Wine Classes Ventura
Future Cruise Innovations
2008 is an exciting year for cruising with the addition of 8 new cruise ships in the booming market.
• April – P & O Ventura, MSC Poeisa
• May – Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
• July – Carnival Splendor, Ms Eurodam (Holland America)
• Nov – Ruby Princess, MSC Fantasia
• December – Celebrity Solstice
Each ship is being built on the promise that it will be bigger and better than its current sailing rivals, with a strong focus on innovations at sea. We have ice rinks, rock climbing walls, F1 simulators, self leveling tables billiards, boxing rings, bowling alleys and 4 slides high covered with water. So everyone asking the big question is, what could come next?
Well, the answer is grass. Real growth of the green grass.
Celebrity Cruises has proudly announced that their latest addition to the fleet, Solstice, will have a grass lawn area where guests can "enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting, picnic with a basket of wine and cheese, or simply feel the grass between their toes, while sailing the seas of the world. "And, if all the grass is not too enthusiastic, you can go see the spectacle of hot glass another industry first.
Clever, or just bored?
Is this really the best they can reach? Or, are taking a bold step outside of the box innovation trend? In fact, ice rinks are a little on the small side, the only 4-lane bowling alley, and someone who really has not want to go boxing?
Apparently, the cruise companies are measuring their success on the uniqueness of the innovations of his boat, but I wonder if that is what Typical cruise passengers today is really looking for.
Before 1960 cruise was all about the destination, the ship only to provide a comfortable accommodation. Then came more emphasis on the journey itself, with the experience on board becoming as important as the destination. It seems that now could face a U-turn, cruises with more and more willing to explore new, "undiscovered" places that offer a more intimate cruise experience that simply can not afford mega shirts offer.
In spite of this, the cruise industry seems to be struggling with confidence ahead with its bigger is better approach with Royal Caribbean's mind blowing Genesis project on the horizon. Building, by far the largest ships at sea, 2009 will see a ship has a capacity of more than 5000 passengers with a tonnage gross tonnage and upwards to 220,000 tonnes compared to the largest, the Queen Mary 2 at a mere 160,000 tons, a figure very prominently.
Surely there must be concern for the damage they can cause a ship that big. For a long time, cruise ship injury seems to have been ignored, when in fact they are one of the largest in the world uncontrolled sources of air pollution, and, surprisingly, more damaging than flying. Sewage, oil pollution and damage to coral reefs are a source of growing concern.
Royal Caribbean have recognized this and have stated that one of the most important priorities for new ships is energy efficiency and waste minimization for the ship and the environment as possible.
What is annoying you can not control the landing tails, the port through overcrowding and ports easily accessible. But at least there is a boxing ring to let out all those frustrations, if not already booked up …
So what comes next? Although some cruise lines are down more subtle route, others are sailing at full speed ship with its innovative features. What do you think of the current innovations cruise? Have you ever made use of them while on board? Could a clue ice and bowling influence their choice of ship? What do you imagine future innovations can be? And you fancy a trip to the Genesis class ships?
About the Author
Genna Roberts is web editor at Inside Cruise – an online cruise community packed with all the latest cruise news, reviews and features.
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