Pools & Wellness
Swimming pools, hot tubs, sun decks, and spa facilities for relaxation and fitness. Often includes multiple pool areas and may have adults-only zones.
Onboard Facilities
Onboard Facilities: Your Guide to Life at Sea
From pools and spas to theatres and promenades, modern cruise ships are floating resorts. This guide breaks down the facilities you'll find onboard, how they vary by ship, and how to make the most of them.
At a Glance
Facility Categories at a Glance
Onboard facilities can be grouped into several key categories, each offering distinct experiences. Understanding these categories helps you prioritise what matters most for your cruise.
Dining & Bars
Restaurants, buffets, cafes, and bars offering diverse culinary experiences. Range from casual to specialty dining, often with 24-hour options available.
Entertainment & Activities
Theatres, live music venues, casinos, and organised activities for all ages. Includes Broadway-style shows and casinos on many ships.
Outdoor & Recreation
Promenades, sports courts, rock climbing walls, and other active pursuits. Often features water slides and may include mini-golf.
Pools, Sun Decks & Wellness
Pools, Sun Decks & Wellness
Main Pool Areas
Most ships feature a main pool area with loungers, a pool bar, and often a large screen for movies or sports. Some ships have multiple pools, including quieter aft pools. Main pools are usually busy on sea days, while aft pools often offer quieter settings.
Adults-Only Retreats
Many cruise lines offer adults-only sun decks or solariums with padded loungers, whirlpools, and dedicated bar service, often at no extra cost or with a small fee. Examples include Celebrity's Solarium and Princess's Sanctuary, which may require reservation.
Spa & Thermal Suites
Onboard spas offer massages, facials, and thermal suites with heated loungers, saunas, and steam rooms. Access to thermal suites may be included in suite categories or available via day passes. Thermal suite day passes vary by ship, so book early for popular treatments.
Dining Venues & Bars
Dining Venues & Bars
Main Dining Rooms
Traditional cruise dining includes a main dining room with set or flexible seating, offering multi-course menus. Some ships now feature multiple main restaurants with different themes. Flexible dining is common on newer ships, and dress codes vary by evening.
Specialty Restaurants
Specialty venues, such as steakhouses, Italian trattorias, or sushi bars, usually incur an extra fee but offer a more intimate experience. Reservations are recommended. Fees typically range from $20-$60 AUD per person, and some lines offer dining packages.
Casual Eats & Bars
Buffets, poolside grills, cafes, and 24-hour pizza counters provide flexible options. Bars range from pool bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges and wine bars. Many ships have a pub or sports bar, and coffee shops often charge extra.
Entertainment Venues & Casinos
Entertainment Venues & Casinos
Theatres & Showrooms
Main theatres host Broadway-style productions, comedy acts, and guest performers. Showrooms may also host game shows and lectures. Shows are typically included in fare, and reservations may be required on large ships.
Casinos on Cruise Ships
Most cruise ships have a casino with slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and sometimes poker rooms. Casinos operate only while at sea and have age restrictions, usually 18+ on Australian-based ships. Age limit is 18 on ships departing Australia, and casinos are closed in port.
Live Music & Lounges
From piano bars to nightclubs, ships offer varied musical experiences. Many have dedicated venues for jazz, rock, or classical performances. Some ships have dueling piano bars, and nightclubs often open late.
Outdoor Decks & Recreation
Outdoor Decks & Recreation
Promenades & Observation Areas
Many ships feature wrap-around promenade decks for walking and jogging, plus observation lounges with panoramic views. These are ideal for scenic cruising. Promenade decks often have shuffleboard, and observation lounges may have bar service.
Sports & Adventure Facilities
Modern ships offer rock climbing walls, surf simulators, zip lines, mini-golf, and sports courts. Some have water parks with slides and splash zones for kids. Activities are usually included, but height and weight restrictions apply.
Facility Comparison
Facility Comparison by Ship Size
| Facility | Small Ships (under 1,000) | Mid-Size (1,000-2,500) | Large Ships (2,500+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dining options | Limited, often one main restaurant | More variety, specialty venues | Extensive, multiple specialty restaurants |
| Pools | One small pool | Two or more pools | Multiple pools, water parks |
| Casino | Usually none | May have a small casino | Large casino with many games |
| Entertainment | Limited lounge acts | Main theatre, live music | Broadway shows, multiple venues |
| Outdoor recreation | Promenade deck | Sports court, mini-golf | Rock climbing, surf simulators, zip lines |
Practical Tips
Practical Tips for Using Onboard Facilities
Tips for Popular Facilities
- Arrive early for pool loungers on sea days.
- Book specialty restaurants and spa treatments as soon as you board.
- Check daily schedules for entertainment.
- Use port days for quieter facilities.
- Consider dining packages for specialty restaurants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't assume all facilities are free; some have fees.
- Avoid peak times for popular venues.
- Remember that casinos only operate at sea.
- Check age restrictions for casinos.
- Reserve shows on large ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Most basic facilities like pools, gyms, and main dining are included. Specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and some activities may have extra fees.
Yes, on ships departing Australia, the minimum age for casinos is 18. Some international sailings may have higher age limits.
Most facilities remain open while in port, but some, like casinos, are closed. Pools and restaurants are usually available with reduced hours.
On large ships, it's recommended to book popular shows and specialty restaurants in advance, either before sailing or on embarkation day.