If you have ever sailed on a cruise ship, chances are you have wondered what happens to an old cruise ship when it is no longer in service. These ships can often be quite large and may have seen a lot more passengers in their long life. However, as they age and become less efficient or too expensive to run, they are either sold off or scrapped.
What Happens to Old Cruise Ships?
One of the most unsettling aspects of cruise ship is the amount of ships that have been abandoned and/or sunk to make space for newer, more profitable ships. Some of these ships can still be moored at port and are used as tourist attractions. Others have been town to shipbreaking yards all over the globe where they are scrapped.
Among the most infamous cases of this type of ship are the General Slocum, which was a coal-burning fireboat that burned down in the US during the war. Later, the hull was salvaged and displayed at the US National Maritime Museum in New York City.
Another ship that is known to be a cruise ship graveyard is the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. As a tourist attraction, the Queen Mary is now permanently moored at Long Beach. Tours of the vessel can be arranged.
Repurposed ships can also be used for other purposes. Some of these ships can also be used as hotels, convention centers, or restaurants.
Some of these vessels were also turned into museums. Some vessels are also used to create artificial reefs that provide habitat for marine life.
Retired Cruise Ships Are a Very Different Kind of Holidayship
Some cruise lines offer special programs for retirees that allow them to live onboard their ship and enjoy all of the amenities that come with cruising. This includes rooms designed for full-time living with six month or yearly lease options, and access to all of the food and amenities that are available onboard the ship.
While these programs are not offered by other cruise lines, they do offer condos or apartments onboard for a premium price. These rooms can offer great ways for retirees to enjoy their retirement.
What happens when a cruise ship is retired?
A ship breaking yard is a facility that takes six to eight months to dismantle a cruise ship. There are a variety of these yards across the world, including ones in India and Bangladesh.
These "ship breaking yards" aren't the only shipwrecks. Many others have been abandoned at sea. Many of these wrecks are a popular tourist destination, including the World Discoverer that struck a reef off the Solomon Islands and the Olympia that grounded off Amorgos Island in Greece.
FAQ
Can I book my cruise prior to or after I have booked my airfare?
It all depends where you are going. It's better to book your cruise earlier than later because you have more flexibility on dates. For example, if you know you will be going to Europe during the summer months, you could plan a cruise around those dates. If you are traveling to Asia or South America, it is a good idea to book your cruise in the off-season to save on high season costs.
Is food available on a cruise or not?
Yes! All cruises come with complimentary food. To enjoy the food, you will need to purchase drinks.
The type of ship you sail on will affect the cost. A luxury liner cruiser may cost $20-30 per person, depending on the drink you purchase. The cost for a small vessel will likely be lower at $10-15 per individual.
What is cruising?
A deposit is required to reserve a cabin for a cruise. It can range from $50-$100. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check into your cabin when you arrive at the port. You may also take part onboard activities.
Can I bring my pet to the train?
Most cruise lines allow pets traveling on board. There are limitations. You must ensure that your pet is healthy enough for travel. Pets too sick to travel should be kept away from the plane. You cannot bring service dogs or any other animals to board. Service dogs are specially trained to aid disabled people. Finally, it is not permissible to bring any kind of dangerous animal onto board.
Why are cruise vacations so popular?
People who don't want long flights or delays but still want to enjoy a memorable vacation have found that cruises are increasingly popular. A cruise provides a tranquil environment for passengers to enjoy themselves, without worrying about their schedules or other details of everyday life.
It is also possible to travel by cruise ship, making it easier for tourists to visit different places on land as well as at sea. They have plenty of time to explore all the attractions and sights in each destination.
Do I need to dress up on a cruise?
No, you don’t have to be dressed in formal wear or fancy attire. Be comfortable and ready for relaxation.
Are there any disadvantages to cruising?
When considering the pros and con's of cruising, there are some things you need to be aware of. Some people may decide that they don’t want to spend the entire vacation on a yacht. Some people prefer to be closer to the shore or stay in a hotel. Others may be uncomfortable traveling so far from home. These worries can be easily overcome by taking a cruise that leaves you plenty of time to ashore.
Statistics
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
- You'll need to budget around $80 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. (travel.usnews.com)
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How To
How to be safe on a cruise ship
Before you embark on your cruise, there are many things that you need to know. It is essential that you know how to behave while onboard a cruise ship so you don’t get into trouble. Here are some safety tips you can use to make sure you have a great trip.
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Always be aware of what is happening around you. On cruise ships, people often congregate, especially at mealtimes. It's easy to become distracted from your duties because you're surrounded by people who want to chat and eat. Don't let this distract you from what you're supposed to do. If you see someone doing something dangerous, like smoking or drinking alcohol, tell them politely to stop.
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Keep your room keys close to your body when you board a ship. When you get onboard, hand your key over to the person checking you in. You'll be easily found if something happens. Keep your passport with you.
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Keep valuables out-of-reach Most cabins are equipped with drawers beneath the bed. It's a great spot to store money, passports, and credit cards. You should also make sure that nothing of value is visible. Your bags should be kept in the closet, so that no one can see them.
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Stay hydrated. Although cruise ships offer plenty of water, it can be difficult to remember to drink enough. Take advantage of the free bottled water available throughout the ship. Try to avoid getting dehydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue and make it difficult to concentrate, leading to arguments or even accidents.
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Listen to announcements carefully. Announcements appear everywhere, including on TV screens or public address systems. They include safety procedures and emergency exits as well as weather reports. Pay attention to these announcements. They could save your life.
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Always lock the cabin before you leave. No matter how helpful a crew member appears, you should never leave your cabin unlocked. Thieves can often get in through unlocked doors. Ask a crew member first if you need to use the bathroom.
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Avoid falling overboard alone. It may take time for the crew of the ship to rescue you if you fall overboard. In the meantime, sharks and other sea creatures may be attracted to your body. You should wait until help arrives.
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You should not smoke in an elevator. These elevators have high pressure, so smoke can build-up quickly. Get out as soon as you feel dizzy. It doesn't necessarily mean that breathing is safe, even though the outside air is clean.
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Know the evacuation procedure. Each year, thousands of people die after being trapped in elevators. Follow the screen's instructions if an emergency happens.
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Be familiar with the fire drill. Fire drills occur regularly, typically once per day. Everyone on deck must evacuate when there is a drill. Follow the instructions of the crew members. Once the drill has been completed, return back to your cabin.
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Before accepting food or drinks, ask questions. Cruisers frequently experience food poisoning. Many people don’t know that certain foods may not be safe to consume while aboard a cruise ship. On most cruise ships, raw oysters are prohibited. If you're not sure whether the food being served is safe, you can politely decline it and opt for another meal.
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Use the pool with caution There have been numerous instances of people accidentally falling into the pools. This is a common occurrence. It is also possible to slip on the ground. Always wear appropriate footwear and pay close attention to what's around you.