15 ’90s Cruise Ship Trends That Are Long Gone
Cruise ships in the 1990s had several trends and features that have since been replaced by new styles, technologies, and guest expectations.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Cruise travel in the 1990s looked very different from today’s experience. Ships were smaller, entertainment was simpler, and onboard services reflected the trends of the time. Many features that were once standard have disappeared as cruise lines modernized their fleets and adjusted to new demands.
1. Smaller Ship Sizes
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Cruise ships in the 1990s were much smaller than those sailing today. A typical large ship carried around 2,000 passengers, compared to over 5,000 on newer vessels. The smaller size gave a more relaxed and personal feel, but it limited the number of amenities. Modern ships now focus on size to include more restaurants, shows, and activities.
2. Formal Dress Codes Every Night
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Passengers in the ’90s often followed strict dress codes for dinner, including suits, ties, and evening gowns. Some cruise lines expected formal wear every evening in the main dining room. Many guests brought entire outfits just for dining. Today, most cruises only have one or two formal nights, and casual dress is widely accepted.
3. Printed Daily Schedules
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Each cabin received a printed paper every morning with the full day’s events. The schedule included dining times, entertainment, weather, and details of shore excursions. Passengers carried them in their pockets or bags throughout the day. Now, cruise lines rely more on mobile apps and digital screens for updates.
4. VHS Movie Rentals
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Cabins often included a small TV and a VHS player. Guests could check out movies from the ship’s library or front desk. It was a popular activity for quiet nights in the cabin. Streaming services and interactive entertainment systems have replaced these.
5. Plastic Keycards with Minimal Info
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Keycards in the 1990s were simple plastic cards used only to open cabin doors. They rarely had your photo or other personal data. Some guests even kept them as souvenirs after the trip. Today’s cards often include photo ID, onboard account access, and are sometimes replaced by wearable devices.
6. One Main Pool Area
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Most ships had a single central pool used by all passengers. It could get crowded, especially on sea days. There were few or no adult-only zones or water features for kids. Modern ships now include multiple pools, water parks, and quiet zones to serve different age groups.
7. Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party
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Cruise lines hosted formal welcome events early in the voyage. Passengers were invited to meet the captain, enjoy drinks, and take photos. It was a traditional way to begin the cruise experience. These events have been reduced or made optional due to changing preferences and ship size.
8. Traditional Buffets with Set Hours
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Buffets in the ’90s had fixed meal times and fewer food options. Food stations were basic, and menus changed very little during the trip. Guests often had to line up at peak times. Today’s buffets offer longer hours, more variety, and live cooking stations.
9. Limited Dining Choices
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Most cruises had one main dining room and a buffet. Specialty restaurants were rare or nonexistent. Everyone ate at assigned times with the same group each night. Now, cruise ships have multiple dining venues with flexible hours and open seating.
10. Disposable Cameras and Photo Counters
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Passengers brought disposable or film cameras to capture vacation moments. Photos were developed on board at the photo counter, and prints were displayed for purchase. Long rows of printed photos were a daily sight. Digital photography and mobile uploads have made this practice mostly obsolete.
11. Onboard Pay Phones
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Before mobile service at sea, ships had pay phones that connected through satellite. These were often expensive and used sparingly. Some passengers had scheduled times to call home from specific locations on the ship. Today, onboard Wi-Fi and mobile networks have replaced them.
12. Basic Fitness Rooms
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Gyms on cruise ships were smaller and had fewer machines. They often had basic treadmills, free weights, and little extra space. Classes were limited, and few wellness services were available. Newer ships now feature large fitness centers, yoga studios, and full-service spas.
13. Simple Kids’ Programs
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Children’s activities were limited to a few supervised events and playrooms. Kids’ clubs had basic toys, crafts, and some video games. There were fewer structured programs or themed areas. Today’s cruises include full youth centers, water slides, and licensed character experiences.
14. Paper Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags
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All documents were mailed in advance, including boarding passes and luggage tags. Guests filled out forms by hand and kept all paperwork throughout the trip. Check-in was slow and manual. Now, most documents are digital, and pre-check-in is completed online.
15. Basic Internet Cafés
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Ships had small internet rooms with desktop computers, and the connection was slow and costly. Passengers paid by the minute or hour. Internet was mainly used for checking email. Wi-Fi is now available throughout the ship, with some lines offering unlimited packages.