Cruise ships then and now: 1995 to 2025

Over the years, cruise ships have undergone a remarkable transformation, fuelled by cruise lines’ passion for innovation and propelled by advancements in technology. From family-friendly vessels teeming with thrilling amenities to adults-only luxury retreats offering world-class spa experiences, modern cruise ships cater to every type of traveller. As ROL Cruise celebrates its 30th anniversary, we’re taking a nostalgic journey through the past three decades to explore how cruise ships have evolved into the extraordinary marvels they are today. 

In the early days of cruising, practicality often took precedence over comfort. However, as air travel surged in popularity during the 1950s, cruise lines shifted their focus towards leisure and luxury. By 1995, cabins were compact yet efficiently designed, with simple layouts that made them easy to navigate. Some featured themed décor, giving each ship its own distinct character. Most cruise lines provided comfortable bedding and high-quality linens to ensure guests enjoyed a peaceful sleep. While standard cabins were relatively basic by today’s standards, guests who booked suites enjoy enhanced luxury, with features like separate seating areas, whirlpool baths, and even butler service. Today, cruise accommodations have evolved significantly, with a more elevated experience throughout the entire ship. Guests enjoy spacious staterooms with modern furnishings, premium bedding, smart TVs, climate control, enhanced soundproofing, improved ventilation, and more for a more comfortable and connected experience. 

In 1995, cruise ship activities and entertainment were far more limited compared to the diverse and immersive experiences available today. During the day, guests could keep themselves busy with classic deck games such as shuffleboard, ping pong, and deck quoits. These popular pastimes encouraged friendly competition and social interaction. For those looking to relax and cool off, guests could enjoy a leisurely swim in the onboard swimming pool. Some ships also hosted poolside games and contests, such as relay races or synchronised swimming challenges, adding an extra layer of fun to the experience. Beyond games and swimming, many passengers enjoyed casual strolls along the promenade deck or reading in shaded lounge areas. Evening entertainment included live music with lively sing-alongs, magical theatre performances, and themed events like formal nights, masquerade balls, and tropical nights, enhancing the onboard festivities. 

While many of these activities remain popular today, modern cruise ships offer an even greater variety of entertainment and attractions. In addition to deck games, live music, and theatre productions, guests can now enjoy ships that boast multiple swimming pools, art studios, escape rooms, virtual reality experiences, and go-kart tracks, making today’s cruise experience more dynamic and exciting than ever before. 

Over the last three decades, technological advancements have transformed cruising by enhancing entertainment, connectivity, and even safety. From spectacular outdoor cinematic experiences on big screens to interactive gaming and beyond, technology has revolutionised entertainment on cruise ships. Similarly, guests are now more connected than ever while at sea. Wi-Fi on cruise ships was first introduced in the early 2000s, though it was slow, limited to public areas, and it could be quite pricey. In recent years, Wi-Fi has drastically improved with cruise ships boasting high-speed connectivity. Many cruise lines have developed apps which provide a seamless onboard experience. Some of these useful apps allow guests to check-in, make dining reservations, keep up to date with daily schedules, and even access their staterooms. Some cruise lines have opted for wearable technology, like a wristband or medallion, which let guests make contactless payments, access their rooms, and even track family members on board. Over time, safety has improved by introducing cutting-edge GPS and satellite navigation, advanced safety systems, and state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment such as modern lifeboats and evacuation systems. 

Thirty years ago, food and drink options on cruise ships were far more traditional and less diverse than they are today. While dining was still a key part of the cruise experience, there were fewer speciality restaurants, and menus primarily focused on fine dining rather than the global and casual options available on modern ships. The main dining room typically features a set multi-course menu each night, with guests assigned the same waiter and tablemates for the entire voyage. By 1995, some advancements had been made, with many cruise ships introducing one or two alternative dining venues. A buffet restaurant was commonly found on the Lido Deck, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though with far fewer choices than today’s expansive buffets. Modern cruise ships now prioritise variety and flexibility in dining. Guests can choose from an array of restaurants, including speciality venues serving succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and authentic Italian cuisine, as well as casual spots like pizza parlours, burger bars, and grab-and-go eateries. Dining is also far more flexible, with many ships offering seating and allowing guests to dine whenever they choose. Beyond dining rooms and buffets, today’s ships also feature bars, coffee shops, and fine dining establishments, ensuring guests have access to everything from quick snacks to gourmet meals. Whether passengers prefer a laidback meal or an elegant dining experience, modern cruise ships try to cater to every taste and preference. 

A cruise offers the chance to experience ultimate relaxation, and cruise lines go above and beyond to create the perfect balance of serene spaces and vibrant, lively areas to cater to every guest. Many cruise lines have enhanced their offerings to include state-of-the-art spas, providing a wide range of treatments such as soothing deep tissue massages, restorative facials, rejuvenating body scrubs, and hairdressing and beauty services like manicures and pedicures to leave guests feeling like the best version of themselves. In addition, many modern cruise ships feature relaxation rooms, saunas, thermal suites, swimming pools, and whirlpools to help guests unwind. Today’s gym and fitness facilities are more advanced than ever for those looking to maintain their fitness routine. Back in 1995, some cruise ships had small gyms which offered a limited selection of cardio machines and essential strength-training equipment. Fitness classes existed, but the variety was minimal compared to the range of options available today, including personal training and specialised workouts. Larger ships sometimes featured outdoor jogging tracks and space to work out, but these were much smaller than today's expansive outdoor areas. While a basic spa could be found on some ships, this was not as common as now. Wellness has become a much bigger focus as the cruise industry has evolved. 

Embarking on a cruise has become increasingly popular amongst families. Today, there are fantastic kids clubs for children and teenagers of all ages. Young cruisers are kept busy with various wonderful activities, including creative classes where they can draw or paint, video game tournaments, sport competitions, cooking classes, science experiments, nature experiences, themed parties, and much more. Family-friendly cruise lines recognise the importance of ensuring guests of all ages make the most of their time on board with engaging activities designed to stimulate the mind, keep them active, and help them form connections and socialise with other kids in their age group. This has evolved significantly since 1995, when youth and teen programmes offered far fewer activities for the young people on board. Children who attended youth programmes may have enjoyed scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and games. Some cruise ships had designated teen lounges which offered music and games, but this did not usually include any structured programming and was far less common than it is today.