Cruise ship is a passenger ship designed to provide an enjoyable vacation experience. Cruise ships carry passengers to one or more destinations over a set period of time. A modern cruise ship is huge. Like a floating hotel, it may accommodate several thousand passengers and crew. In addition to guest rooms, cruise ships have restaurants and shops, and many feature spas, fitness centers, swimming pools, theaters, and casinos. Some even feature water slides, golf centers, tennis courts, skating rinks, and zip lines.
Popular cruise destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. When a cruise ship comes into a port, guests may make sightseeing excursions into the city or take tours to sites in the local countryside.
The operation of cruise ships began in the mid-1800’s, when large ocean liners provided passage for businessmen and immigrants across the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. The ocean liners of the 1930’s were among the most luxurious ever made. They provided magnificent staterooms and fine dining to members of high society on the upper decks, and less expensive room and board to steerage passengers on the lower decks.
