Judging by the ever increasing success of the new mega-ships, there are plenty of people that want to experience a vacation in a floating city - complete with a mall! In return the cruise company gain 'economies of scale' and can make bigger profits, yet offer cheaper fares.

Carnival cruise lines, for example, have enjoyed fantastic success with big and often ‘brash’ ships. However, their ships are NOT full of people who are interested in the history of Ocean Liners. They are full Mr and Mrs average, who are looking for a good time in a floating 'Las Vegas' like resort.

I think that much of the modern day success of ‘Cruise Holidays’, is due to the fact, that American’s can now visit the remotest parts of the world, yet take an increasing bigger slice of America with them. Look at the evidence: you can visit Africa, Alaska or Antarctica, yet still eat lobster tails in an air conditioned restaurant, drink Bud and watch a Broadway show each evening. A tour bus will transport you to all the tourists sites, while insulating you from the local culture. You don’t even need to exchange your dollars for foreign currency. In the tourist trade, it’s called ‘soft adventure’. In many ways it is a very comfortable experience, but it is also a little sad, in my opinion.

There always will be a market 'niche' for smaller 'classic' ships and a more traditional cruising experience. Cunard for example, specialise in the more traditional and exclusive approach. However, I think that the floating 'shopping malls' are here to stay, for a while anyway. You and I may not be booking onto the ‘Voyager’, but I’m sure that thousands will!

Malcolm

On a page titled "LONG LIVE THE QUEEN" I quote, "..as part of the Queen Elizabeth 2's refurbishment, England's most famous purveyor of all things good, Harrods, will open on board with at selection of the fine merchandise which has made their U.K. shops the benchmark for luxury shopping."

I don't really know what size shop/store, however I bet it will be fairly large, as to sell the "English Experience" at sea. And to produce more on board revenue $$.

And by the way, I'm not really sure if I like this Shopping Mall, thing that much, I do like the idea of having a new area to stroll upon, new activies- ice skating shows, tv broadcast from on the ship by passengers, street performers, rock climbing, etc. There will always be a demand for new activities and distractions. However, I do not find JOHNNY ROCKETS charming. You will find me on Voyager one day, but you will NOT find me in JOHNNY ROCKETS! What next, Taco Bell and Dunkin Donuts??

I just don't understand why so many people are against Voyager of the Seas having a Johnny Rockets onboard. It's kind of a novelty to have the fifties burger place on the ship. I live 10 minutes from one of the largest malls in the country, The Mall of America here in Minneapolis and they have a Johnny Rockets. Lighten up everyone - The VOTS is such a BIG ship they have room to put in a franchised malt & Burger shop - I think passengers will enjoy it. By the way there have been franchises on cruise ships for years - The Steiners, the Casino, the photographers...these are all concessions, why not a popular burger shop? I think they really should put in an Inn & Out Burger place over Johnny Rockets, because I think they have better burgers but that's all I have to say about that.

Think of the VOTS as a BIG experiment for building even bigger ships...

I like the the smaller classic ships too, in fact I just got off a seven day cruise aboard the SeaBreeze which was wonderful. In Cozumel we docked right next to the Disney Wonder and the contrast in size was funny - that little SeaBreeze was such a tiny ship next to that big Wonder. Most of the people on the SeaBreeze were looking over at the Wonder, wondering what it would be like and how much it would cost to go on a ship like that.

I do love these small ships and am planning to go on Sunbird next year, but I really think that is big enough for a ship.

See Mercy's post on Cruise Ships board re sports activities.