribbean have revamped onboard cinemas to deliver passengers a 3D experience. 

Costa Cruises has gone one step further by installing a 4D cinema onboard the Costa Deliziosa, offering eye popping visuals and live special effects including vibrating seats, water sprays and air blasts.

Themed cruises

Cruise liners offer a variety of themes to satisfy all kinds of travellers. Technology buffs can hop aboard Celebrity Cruises’ MacMania Cruise and discover the secrets behind Apple’s most innovative devices. 

Parents can treat children to a Nickelodeon All Access Cruise with NCL for a week of fun with their favourite cartoon characters.

Keen dancers can take an up tempo voyage with MSC Cruises Dancing Under the Stars series. Onboard lessons include Samba, Merengue and Lambada.

New wave of recreational options

Royal Caribbean passengers can show off their surfing skills at the Flowrider, a purpose built, man-made wave on its Oasis and Freedom class vessels.

Oasis of the Seas

Hitting golf balls into the sea is no longer allowed but passengers travelling with Princess Cruises can tee up at St Andrews or Pinehurst with high tech, computerised golf simulators.

Unique bars and nightclubs

Passengers aboard the Queen Mary II can sit back with a fine Cuban cigar and glass of cognac at Churchill’s cigar lounge.

Guests can slip into a faux fur coat at the frozen fantasyland of the Svedka Ice Bar on the Norwegian Epic. Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, Svedka is one of only 14 ice bars in the world and the only true ice bar at sea.

The revolutionary design of the Aquavit Terrace at the bow of Viking River Cruises Viking Freya offers is a picturesque location for dining and relaxation at any time of the day.

Top chefs transform dining experience

Triple Michelin star winner Marco Pierre White has opened signature restaurants onboard P&O’s Ventura, Oceana and Aurora liners.

Double Michelin star winner Arnaud Lallement joined with Disney Cruises to deliver Remy, a premier restaurant onboard the Disney Dream. 

Menus onboard all Seabourn liners are prepared under the watchful eye of American Michelin star winner Charlie Palmer.

Solo rooms

If you’re going it alone, a number of cruise lines have options to keep costs down and still enjoy the biggest and best ships in the world.

Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O and Holland America all have cabins dedicated to solo cruisers with no extra supplements and Silversea Cruises offer special fare deals for solo travellers.

Spa facilities

Passengers on Seabourn’s Odyssey can book spa villas by the half day for extensive, revitalising treatments. Renowned spa operator Canyon Ranch offers specialised facilities onboard Oceania and Regent Seven Seas liners.

Onboard shows

Licensed works of Andrew Lloyd Webber and critically acclaimed productions of Hairspray and Chicago have featured on P&O and Royal Caribbean liners.

Celebrity Cruises passengers can watch living art take shape at a Hot Glass Show created in association with New York’s Corning Museum of Glass. 

Fitness facilities

Some of the most sophisticated gyms in the world are now located onboard cruise liners. Passengers can access the latest in equipment as well as aerobics classes, yoga and pilates.

The fully equipped gym onboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Conquest incorporates floor to ceiling windows facing the sea to create an atmosphere designed to take the guest’s mind off the exertion of working out.

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