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Travel Logs July 2013

Triptalk'en

Cruising Mega Ships vs. Small Ships

By Bobbie Green

In case of accident or illness emergency, the larger ships have doctors aboard. Smaller ships do not. In case of a damaged ship, it is much harder, sometimes impossible to remove thousands of people off the ship other than lifeboats. It is much easier to remove 100 passengers should the need arise. 

Which type cruise ship is for you? The difference between them is immense. With today’s mega-ships, the destination is almost moot -- the ship is the destination for many. The numerous amenities, shipboard adventures and top-notch entertainment provide something for everyone to enjoy.

This has prompted multi-generational family travelers to come onboard. Infinity groups and business seminars at sea are enticing because they can handle the groups with meeting rooms, room for wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters.

Mega-ships can offer connecting staterooms and handicapped staterooms. They can arrange for large groups to sit together when dining. They offer children’s programs and baby-sitting services along with teen nightclubs and singles get-togethers.

The amenities are so numerous it’s hard to mention them all. Some ships have ice skating rinks, rock climbing facilities, and aqua parks. Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum of the Seas has the first skydiving at sea experience onboard, as well as the North Star, a capsule that extends out from the ship 300 feet above the sea with a 180% view. I am sure other lines will follow soon with other competing adventures.

The ships carry 2500-5000 passengers — virtually a floating city, so along with all the pleasant amenities on board there are other experiences, you should be prepared for like long waiting lines. There will be lines for dining, crowded buffets and wait times disembarking for port excursions. However, the lines are not as long as Disney World, where waiting does not seem to pose a problem.

Another difference is pricing. The big ships tend to offer lower rates per cabin. However, once onboard there is a fee for many things: extra charge for specialty dining, a soft drink with lunch, or bottled water for an excursion. Want to go snorkeling – pay extra for the equipment. Many people have bar bills larger than their cabin price. Higher initial pricing on the smaller ships tends to be more inclusive.

The general age of passengers on the larger ships tends to be younger, because they are attracted to the onboard adventures and they can bring their children. Because there are so many families and groups traveling together on the larger ships, getting to meet your fellow passengers is more difficult than on smaller ships. You may enjoy a couple at dinner or at the pool one day and never run into them again – only you can decided if this is a good or bad situation.

In case of accident or illness emergency, the larger ships have doctors aboard. Smaller ships do not. In case of a damaged ship, it is much harder, sometimes impossible to remove thousands of people off the ship other than lifeboats. It is much easier to remove 100 passengers should the need arise.

The smaller ships do not have all the amenities of the larger ships. One of their enticements is usually the unique destinations they can reach, needing only a small dock with longer times in port. The other allure is just being smaller, laid back and relaxing. The dress is casual and there is more opportunity to meet and make new friends. The service is usually enhanced and more personal.

On the other hand, some small ships may not have elevators. If you need an elevator be sure to check that out before booking. Some do not have room for wheelchairs. You are not usually on board with a group because the large groups will rent the whole ship for a sailing. Some small ships do not have kids on board at all; some do, but there are not many babies or very young children because they cannot be accommodated. There are not usually any children’s programs on the smaller ships.

Guests on the smaller ships are usually seasoned travelers looking for inimitable experiences. Shore excursions may take guests to places larger groups cannot be accommodated. The vessels for the small cruise lines are like hotel rooms and range from luxurious to standard. The service is the same throughout the ship. I have seen people with limited abilities get more personal and caring help on the smaller ships than on the larger ones with too many people to assist.

Small ship lines usually cost more up front, but include more in the price. Some small ship lines are all-inclusive meaning all meals, all beverages and shore excursions. When comparing, be sure to check what is included and what is not.

Today’s s cruise lines have everyone covered. There is a cruise that will cover your needs and wants. Even those who get seasick can feel stable on a smooth river cruise.

 

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