All At Sea - What to expect on a Sea Day

On my last cruise I began chatting to a couple who were on their first ever voyage. I asked them whether it was living up to expectations (smugly thinking I knew THAT answer already). However, I was surprised by their response, that they hadn’t known what to expect on their sea days, which they weren’t actually enjoying.

As experienced cruisers we sometimes make assumptions about what a newcomer might want/need to know.    However it is often the stuff we take for granted. It really was a lesson for me to go back to basics and inspired this series for cruise novices which I have categorised New2Cruise.

Choosing the Right Cruise

Whilst the ports of call are usually of prime importance when selecting a cruise, and are often what first attracts you, you need also to check the number of sea days included on the itinerary, and consider whether you might enjoy more, or fewer days at sea,  as this could potentially make or break your trip. 

Some cruises will only have one or two sea days, often one on the way out and one on the way back to the home port. Others have several, usually in blocks of two or three, or more on transatlantic or world cruises. (Visit my page on Where To Go for initial ideas).

If the prime attraction of your cruise is the ship itself, and the facilities it offers, then extra sea days are an advantage as they will give you more time to explore your hotel at sea.   In this case, choose a ship with lots on offer.  Or maybe you just want sheer, pampered relaxation and don’t want to move from your sun lounger - again more sea days are a plus.

However, if you need to be on the move and exploring all the time, get bored easily or don’t particularly enjoy the “at sea” part of a cruise then choose a port-heavy itinerary.

10 Things To Do On Sea Days

So what might you expect when you have no exotic port to distract you?  Well the possibilities are limitless depending on your ship and your own preferences. 

1. Explore The Ship:

You could explore your ship more extensively to discover all of those nooks & crannies, hidden bars and cafes you have yet to try.

2. Onboard Shopping:

You could shop till you drop - the ships stores will be open all day and evening. Or pick up a bargain at one of the many sales held on sea days; Watches, perfume, alcohol, handbags, souvenirs - there’s a sale for that!

3. Sunbathe On deck

You may choose to top up your tan, either on the pool deck if you prefer a livelier vibe with music, trivia and pool games; or discover a more secluded spot, perhaps on the prom (boat) deck or some other hidden corner.

4. Learn Something New

Perhaps you might want to learn something new - there are likely to be lectures on all sorts of interesting topics, including port talks, shopping guides, life below deck, Celebrity guest speakers etc;  or pick up a new skill - ice carving, languages, dance or a new sport.

5. Spoil yourself

Invest in a pamper session - visit the spa and maybe have a treatment or two. You could even have a manicure or your hair restyled. Some ships even offer cosmetic procedures such as Botox or micro-abrasion.

Or why not indulge yourself with a late room-service breakfast in your cabin - particularly if you have a balcony to enjoy.

6. Get Active

Participate in a sport competition - golf, soccer, basketball, table tennis - all are likely to be on offer at some point. Or head to that lovely air-conditioned gym you pass everyday on your way to the buffet!

7. Adrenaline Fix

Try out the more exciting attractions onboard. Maybe your ship has a climbing wall or zip wire.  It might be equipped with water slides or even a roller coaster. This would be an ideal time to give them a try. 

8. Make your fortune (or lose it)

Visit the ships casino. Whether it’s slot machines, blackjack or roulette - if you enjoy a flutter head indoors for a break from the sun and try your luck. There are often lessons going on so you can improve your skill or learn new ones.

9. Speciality Eats 

Make a lunch reservation at one of the speciality restaurants, especially if it’s included in your package (and even if it’s not). Or try one of the casual eateries on deck, and even make time to experience a luxurious silver service afternoon tea.

 10. Party

Join other revellers and max out your drinks package.  Enjoy cocktails under the sun listening and dancing to fine tunes.

Of course you could just find a quiet corner in the library to read that latest bestseller or watch a blockbuster movie on the big screen.  Or simply enjoy the view from your balcony with room service - maybe a late breakfast, a snooze and some R&R to ensure you are shore-ready for the next port of call.

Make sure the kids have fun too - it’s their chance to make new friends and really enjoy their own areas. There are bound to be lots of activities planned for sea days so check out the days programme in advance and let them choose how to spend their day.

Whatever your choice, remember it’s all part of your cruise vacation so ENJOY!​