Why would you board an old ship? You are missing out if you ignore the ships that were built 15 or 20 years ago. Here are some good reasons to book an old cruise ship and why it can provide a better vacation for some people.
The word “old” is synonymous with submarines. Out of the popular cruise line the oldest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas which was built in 1996. It only looks old because of the technology that cruise ships have developed in recent years.
Once a new ship is built and every other ship in the fleet suddenly feels a little older, but don’t let the glitz and glamor of new ships stop you from seeing the benefits of sailing on old ships.
When I was booking my first cruise almost 14 years ago, I JUST wanted to book the newest and biggest cruise ship. As a newbie to sailing I had the same misconception that many rookie sailors have: thinking that only new ships offer good sailing opportunities.
Here are some good reasons to reserve a vintage boat:
1. It is very cheap
We will start with the obvious reason which is also a big reason for some travelers. Traveling on an old cruise ship can cost 30% – 50% more than a new cruise ship with the same itinerary.
Because there is so much hype and demand for new yachts out of the shipyards there is a high price tag to go with them. But if you want to cruise often and are on a tight budget, vintage cruise ships are the way to go.
You can also find last-minute deals on older cruise ships more easily than newer ships, so the more flexible you are with your schedule, the better.
2. Few people means small crowds
Most cruise ships built in the year 2000 and earlier carry about 2,000 passengers, twice that. Compare this with the 4,000 and 5,000 passenger numbers on cruise ships built in the last few years. Whether it’s a crowd boarding, boarding, walking, or at the buffet, the new and larger cruise ship can feel crowded in some places.
A small number of passengers and an old train can travel freely with personal services.
Much of the feeling of “crowdedness” comes down to design and space on the deck.
We explained this in detail in our post comparing the number of places/guests for each operating train. It’s an interesting read if you want to see which ships have more space than others.
Related: 12 tips to avoid overcrowding on a cruise ship
3. Close cooperation
Cruises in the 65,000 to 90,000 square foot range are favored by regular cruises. And old ships are usually found in small to medium-sized groups. Spaces are small and very compact. This also means less travel back and forth. Of course, the elevators help to get up and down a bit, but so far there are no people on cruise ships to travel the length of this floating area.
From lounges and pools to dining rooms and gyms, a cruise ship built decades ago can often provide the air of luxury that regular travelers who don’t mind the bells and whistles of modern ships simply enjoy.
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4. Location and special features
There are some features on older ships that cannot be found on newer builds. While sailing the 20-year-old Caribbean Princess I was fascinated by the stern of the ship. Above the aft pole is a very special lounge that gives the ship its unique look. The Skywalker Nightclub on deck 19 offers great views and is a quiet place to relax during the day. It also provides shade over the aft pool, creating an inviting space.
Another popular spot is the Viking Crown Lounge on Royal Caribbean ships, which has been a cruise staple since the 70’s. This bowl-shaped upper lounge offers amazing views and is one of my favorite places to visit while cruising. This resort has been discontinued on new ships, however, you must have booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for at least 15 years to enjoy it.
5. Acknowledgment of emotions and traditions
Vintage ships embrace nostalgia and tradition, and this is readily apparent in the designs of some of these timeless ships. It is an excellent choice for passengers who want to connect with the best time on the sea. These ships often have a sleek design similar to that of a vintage cruise ship, with beautiful lines, sleek fans, and a sleek design. The interior decoration shows paintings, beautiful paintings, and grand staircases.
6. More flexibility and destination
The fact is that today’s large ships cannot visit certain places because of their size. Older, smaller ships can navigate places that larger ships can’t reach. They fit under bridges that others can’t and can navigate narrow paths. Some older ships can use ships that larger ships can’t. These large ships have to use tenders to transport people which can take time.
There is another factor that new ships need to make more money and they tend to go to the general route instead of leaving it. You can often find rare and rare trips on an old train.
Related: The most popular sailing destinations for the month of the year
7. It may be your last chance to travel on the old train
When a ship reaches a certain age, its days are numbered. I was lucky enough to sail on the Carnival Imagination before it was retired and on Royal Caribbean’s beloved Majesty of the Seas after it was almost decommissioned.
These ships have loyal fans who love the intimate atmosphere and unique atmosphere. Cruises on these old ships give you one last chance to enjoy a historic ship before it is scrapped and sent to the scrapyard.
8. Adjust your loyalty rewards quickly
This goes back to the first principle about saving money on any trip. The more money you save on a cruise, the more often you can afford to cruise. Cruises on vintage ships are a very inexpensive way to take your loyalty to the next level. And that means more rewards and benefits for every trip you take after that.
Related: 8 cruise line loyalty programs compared
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Bottom line
Booking a vintage cruise ship has many advantages. These ships offer a charm and a special appeal that newer ships may lack. From timeless beauty to personal service, there is something special about these ships.
To see unknown places, to enjoy high-quality cuisine, and to immerse yourself in history are just a few reasons why you might consider traveling on a vintage ship. So why not embrace the opportunity to go back in time and create lasting memories that will make your trip one to remember.
Read more: Inside the cabin: 14 tips to get the most out of your cabin
