A cruise ship can be likened to a floating palace. It can afford the traveler an opportunity to relax, enjoy the ocean breeze and escape the rigors of everyday life. However, a cruise ship is also a place where one can gamble, dance the night away, and indulge in some masterfully prepared food.

As far as cruise ships go, variety is the key word. Some cruise ships are small and intimate, with room for only about 500 passengers. Then there are cruise ships so large that you could virtually get lost on them, and they can accommodate upwards of 4,000 passengers. Each cruise ship has its own special amenities and features, so before booking your cruise you will need to decide what type of trip you are looking for and do a bit of research.

Larger cruise ships will of course have more to offer than the smaller cruise ships. Those cruise ships that can accommodate thousands and thousands of passengers feature such amenities as personal choice dining. This option allows you to choose between casual, traditional, or specialty menus. Many cruise ships also have full service restaurants aboard, as well as exquisite dining rooms. The entertainment options on large cruise ships is also quite varied; choose from plush nightclubs, live bands, big screen movies, live theater as well as swanky casinos.

If you prefer to stay active during your time on the cruise ship, many of them offer 9 hole putting courses, jogging tracks, various swimming pools and spas, yoga classes as well as work out gyms. After a day full of activity, you can wind down by taking advantage of the ships’ library, or by browsing through the art gallery, as many larger cruise ships have on display beautiful art collections.

If you are a die-hard shopper, you will certainly be able to indulge on a cruise ship. Many of them feature glorious boutiques that carry upscale, name brand clothing and gift items. Shop for jewelry, perfume, or maybe a special souvenir for that friend you left back on dry land!

The room options aboard a cruise ship will leave you wondering; suite with a balcony, ocean view or interior room, family suite, mini-suite or a grand suite? The possibilities seem endless. Furthermore, you can also rest assured that in the unlikely event that should you become injured or ill while aboard the cruise ship, there is always a licensed medical doctor aboard, as well as a trained medical staff.

Another cool thing about cruise ships is that they go just about anywhere you could possibly imagine. While enjoying your journey, you will probably have the opportunity to travel ashore as the cruise ship docks and allows time for day trips. A cruise ship can be a wonderful way to spend a vacation, and with so many options, you will be able to find a cruise ship that offers exactly what you are looking for.