Thinking of a cruise? If you have never been on a cruise ship before, you may be wondering what activities, facilities, and services can be found onboard. The activities found onboard a cruise ship will vary from ship to ship, but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common.

Some of the most well-known facilities found on cruise ships are dining halls, restaurants, and cafeterias. Large cruise ships may offer a number of onboard dining facilities. It is important to remember that many of these dining facilities are considered upscale restaurants. In addition to a sit-down restaurant, there area usually a number of small eateries located onboard. Elegant dining restaurants are popular among cruisers. To ensure that you are able to enjoy an elegant meal, you are encouraged to schedule a reservation as soon as you board the ship.

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While snorkeling in the tropics you’ll marvel at the clear blue shimmering waters, colorful marine life and silvery schools of fish, maybe even a dolphin or two—all under a sparkling sun. No wonder the tropics are favored for Tropical Snorkeling.

The beaches are shallow, less than a hundred fathoms (1 fathom = 6 feet or 1.8 meters) making them continental shelves. Sunrays easily find their way to the seabed where they feed on the plentiful plankton.

The Hawaiian islands, the Caribbean islands, the beaches of Florida, Brazil and Argentina—all famous snorkeling destinations—are considered the tropics, with waters warm enough to make snorkeling irresistible. And the view can’t be beat—above or below the water—just can’t be beat.

A whole world of colorful fish turns tropical waters into one exotic aquarium with plenty of angelfish, yellow fin, the strawberry trooper and the parrotfish among others. Tropical seabeds are covered with breathtaking varieties of coral and coelenterates like sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish. Snorkelers can also feast their eyes on friendly turtles, which seem to guide snorkelers to new destinations underwater. There are also seemingly endless varieties of ray fishes moving gracefully and effortlessly. And dolphins are a prize view in certain snorkeling destinations. It’s no surprise that snorkeling in the tropics is a traveler’s favorite pastime. The clear water, brilliant colors and white sandy beaches make the tropics a snorkeler’s paradise.