15 Vintage Cruise Ship Features No Longer Offered
These classic cruise ship offerings once defined the high seas experience but have since vanished from modern vessels.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Over the years, cruising has undergone significant change. Many of its endearing and peculiar aspects have subtly vanished. While modern ships have robot bartenders and skydiving simulators, earlier cruises had more straightforward, intimate features. With 15 features that have set sail for the past, this is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
1. Midnight Buffets
David Lisbona on Flickr
Once a nightly highlight, lavish midnight buffets featured ice sculptures and endless spreads. They offered a late-night indulgence after dancing or shows.
2. Formal Captain’s Dinners
International Transport Forum on Flickr
Guests used to dress to the nines for multi-course dinners with the ship’s captain. It added a touch of class and ceremony. Now, formal nights are optional — or gone entirely.
3. Personalized Deck Chairs
Nick Herber on Flickr
Passengers once had assigned deck chairs, often labeled with their names. It was a small luxury that made you feel like a VIP. Today, it’s first come, first served — if you’re lucky.
4. Shuffleboard Tournaments
Peter Lee on Flickr
This classic deck pastime was once a daily ritual for many cruisers. Complete with brackets and prizes, it fostered camaraderie. Modern ships rarely make space for it anymore.
5. Door-to-Door Luggage Service
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Cruise lines used to offer home pick-up and delivery of luggage. It made boarding stress-free and luxurious. These days, you’re hauling your own bags to the terminal.
6. Open Bridge Tours
Richard Weil on Wikimedia Commons
It was common to get a behind-the-scenes look at the ship’s command center. Guests could meet the officers and see how navigation worked.
7. Onboard Telegram Services
Ivan Z Photography on Pexels
Before email and smartphones, cruise lines offered telegrams for sending updates to loved ones. It felt like sending a message from the open sea.
8. Genuine Sea Mail
PxHere
You could drop postcards with ship stamps and get them postmarked at sea. It’s a charming way to say “wish you were here.” Email has made this a romantic relic.
9. Multiple Seating Dining Only
ironypoisoning on Flickr
Traditional cruises assigned guests to specific tables and dining times. It built relationships but lacked flexibility. Freestyle dining has taken its place on most ships.
10. Crystal Chandeliers and Grand Staircases
P. Hughes on Wikimedia Commons
Early cruise ships were floating palaces, decked in Art Deco and Old World glam. These opulent features have been traded for sleeker, more modern designs.
11. Bon Voyage Parties on the Dock
Wikimedia Commons
Friends and family used to board the ship or gather dockside for farewell parties. It was a festive sendoff with streamers and champagne.
12. Full-Time Dance Hosts
Jeff on Flickr
For solo travelers — especially women — ships hired gentlemen hosts to keep the dance floor lively. It brought elegance to nightly entertainment.
13. Small Libraries with Rare Books
John Hoey on Wikimedia Commons
Cruise libraries once offered leather chairs and curated shelves. Some even featured antique or rare editions. Digital screens and entertainment centers have taken their place.
14. Smoking Lounges with Cigar Bars
Matt Taylor on Flickr
Smoking indoors was once standard, and many ships offered plush cigar lounges. Changing health policies and demand have seen them phased out.
15. Passenger Talent Shows
Elizeu Dias on Unsplash
These DIY shows let guests showcase their singing, dancing, or comedy skills. It was a wholesome, often hilarious break from polished productions.