The ships are attractions themselves. Certainly ships have gotten larger, more glamorous, more expensive to build. Princess Cruises now holds the title for the world's largest cruise ship. Royal Caribbean attempted to best Princess with an updated Voyager of the Seas, which boasts an ice-skating rink, roller blading, rock climbing, even a promenade featuring daily parades a la Disney World. Still, most of the 5 million people, most of them recent retirees and seniors, who will take a cruise this year will go for the destinations, which are being expanded beyond the typical winter voyage to the Caribbean or the summer cruise to Alaska.
Passengers can also take trips to Asia, South America, even Africa on some lines.
The cost of cruises varies widely, but a general rule of thumb is to expect to shell out more money the more exotic the itinerary. Well, they really do dress like that for the ship's main dining rooms, but usually only on formal or captain's night. Otherwise, you can get away with a tasteful, simple outfit. But if you want to sloth around in jeans and flip flops, saunter over to the casual diner, or order room service. Many cruise lines offer a choice between first and second seating.