Cruise ships are full of wonderful amenities. From convenience features to relaxing and beautiful spaces on board, cruise lines are always coming up with great innovations for their guests. We recently asked our readers which cruise ship amenities they’d like to see on all cruise ships. While balcony hammocks, bars to fit every mood, and more electrical outlets are good answers too, here are 10 of the most popular responses.

10 Features and Amenities We Wish Were on All Cruise Ships

1. Smart elevators

Several cruisers said they’d love to see smart elevators on every cruise ship. For those who are unfamiliar, smart or “destination” elevators use advanced technology to make using an elevator quicker and more efficient. Instead of simply pushing the “up” or “down” arrows, you input the exact deck you’re headed to on a screen in the elevator bank. Then, you are directed to a specific elevator that will get you to your destination the fastest. Inside the elevator, there are no floor buttons because the lift already knows where its riders are going.

Though there can be hiccups with destination elevators and they don’t work perfectly every time, they really are a great tool to save time and improve the general elevator experience, especially on the largest ships in the world like Icon of the Seas.

2. Wearable technology

Among the up-and-coming cruise ship amenities, wearable technology changes the game for most cruise lines that implement it. Cruise lines that implement some form of wearable RFID technology (usually in the form of a bracelet) include Disney, Princess, MSC, and Virgin.

Some key functions of these bracelets include the ability to unlock your cabin door, make onboard purchases, and scan on and off the ship at ports of call. Essentially, they negate the need to take out your cruise card in most situations — some lines don’t even issue them anymore. We don’t necessarily think that wearable technology would be a perfect fit for every cruise line or cruise passenger. However, we do agree with our readers in that it would be great to see this type of tech added to many more ships in the future.

3. Non-smoking casino

Most new cruise ships have good systems for keeping the smoke from cigarettes away from non-smokers in the casino, like powerful ventilation systems and smoking sections that are completely separate and closed off from the rest of the casino. However, it continues to remain a problem for lots of cruisers on lots of ships.

The fact does remain, though, that most ships currently sailing are older and don’t have those types of updated features. Because of that, smoke is still a major problem for many guests in and around the casino. While some ships’ casinos are completely smoke-free, that’s by far the exception and not the rule. Many cruisers want to ban smoking from the casino — and all indoor areas — entirely. However, we don’t know how the cruise lines will handle this in the future. Right now, the best solution for everyone is probably having a separate smoking room in the casino along with excellent ventilation.

4. Self-service laundry rooms

Laundry can be a tricky thing to manage on vacation. Unless you have a whole rental house with a washer and dryer to yourself, there may not be any great options; this applies to cruising as well. Cruise ships do have laundry service, where you can send away pieces of clothing for the crew to wash, dry, and fold, however, this can be a pricey service. Some cruise lines offer a limited amount of free laundry service to guests in their higher loyalty tiers, but most passengers don’t have access to that privilege.

A limited number of cruise ships do have laundry rooms on the stateroom decks that guests can use. Some premium and luxury lines allow guests to use them for free (such as Viking and Azamara) but the majority charge for laundry detergent and use of the washers and dryers. Having access to a self-service laundry room — whether paid or free — is a great amenity that allows cruisers to pack lighter and not worry as much about getting their clothes dirty. We agree that it would be great to see self-service launderettes on every cruise ship.

5. No self-serve buffets

Self-serve buffets have always been a divisive topic among cruisers, and even more so in recent years since COVID. Some guests love the freedom to browse food items, choosing their exact portions and preferences without having to hand their plate over to a crew member. Others argue that self-serve buffets are unsanitary, especially when it comes to the utensils that are handled by lots of people between being replaced.

When asked, many of our readers said they’d love to see cruise ships do away with self-serve buffets all together. To us, this can mean one of two things. First, it could mean the buffet is operated like many already do: gloved crew members serve the food to guests and the utensils are never touched — and the food isn’t breathed on — by anyone else. Second, it could mean a move towards more of a food hall situation like The Galley on Virgin Voyages or Indulge Food Hall on NCL. These usually include either table service or picking up food that’s already portioned onto individual plates.

6. Observation Lounge

An observation lounge, which is typically found at the front of a ship, used to be a staple in cruise ship amenities. While they are still frequently included, they aren’t as common in new builds as they once were. These lounges are typically two-story, airy spaces with floor to ceiling windows and lots of comfy seating — putting the focus squarely on the views beyond the ship. They also often include a bar and light bites for guests to enjoy.

As cruise lines put more focus on outdoor deck space, thrilling attractions, and specialty restaurants, large observation lounges don’t always make the cut. But we, along with many other cruisers, think they’re well worth the space they occupy. There’s nothing like settling down with a beverage in hand in an air conditioned (or heated) lounge enjoying conversation and great views with loved ones in one of the best spots on the ship.

7. 24-hour pizza

When on vacation, food is a huge part of the fun all hours of the day and night. One of the top cruise ship amenities that many guests wish was on every ship is pizza available 24 hours a day, every day of the cruise. While many cruise lines do offer this (or a nearly 24-hour schedule), where passengers can grab a few slices on their way from the bar to the nightclub, as a pre-bedtime snack, or as a (gasp!) breakfast option, not all of them do.

8. Access to the bow

As people who consider both the ship and region we’re sailing to be the “destination” of a cruise, we love wide open viewing areas on board. Alongside plenty of deck space on the top decks and outdoor wraparound promenades, we love to see a cruise ship that has a bow accessible to guests. Sometimes, this may just be a narrow walkway to enjoy as you stroll on by, or a simple open deck with a few lounge chairs. Other times, it may be a normally-inaccessible deck that’s only opened to guests for special occasions.

For example, I once took a cruise in the Norwegian fjords on a ship that had a wide open bow with a helipad on it. It wasn’t usually open to guests, but one morning as we sailed through a fjord the crew opened it to everyone to take in the incredible views. Being that far forward and that close to the water and surrounding walls of the fjord was magical. Access to the bow is one of the best outdoor features a ship can have, and we wholeheartedly agree that more ships should include it.

9. Spa thermal suite

In our opinion, the best part of a cruise ship’s spa is the attached thermal suite. This relaxing area includes cruise ship amenities such as a steam room, sauna, aromatherapy showers, hydrotherapy pool, snow room, heated loungers, and sometimes even an observation lounge or outdoor deck with plush lounge chairs.

It’s a great way to spend a few hours on a sea day or wind down and sooth your tired muscles after a busy day in port. Plus, you’re probably getting a better deal paying for a thermal suite pass on a cruise than you would be to enjoy comparable amenities at a spa on land. Some more premium or luxury cruise lines even include access to this area for free!

10. Covered pool

As much as we love cruising, one thing we hate is getting out of the pool and becoming freezing cold due to the relentless wind — even on a clear day, ocean breeze can be no joke. For instances like this, or when you’re sailing in a chilly region or passing through a rainstorm, having an indoor pool on a cruise ship is a wonderful option. It allows those who want to go for a swim the choice between being outside in the breeze and sunshine or taking a dip in a more protected, warm environment.

Even better is a feature that provides both options, already found on many cruise ships: pool decks with retractable roofs. Some cruise ships from lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, MSC, and Viking already have this amenity. Many cruisers would love to see it on even more cruise ships going forward.

Comments

What other cruise ship amenities and features would you add to this list? Do you agree with all these selections? Drop us an anchor below to share what you’d love to see on all cruise ships in the future.