An article in this weeks Travel Weekly by the cruise editor, Tom Stieghorst, poses the interesting conundrum of the necessity of swimming pools on cruise ships.
A reason for this question to come up was his experience on the new ocean-going ship, the Viking Star. As I have mentioned before the Viking River Cruises position on their 40+ river ships is a no-swimming pool policy. Of course, one of the reasons for this policy is that they do not cater to families, but to the over 55 market. The new ocean-going Viking Star does have 3 pools; main pool midship, an infinity pool aft, and a counter-current pool in the spa area.
Mr. Stieghorst mentioned that he did not see a lot of activity in the Star pools during their April cruise of the Mediterranean; that could have been a factor of outside temperature, but after interviewing some of the passengers, another factor could be that the more mature man and woman do not like the way they look in a swimming suit.
A couple of cruise lines, which also cater to the more mature audience have announced that they are covering one of their two pools on deck and making dining areas out of them.
It is hard to imagine Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival closing any of their pools in favor of dining areas, but again, they cater more to the family demographic. I know my crew flock to them every chance they get.
Mentioning Carnival reminded me of the initiative they have instituted on some of their ships this year, that of bringing name entertainers on board for concerts for the passengers. In this instance, they are charging extra for the shows for general admission prices that range from $35 to $75 a person.
These are name entertainers that are performing. This spring they have had Journey, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Smoky Robinson, and Styx. The Band Perry will perform in Nassau for 3 days in July on Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, and Carnival Magic, followed there by Boston appearances on Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Sensation, and Carnival Ecstasy August 19-22. Lionel Richie will be performing in Nassau on the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Pride on Oct.14-15.
All performances will be in the main theatre of the ships while in port. Great idea, and of course, another revenue stream for the cruise line. Remember when these artist would give their eye tooth to be able to perform on a cruise ship? Have you noticed that Carnival has announced that they are planning on a trial basis charging for room service on a couple of their new ships. . . another revenue stream!!!
The experienced travel counselors at The Travel Factory would love to help you manufacture your dream cruise, with pools or without, with name entertainers or without, just whatever you want. Call us at 698-1421 or visit at 4150 Southwest Drive in Abilene.