The process that has made modern cruise ships their own destination is the result of a purposeful intent, and is not due to glamour and history. These ships are conceived to arouse interest and to be discovered by passengers day after day.

This objective can be achieved by constructing fantastic settings in their interior design and planning, perfected by continuing and renewable sources of attraction, curiosity and entertainment.

Within such a system, public areas are precisely those that have a central role in attracting and entertaining passengers and that determine the overall standard of the ship. They are places for amusement, play, socialising and, not least, they are sources of income for the ship-owning companies. Public areas act as a bond for

a population of cruise passengers varying in age, social background and places of origin. The vast areas of the ships set aside for them make it possible to plan highly diversified facilities, meeting the needs of all passengers.

Casinos, restaurants with various themes, shopping centres, practice walls for climbing, hairdressers… are on-board facilities. It is the wide choice of attractions that has determined the success of cruise ship holidays, once perceived as only for the elderly and for newlyweds, now open for families and groups of friends.

Cruises are centred around communal activities and the areas set aside for them. Gyms, swimming pools and fitness centres are visited during the day, while the theatre, discotheque and the gaming room accompany cruise ship passengers during their evenings on board.