![String quartet](https://media.shermanstravel.com/cruises/thumb/xlarge/9285_c_oceaniasirenaimg_1398-jpg.jpg)
Photo: String quartet / Kayla Becker
5. Nostalgia
Older ships tend to be smaller. They carry fewer passengers. And they typically offer more than a healthy dose of how cruising “used to be,” from shuffle board courts to popular card rooms and even nautically inspired decor. If you’re looking for all the latest bells-and-whistles, this may not be for you. But if you prize windowed observation lounges and quiet nooks and crannies, these ships may just delight you.