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Cruise ships vary in the amenities they offer to the millions of people who sail each year. However, many amenities (like those listed below) are common to all ships, to some degree or another.

1. Restaurants and dining facilities: All ships offer some form of buffet dining which offers passengers a changing menu throughout the day. All have a formal dining room, too. And all offer alternate forms of dining facilities from themed restaurants to short order food bars near the pool.

Be sure to ask about "anytime" dining, if you don't wish to be seated with strangers for your formal nighttime meal.

2. Pools: All ships, even the smallest, have at least one pool and whirlpool or hot tub. Massive ships will feature up to five pools, 2-4 whirlpools, and specialty lap or swim-against-the-current exercise pools. Some ships have pools especially for the children.

3. Sports: The physically fit will find all the necessary amenities to continue with their exercise programs while cruising. Cruise ships include some form of gym complete with modern treadmills and elliptical trainers, weights and weight machines. All ships have a top deck jogging track, too. And all ships have some form of the age-old shuffleboard imprinted on a hardwood floor. (Just a little reminder of the Titanic.)

4. Educational classes: All ships, including the small ships that cruise off the coast of Florida on a "trip to nowhere," provide educational programs, "edutainment" lectures, or personal "enrichment" classes. Passengers can bone up on local history of the country they are visiting, learn art appreciation, study wines, or improve their digital camera skills. All these lectures are offered free of charge.

Some programs, like the Princess "ScholarShip@Sea" programs offer instruction in computer and computer programs, like Adobe Photoshop. But passengers should expect to pay a fee to attend these classes.

5. Craft classes: All ships offer a variety of craft classes for all ages and skill levels. These classes can cover everything from needlework to jewelry design to painting and sculpting. These classes are free, too.

6. Spas: Cruise ships, especially the larger ships, have elaborate spa facilities offering everything from manicures to the most modern relaxation and massage programs. These amenities do not come cheaply, but they are a nice treat, especially on a day at sea.

7. Shopping: Of course. Passengers will find entire mini malls filled with jewelry and clothing boutiques. Ships regularly host "table"

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