There are some activities that were once permitted aboard cruise ships that have little chance of returning, yet everything old eventually becomes new again.
Here are five cruise options that aren't likely to be brought back, whether you're a more seasoned traveler filled with nostalgia or a younger traveler who loves anything retro.
Shooting a skater
Yes, you did read that right.
Cruise lines permitted skeet shooting off the backs of their ships up to the 1990s.
Cruisers would be issued real firearms, and crew members would launch clay pigeons into the air for them to shoot.
Putting aside the safety concerns related to providing passengers firearms, it is currently against the law to throw any foreign objects into the ocean.
What I suggest: If you want to hone your shooting abilities, check out the arcade if your ship has one, or sign up for a game of laser tag, which is available on a number of the newest ships from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Sunbathing without a top
Early cruise ships frequently had dedicated spaces where ladies may sunbathe topless; these locations were typically on the top decks.
The practice is now prohibited on ships that serve North Americans due to the growing popularity of family cruises.
Some ships with European bases, such as those in the Costa, Celestyal, and Virgin Voyages fleets, nonetheless permit guests with breasts to avoid tan lines by sunbathing without tops because Europeans are typically less puritanical about the human form.
What I advise: To prevent tan lines altogether, either schedule a voyage with a line that does allow topless tanning, or stick to a covered pool area, which most ships feature.
Smoking
This one has a warning attached.
On modern cruise ships, smoking is still permitted in at least one or two specified areas, such as cigar lounges, a few open-deck areas, and frequently casinos, even though it is no longer permitted in the majority of public spaces or on cabin balconies.
Both safety and the comfort of passengers are protected by outlawing cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes or vapes in most areas on board.
The largest threat to cruise ships is fire, even though most passengers don't want their noses stuffed full of smoke while they dine or watch a show.
What I suggest: If you enjoy cigars, head to the onboard cigar lounge, which is also a fantastic place to go for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.
If you prefer smokes, choose a place where it's legal for you to smoke outside.
Nowhere-going cruises
Remember the days when you could just drive to your nearest home port to board a shorter voyage with no port calls because you were short on time or money?
When "cruises to nowhere" were still in operation not too long ago, they provided great possibilities for fast getaways, especially from locations that aren't close to international ports.
The Passenger Vessel Services Act, which mandates cruise ships travelling from U.S. ports to call on at least one foreign port before returning to the U.S., was aggressively enforced by the United States Government starting in 2016.
What I suggest: If you're bent on a super-short sailing, take into account a Florida-based ship that provides fast, back-and-forth, two-, three-, or four-night journeys to the Bahamas.
Playing golf without a net
Sporty cruisers used to be allowed to shag golf balls off the rear of the ship and directly into the water.
Similar to shooting skeet, it was wasteful and included dumping a significant amount of trash into the ocean.
Cruise companies have made an effort to be more environmentally conscious as environmental policies develop, like banning free-range golf ball driving.
What I suggest: Check to see whether your ship has a driving net on one of its top decks if you're a duffer who simply can't go a day without practising your swing.
If not, you might be able to find a golf facility or putting green where you can at least pick up a club while on your trip.
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