Tips For Navigating Big Ships

Cruise ships are becoming increasingly larger and some people worry about navigating them. However, cruise lines will often use clever little methods to help you find your way around a ship, particularly the big ones. All cruise lines produce deck plans, which are published online. This will be a good starting point to help you navigate before even boarding the ship. In addition, there are many online videos and photos of ships which give you a virtual tour and help you to develop a sense of where things are in relation to each other. Once onboard, you will notice good signage on all ships. Usually, the best of the signs are around stairs and lifts. Many ships now have interactive boards, so you can click on different deck numbers to see what's on that deck, or click on certain facilities such as restaurants, and it will flag up the location. You will also soon pick up on certain landmarks, like a certain staircase, piano, or sculpture, that is near to something you use. This will help you to get your bearings. However, some ships also use subtle differences from one part of the ship to another to help you figure out where you are. Virgin Voyages uses colour coded carpets throughout their ships. There are three different colours to distinguish forward, midship and aft. As long as you've remembered which colour is which, you'll have no problem knowing which part of the ship you are in. Equally P&O has introduced coloured wall art to the stairs and lift areas. Blue at the forward part of the ship (think of the horizon), silver/grey in midship (think of the moon and stars) and red at the aft of the ship (think sunset).

To find out more about cruising, or to book your cruise with a Certified CLIA Member and Cruise Specialist, please get in touch via the contact form for Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays. Created by Julie @ Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays, Nov 2021