You have probably been on a cruise ship or sailed on one. If so, you may have wondered what happens when the ship is retired. 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 eerie things about cruise ships is the number of ships that have been abandoned by their owners or simply sunk in order to make way for newer, more profitable ones. Some of these ships remain moored in ports and can be used as tourist attractions. Other ships have been taken to shipbreaking yards around the globe, where they will be scrapped.
General Slocum was one of the most well-known examples of this ship type. It was a small, fireboat-powered boat that used coal to burn down in the US during World Wars II. Its hull was later salvaged and put on display at the US National Maritime Museum in New York City.
The Queen Mary, a Long Beach ship that has been known to be a graveyard for cruise ships, is another. There are tours available of the former cruise liner, which is now permanently moored in Long Beach.
It is possible to repurpose ships that have been retired. Some of these ships are turned into hotels, convention centers and 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
Certain cruise lines offer special programs to retirees, which allow them to live aboard their ships and enjoy all the benefits of cruising. These rooms are designed for full-time living, with six-month and yearly lease options. You also have access all of the food items and amenities 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 be extremely luxurious and provide a wonderful way for retired people to spend their days.
What Happens to Retired Cruise Ships
A ship breaking yard is a facility that takes six to eight months to dismantle a cruise ship. These yards are available all over the globe, including in India and Bangladesh.
Apart from the "shipbreaking yards", there are many shipwrecks left in the sea. These wrecks are popular tourist destinations, including the World Discoverer which struck a reef off Solomon Islands and the Olympia which grounded off Amorgos Island, Greece.
FAQ
How long does it take from port to port?
The distance between the port, the ship's speed, and other factors affect the time it takes to get to the port. Important to remember that some ships dock very close by shore, so they can unload their passengers as quickly as possible. Other ships dock farther away from land so it takes longer time for the ship arrive.
Can I bring my pet with me?
Most cruise lines allow pets to travel on board. There are limitations. You must ensure that your pet is healthy enough for travel. You should not allow pets that are too sick to travel onboard. Second, service dogs are not allowed onboard. Service dogs are trained for disabled persons. Finally, you cannot bring any type of dangerous animal on board.
Do I need to dress up when going on a cruise ship?
No, you don't need to wear formal attire or anything fancy. Relax and be comfortable.
What is a cruiseship vacation like?
The best way to describe a cruise ship vacation is as an all-inclusive experience where you are provided for at all times. You have access to everything, from entertainment, restaurants, spas, activities, and excursions. You can enjoy your stay and also relax. Your sense of adventure is all you need!
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)
- The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle. (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)
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How To
How to stay safe while on a cruise ship
On a cruise ship, there are many things you should know before embarking on your journey. 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 to help you enjoy your trip.
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Always be aware of what is happening around you. People often gather onboard cruise ships to share meals. It is easy to lose sight of your task when you are surrounded by people who want food and chat. This should not distract from what you are supposed do. If you notice someone engaging in dangerous behavior, such as smoking, or drinking alcohol, politely tell them to stop.
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Always keep your room key close to you when you board the ship, and hand over your room key to the person checking you in. You'll be easily found if something happens. Also, make sure to have your passport.
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Keep valuables out-of-reach Most cabins are equipped with drawers beneath the bed. It is a good place to store valuables like money, credit cards, passports, etc. You should also make sure that nothing of value is visible. Place your bags in the closet.
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Keep hydrated. It can be hard to remember that cruise ships provide ample water. Make use of the free bottled water provided throughout the ship. Do not become dehydrated. You will feel tired and cranky which can lead to accidents or fights.
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Attention to announcements. Announcements are displayed everywhere, including on TV screens. They contain safety procedures, emergency exits, weather reports, and more. These announcements need to be taken seriously. These announcements might save your own life.
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Always lock the cabin before you leave. Never leave your cabin unlocked, no matter how friendly a crew member seems. Thieves are known to break in through doors that are not locked. You should ask the crew for permission before you use the restroom.
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Avoid going overboard alone. The crew will need to wait for you to be rescued if you do fall overboard. Your body may be attracted by sharks and other sea creatures. It's best to wait until help arrives.
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It is forbidden to smoke in the elevator. These elevators are pressurized, meaning smoke can build up quickly. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, get off immediately. Even though the air outside is fresh, it doesn't mean breathing is safe.
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The evacuation procedure. Every year, many people die in elevators. In an emergency, you should follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
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Learn the basics of the fire drill. Fire drills are usually conducted once per day. Everyone on deck must evacuate when there is a drill. Follow the instructions given by 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. For example, raw oysters are forbidden aboard most cruise ships. If you aren’t certain whether or not the food that you’ve been served is safe for you, please politely decline to accept it and find another meal.
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Be careful when using the pool. Many people have fallen into the pools by accident. You should not fall into the pools unless someone spots you. It is also possible to slip on the ground. Always wear appropriate footwear and pay close attention to what's around you.