Cruise Ship as a Case of Life

The cruise ship as a holiday destination is getting remarkably popular if you go by the fact that revenue through cruises, worldwide, in 2024 was 43 billion dollars compared to only eight billion dollars in 2020.

If the cruise ship is precepted by most people as a five-star holiday destination, running on the waters of crystal blue and green oceans, where food, activities and cuisine are all extravagant in nature, there is much more to it, if you look through an introspective eye.

It is an appropriate example of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is family). In the `Carnival Panorama’ Cruise Ship that I sailed in, there were people from 60 countries. That, all these 4,800 of them were cruising along in harmony and with smiles and greetings to each other proved that humanity is at its best when we live as one species, leaving aside religion and nationalities.

'Carnival Panorama' also gives you the freedom to choose the lifestyle that you would like to have on this one week of fun and merriment. Food of so many regions of the world and liquor are available in plentiful. Besides the breakfast, lunch and dinner that is a royal spread, you have the pizza counter serving you pizzas 24x7 and burgers throughout the day. It’s your choice whether you want to binge thoughtlessly or use this freedom with responsibility by being disciplined in your food intake. Such a scenario is seen in our everyday life too where we have so many options and it is upto us to choose and pick and enjoy or suffer the consequences.

That, creativity and entertainment should be a part of our daily lives and not just be made of serious humdrum; manifested in the ship through a variety of top class shows. Be it the Pianist who played every night, the Karaoke nook, the Art Gallery where paintings were auctioned, the Atrium which resonated with talented vocalists, the live dance and theatre shows in the large auditorium, the movies on big screen and sports like Pickleball, Baseball and Table Tennis on the top deck and Bingo (housie) games - the variety was mind boggling and it made your heart sing. Surely, in our daily life, we would do good with nooks and katas of such kind in our public spaces.

Another stunning aspect was technology that was used on this ship. Besides the technical aspects of it, you had photographers catching you in the public spaces on several decks, and clicking them with great creativity and adroitness. The moment they clicked you, they would ask your room number and you could see them in special computer tablets that dotted near many sit outs, where you could sit and check on the pics. If you like them, you buy them or then ignore. This not only gave lucrative business to the photographers, but it gave a lifetime memories to the hundreds of families who had come to enjoy this most trending holiday.

It was fascinating to see so many young Indians working in the restaurants, kitchens, housekeeping and security sections. Some of them who I talked to were happy with employment here as it gave them respectful salaries, perks and holiday of three months every year to spend time at home.

A cruise ship is the perfect world where each one is so relaxed and peaceful and is so compassionate to one another; is so tolerant of one another and all live in fresh air and happiness. A perfect receipe for a cheerful life. Worth saving up for one such holiday!