You no longer eat with strangers and 9 other ways cruising has changed

Oh buoy, cruising has come a long way in my two decades at sea. The evolution is no surprise; it's how cruising has survived since the 19th century. From subtle shifts to modern marvels, here are 10 big changes - and what they mean for your next holiday.

I'm so old that I remember pay-by-the-minute satellite internet and shared computers in 'cyber cafes'. In those early days, it wasn't worth bringing my laptop on a cruise. Fast-forward to 2026 and I'm working remotely from the middle of the ocean. Thanks to high-speed Starlink, I can upload videos, stream Netflix and FaceTime my friends.

Tech is on every deck. The daily program is on your phone instead of paper. Cruise cards on lanyards have been replaced by wristbands and apps that unlock cabin doors, order drinks and track your children. I miss the freedom of leaving all my devices at home.

Until the 1980s, passengers had to sit at the same table with the same people at the same time every evening. Couples and solo travellers would be placed together, and families had strangers dining with them. It was a fun way to mingle, but sometimes you got stuck with incompatible companions. The only escape was to eat elsewhere, usually at the buffet, or awkwardly ask to be moved.

Today's ships offer flexible seating and multiple venues, so you can dine when you want, with whoever you want. The quality of food is also better, although I think the peak culinary era was pre-pandemic.

Formal night still exists on some ships, but the dress code has eased. Tuxedos and ballgowns are not necessary. Jackets without a tie, cocktail dresses and other smart outfits are acceptable. It might happen once a week, or not at all, and you can skip it by going to a non-formal restaurant.

Back in the day, I avoided every show at sea. I could not bear another overwrought rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. Finally, the entertainment has caught up with the outside world. Cruise lines are commissioning Broadway hits, original theatre, ice-skating and high-diving spectaculars. Ships have comedy clubs, jazz lounges, blues bars, speakeasies, silent discos, concerts, cabaret, burlesque and drag shows. When I'm dancing at the poolside parties, private islands and nightclubs, I forget where I am. The musicians, singers, dancers, DJs and comedians are as talented as anyone you will see on land.

There was a time when the ship was an afterthought and a sea day was an interruption to endure. These days, many people book a cruise purely for the ship. They might even stay onboard rather than disembark in a port. Infinity pools, waterslides, thrill rides, sports courts, games arcades, wellness zones, spas, bars, free food and friendly crew are just a few reasons to settle in.

A cabin used to be somewhere you slept and showered. Modern staterooms and suites are bigger, sleeker and cleaned twice a day. As indulgent as five-star hotel rooms, cruise ship accommodation features king beds, pillow menus, mood lighting, marble bathrooms, smart TVs, on-demand movies, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and plenty of storage. The balcony may have a hot tub or a hammock, and an outdoor table to enjoy your room service. Passengers spend more time relaxing in their cabins because these comforts and privacy are hard to leave.

The industry's commitment to sustainability has escalated from marketing buzzword to operational priority. Environmental responsibility has been significantly improved in every area - waste reduction, energy efficiency, shore power, cleaner fuel, quieter engines, water conservation, carbon offsetting, product sourcing, itinerary planning, destination stewardship, and biodiversity protection. Some changes are visible. That 'smoke' you see spewing from the funnels is likely to be steam or water vapour.

Ocean cruising continues to dominate, but other niches are catching up. Expedition cruising is the fastest-growing sector, especially in polar regions, while river vessels are consistently sold out. Yacht cruising, largely launched by hotel brands, is another reinvention that attracts first-timers. This diversity of choice is unprecedented.

Traditional voyages were for older, wealthy retirees. Cruise lines now cater to younger people, a wider range of nationalities, multi-generational families, adventurers, LGBTQ+ and solo travellers - often on the same ship. Cruising has evolved beyond its outdated stereotypes and The Love Boat cliches. With all the developments in recent years, there's likely a cruise that suits your style, even if you never thought you'd try it.