Chances are there will be some expert like a naturalist, park ranger or professor on board to discuss the native wildlife of a destination or maybe a respected author or diplomat joining the cruise to present informal lectures on cultural or other related topics. On the more casual small ships, a crew member may do informal talks about astronomy one night or maybe sailing techniques. You first-timers out there will be bowled over the first time you lay eyes on the massive megas. They have 12 to 15 decks of shops, restaurants, bars, lounges, and cabins of all shapes and sizes. Most have a multi-story atria awash in neon and brass, three or four swimming pools and hot tubs, glitzy casinos with hundreds of slot machines and dozens of card tables, four or five restaurants, jogging tracks, movie theaters, pizzerias, and computer rooms, rigged up with email and Internet access.
Vast spaces dedicated to kids include wading pools, playrooms, teen discos and video arcades.
Spas and gyms are huge, boasting dozens of exercise machines and massage rooms. A small ship may have only one restaurant and a bar or two, and maybe a pianist will entertain before dinner. There could be a movie shown afterwards or a crew talent show. There's usually one all-purpose lounge, where passengers can congregate to chat, read, and listen to a presentation about the destination, and a tiny book and video library. Some small ships have gyms and spas, albeit modest ones.