All ships have swimming pools and paddling pools for children, which are usually located on the upper decks. These pools are often equipped with accessories that can make your children's time there even more enjoyable (e.g. whirlpools, slides, etc.). In some areas, the pools and other water activities are adapted for younger passengers. Higher-class ships also have an outdoor pool with a retractable roof, which closes in case of inclement weather, creating a pleasant atmosphere for your rest and relaxation. The pools are filled with fresh sea water every day. The whirlpools have a pleasant temperature of 38°C and are not accessible to small children. Sun loungers and towels are available free of charge on the upper deck. Some ships have special sun decks for sunbathing, etc.
Every evening, theatrical performances are held in the ship's theatre, located at the bow of the ship. You don't have to worry about the language barrier, as the plays are designed for all guests on board and are easy to understand. They are also suitable for small children. The performances are scheduled according to the ship's programme, which you will receive every evening in your cabin along with a detailed programme for the whole day. Please note that the theatre performances are themed, with a different theme, genre, etc. each day. Therefore, if you do not enjoy one evening's performance, do not worry, visit again the next evening. You are sure to find a performance that will appeal to you.
The group of entertainers on board is there to keep you entertained throughout the day. We recommend participating in these activities. You can learn the steps of samba and salsa, exercise, or play bingo. We especially recommend the evening entertainment programmes with active client participation. Not only will you have fun, but you will also make new friends among the other guests and the ship's staff. Bring your cameras and video cameras to the theatre for the final gala evening. After the performance, you will usually have the opportunity to take photos with the performers. It will certainly be an extraordinary experience for you. Don't miss out on this activity.
All ships feature several themed bars and cafés that are open late into the night. In some, you can sing karaoke, listen to a pianist, enjoy excellent wines and sparkling wines, or just spend a pleasant evening with friends. There is always a nightclub with a disco open. If you burn a lot of energy while having fun, a midnight buffet is available. Travellers with a hidden poker genius or a passion for roulette can try their luck in the ship's casinos. Photography and video recording are not permitted in the casino. Children are not allowed.
Drink packages can be used in most of these areas. Their distribution and description can be found in the section Packages and bundles.
There is a wide range of games and sports activities on offer during the days at sea. You will find, for example, a running track, a multifunctional sports field (basketball, volleyball, mini football), table tennis, aerobics, aqua aerobics, yoga, a gym (with the option of a personal trainer), a climbing wall for climbers of various levels (with the option of a climbing course), and more. Each ship has different equipment (for more information, see Ships). The mini golf course is perfect for a more peaceful moment. Tennis rackets and balls can be borrowed from the entertainers or at reception. In this case, the shipping company staff will charge a deposit to your account for the borrowed equipment and then refund it when you return it.
The fitness centre is free of charge. Each fitness centre has professional staff. Only sports shoes are allowed in the fitness centre. Upon entry, you must fill out and sign a declaration that you are participating in these sports activities at your own risk. There is usually a relaxation room next to the fitness centre. Every morning, you can also meet lots of clients walking on the upper deck of the ship.
The spa with sauna, hammam, massage parlours, whirlpools and other treatments are a treat for the body and soul. There is also a beauty salon and hairdresser. Massages and other spa treatments are available for a fee and can be found at the front of the ship. Massages, saunas and hairdressing are available for a fee, and these services are usually cheaper when the ship is docked in port. Various special offers are also available. Higher-class ships have special benefits for Fantastica and Aurea class cabin guests. These include discounted access to the spa or a separate area on the ship for relaxation and rest.
All ships have areas and facilities reserved for children and young people. Children aged 2 to 12 and young people up to the age of 18 are looked after by professional leaders and can take part in various courses and fun activities, such as fancy dress parades, detective games, etc. If parents want to make some time for themselves without having to worry about their little ones, these services and childcare are available practically all day long. The ships offer young sailors dedicated rooms, clubs and areas with swimming pools and other water activities. There is a games room for the whole family with video arcade machines offering a wide range of action, motor racing and sports simulators and other games. Simulators, 4D cinemas and bowling are chargeable services, while the kids' club is free of charge.
Two gala evenings are held during the eight-day cruise. The first gala evening is a welcome with the captain. During the first gala evening, the captain will usually invite you for a glass of sparkling wine or martini before dinner. After the gala dinner, clients are usually invited to an audience with the captain, where the captain personally greets each participant of the cruise and a souvenir photo is taken, which you can then purchase at the photo desk. Visit the theatre that evening, where all the ship's senior officers will be introduced at the beginning. Another interesting day is Italian Day at Sea, when the cruise company tries to showcase Italian cuisine, wines, customs and dances. Attendance at the dinner in the colours of the Italian tricolour is very welcome. The final gala evening is usually held the day before the end of the cruise. The performers and ship's management will come to say goodbye to you in the theatre, and the performance will culminate in a grand finale.
All cabins are equipped with a television with satellite channels in various languages, depending on where the ship is currently sailing. Ships often also offer a large selection of films via television – a selection of current cinema releases available to everyone at any time on a pay-per-view basis. Some channels are reserved for internal use on the ship and provide basic information about the ship, the voyage, safety regulations and news during the voyage.