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Have you ever wondered what happens to a cruise ship when it's taken out of service? 

On average, a well-built cruise ship lasts around 30-40 years. However, large cruise lines often sell off older ships to smaller corporations when they're ready for them to be retired from their fleet—sometimes before the 30-year mark. 

No ship in history has captured the world's imagination quite like the Titanic, with its tragic story etched into collective memory spawning countless documentaries, movies, and even museums.

Once gratuities and add-ons like drink packages and shore excursions have been added to your cruise fare, it’ll be hundreds of dollars more than the advertised price. Thankfully, cruise lines have begun including port fees to give guests a clearer indication of the total cost of their cruise upfront.

Though cruise fares might seem a little higher than one year ago when scrolling on the line’s website, the transparency helps potential sailors gauge the full cost of the cruise from the start, rather than later in the booking process.

You don't want to start your cruise vacation by being denied boarding because you tried to smuggle something prohibited onboard the ship. 

Even if you're still allowed onboard, you may have to speak with security to clear up the issue and have the item confiscated until disembarkation day. 

So far this year, the cruise industry has welcomed 6 ships, and there are no signs of construction slowing down anytime soon. There's just as much to look forward to next year, from state-of-the-art superyachts to some of the largest ships ever built. 

Fans of luxury cruise lines will appreciate the Ritz-Carlton's upscale ship featuring 226 suites with private terraces and unprecedented space ratios for guests at sea. There's also MSC World America and Norwegian Aqua on the more affordable end, and families will love the action-packed Star of the Seas. 

If you could ask a cruise ship Officer anything, where would you begin? 

yesman_85 posed the question under the r/IAmA subreddit, giving nautical enthusiasts a chance to ask their pressing questions. 

Having taken over 20 cruises, I'm no cruise novice. However, even as a veteran sailor, I learn something new on each cruise. 

From new destinations to different ships and cruise lines, no two experiences have been the same. Even when I've sailed on the same cruise ship, I have discovered something new, whether it's a new food, activity, or excursion. 

I've taken five solo cruises and eaten in the Main Dining Room alone on all but one. At first, I was worried the experience would feel awkward, but I soon found it was a great opportunity to meet other passengers and step outside my comfort zone. 

From exciting roller coasters to thought-evoking trivia events and robot bartenders capable of crafting unique libations created by you, cruise ships are filled with activities to keep passengers busy. 

You won't have to worry about being bored, that's for sure! If you're debating whether or not you'd have fun on a cruise, here's a list of 101 of the best things to do! 

Offerings vary by ship and cruise line, so you'll want to research which ship is best for you before booking.