Although impressive, it is nothing new to hear that growth in the cruising market has been faster than in any other tourism sector, but what is interesting is the metamorphosis that has occured within the industry to cause this trend. Cruising for many years was a formal and often costly experience, with strict etiquette and rules, therefore limiting its availability and appeal to many. It isn't just the number of passengers choosing to cruise that has increased, it's the variety of people attracted to the holiday type too.

Today see's a growth in families and young couples taking cruises, with the average age of a cruiser falling from the late 50's fifteen years ago to the lower 40's today.

So what is it that is attracting the first time cruisers to the market? Changes to create a more flexible cruise experience may be the answer.

One of the most notable changes is the dining style. Norwegian Cruise Lines and Ocean Village are the big names in freestyle cruising, and they seem to have got it just right, so much so, that other cruise lines are having to adapt their dining to cater for the popularity of their peers success.

Ask any cruiser, and they are likely to agree that dining is an important feature of their holiday. One word that often fills cruisers with fear is the dreaded "buffet". Images of sausage rolls, triangle cut tuna sandwiches and jelly is enough to send people running in the opposite direction, whilst others are turned off by tuxedos. On pretty much any ship you choose, you will find an element of flexibility when it comes to dining. Even Cunard, renowned for a traditional, formal cruise experience, has the Lido, which is buffet style dining, and believe me, not a sausage roll in sight!

So let's look at one of the big players in the cruise market, Royal Caribbean, a well established, popular cruise line, and market leaders in onboard innovations. When it comes to dining, they seem to have the balance just right. Whether it's formal, buffet or just a snack your after, you will find somewhere to fulfil your appetite. Special dietary requirements such as Kosher, vegetarian, diabetic or low fat can also all be accommodated. (Although may need to be arranged in advance)

The main dining room A feature across the entire fleet, the main dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the latter being a more formal affair. Situated in an impressive, often multi tier setting, think heavy draped curtains, chandeliers and attentive waiter service, and you'll get the idea. Breakfast and lunch is "open sitting" (can turn up and eat without reservation between the opening hours) whereas the evening meal has two sittings; 6.15 and 8.30pm. Preferred time and table size can be arranged at the time of booking and bear in mind that entertainment is arranged around both sittings, therefore you will not miss out on anything. The standard menu offers 5 course meals with lower fat options available from their ShipShape menu. Overall, you will receive a good standard of well presented food delivered to your table, in a comfortable, yet formal atmosphere. Dress code can vary from casual, smart casual and formal.

Speciality Restaurants, Portofino and Chops Grille For a small cover charge you can choose to dine in one of the speciality restaurants onboard. Portofino is a reservation only Italian restaurant, a perfect, intimate spot for those wishing to celebrate a special occasion or to spend a romantic evening together, (for those with a sweet tooth, it is the place for the best desserts onboard!) Alternatively, if a juicy steak or fresh seafood is more your thing you'll love Chops Grille. Again, a reservation only restaurant, it is rumoured that here you are likely to experience the best steak you've ever had. Both restaurants have a cover charge of $20 - $25 and dress code is generally smart casual. Opening times are from 6 til 10pm. To ensure a relaxing evening, they have a minimum guest age of 13years.

Casual dining If your looking for an evening of fun, Johnny Rockets is a must. Popular with families, the 50's style diner serves up huge

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burgers, fries and thick milkshakes, complete with retro music and dancing waiters if you're lucky! A casual eatery open throughout the day for both lunch and dinner up until 1am makes this a quick and satisfying dining experience. A charge of $3.95 per guest applies, however, the thick milkshakes alone are worth this!

Buffet style Spending all day in port, or on the beach can really work up an appetite, and whilst getting dressed up for a formal evening can be very enjoyable, there are times when, well, you just want to eat! This is when the buffet style restaurants really come into their own. Quick and casual, the Windjamer is open throughout the day and night for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. A good variety of foods are offered here, breakfast consists of everything you'd expect from fresh fruit and cereals to specialist eggs, pancakes and waffles, whilst lunch and dinner presents a good variety of foods including a cavery, Asian style foods, chicken, beef and fish and a good selection of vegetables and sauces. Great sea views, good variety of foods and attentive waiters make the Windjammer the ultimate in convenient dining. Alternatively, why not check out Jade, Royal Caribbean's latest addition to informal dining. Here you will find all your favourite Asian themed foods such as Chinese, Thai and Indian presented in a buffet style. Jade opens daily for your evening meal from 6pm to 9pm. Dress is casual.

Feeling peckish but its not quite time for your evening meal? Don't worry, you can pick up a snack from Sorrentos, where pizza is freshly prepared from midday through to 3am, or if you want something lighter, the Compass Deli provides soups, salads and paninis to fill the gap. Complimentary frozen yoghurt is available throughout the day, or you can head to Ben and Jerrys for a treat or "Freeze" where you create your own ice cream masterpiece!

Getting late? Why not sneak off to the midnight buffet? Generally held from 11.30pm - each night, you can find all sorts of tempting treats to sample.

So that's your food sorted, what about the drinks? A common concern is that drinks are going to be really expensive, whilst you do pay for your alcoholic beverages, water, coffee, tea, iced tea and lemonade are all included in the price of your holiday. If you drink a lot of sod, you can purchase a drinks package which gives you unlimited soda drinks for $4 per child and $6 per adult. Adult wine packages are also available onboard. Fancy a Coffee? Head to Latte-tudes, Mochas, Cappuccinos and espressos are all on the menu (not included in the price of your cruise) and you get to pick up a complimentary pastry too!

And if it all gets a bit much, complimentary 24 hour room service is also available.