The majority of cruise itineraries will have a sea day at some point, and they can be a little like marmite in that you either love or hate them. Most people choose cruising because they love having the ability to see multiple destinations in one trip, and sea days seem like a waste of your time. Hopefully we can convert the haters, by giving you our list of some of the amazing things you can do during sea days on your cruise.
For those of you who are new to all the cruiser lingo, a sea day is a day where the ship is sailing from one port to the next without stopping. This means that you not only have a moving ship due to it sailing between destinations, but it’s also full of passengers, unlike port days when the majority will be ashore. It’s these aspects which make some cruisers hate sea days, and we can understand this. But when you’re on longer cruises such as two weeks, you’re bound to have multiple sea days. So, our advice is to find the joy in those days and use our recommendations to work out what you want to do, whether it’s a day filled with activity or relaxation. You may find that once you relax into it, then you’ll discover that sea days can be the best part of your cruise vacation, especially on the huge cruise ships which offer impressive activities you wouldn’t find in an everyday land resort.
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Are the Entertainment and Activities Different from Port Days to Sea Days?
During port days you will find that there are plenty of activities throughout the day for anyone who doesn’t want to go ashore. But on sea days the entertainment and activities really ramp up, because the entertainment team want to ensure no one is bored and there’s plenty to do for their guests. Of course, the bigger the ship the more impressive the entertainment options, which we’ll explore more in this guide.
What Are the Positives of a Sea Day?
We’re not going to lie to you, cruising can be tiring, especially if you’ve booked lots of excursions during any port days which involve travelling to a location and being guided around. You don’t get a lot of time to rest and you’re up at the crack of dawn to make sure you get to the excursion meeting point on time.
Even if you’re wandering on your own, you’re probably walking a lot of steps each day and taking in a raft of information about the incredible places you’re visiting. All of this is pretty draining, and then add in the late nights whether you’re boogying at the silent disco, watching the incredible shows or hoping lady luck is on your side at the casino. That endless go, go, go can make you feel tired, and this is where having sea days comes in handy.
The fact that you have a full day on the cruise ship offers a number of benefits, firstly you have the time to explore it properly with everything open. On embarkation day when you’re in the port it can feel a little chaotic walking around the ship, so it makes sense to leave it to a day when passengers are spread everywhere. But also, there are certain sections of the ship which are closed such as the casino and shops; they are also closed when you’re in port. So why not save them specifically for sea days and take your time looking around and giving the slot machines a spin.
If you’re exhausted from previous port days or even the journey to the ship, then a sea day gives you the opportunity to simply stop and relax. Whether you have a lie in, take a leisurely lunch, make use of the spa facilities or sunbathe and swim in the pool. You’ll find that cruise ships provide something for everyone, including the adult sun worshippers who want peace away from the kids.
Just a tip from us, whatever you end up doing on any of the sea days throughout your itinerary, make sure you take a moment to look out and enjoy the views of the vast ocean. We love heading to the back of the ship and watching the turbulent foamy water which is known as the ships wake. It’s a wonderful sight and sometimes you will see marine life such as flying fish or dolphins.
What Are the Negatives of a Sea Day?
The first obvious one is you’re not seeing somewhere amazing, which if you have lots of sea days can be a little tiresome. Also, because all the passengers are on the ship it can be quite busy, especially areas such as the lido deck and buffet. It’s also hard to sunbathe on sea days because it can be quite windy. We’ve attempted to play basketball and mini golf as the ships moving and it can be difficult.
As we mentioned above there tends to be more activities on sea days, but if there’s nothing that interests you then it can be a long day. Especially if you have multiple days at sea in a row, such as a transatlantic cruise.
You’ll also find many speciality restaurants, shows and the special attractions such as laser tag can be hard to access. Our advice is that you book these in advance if you really want to try them. The spa also tends to be busier on sea days, whereas you will find more discounts for services on port days because they’re so quiet.
How Many Sea Days Should I Expect on My Cruise?
This will completely depend on the length of the cruise and where you are visiting. Our first cruise was a four-night Bahamas itinerary and even then, we had one sea day. Our advice is to study the itinerary before you book, even if the price is a great one. Are the ports places you want to visit and can you make use of the number of sea days during the trip. Once you have booked the cruise, make sure you take some extra bits to entertain yourself such as books you want to read, or card games you and the family can play. These are great for those times when you’re a little tired of being around lots of people and you need some quiet time in your cabin or balcony.
Just as a side note, if there are any weather problems which make it impossible for you to dock in a port, then you may have additional sea days added. It’s upsetting when this happens, especially if you’re excited to see that specific port, but it’s a regular thing unfortunately. We have a guide on What Compensation Will I Get for Missed Cruise Ports, which should help answer any questions you may have about this subject.
How To Make Use of Your Sea Days – What Can You Do During Those Sailing Days
Here is where we will list our suggestions, as to the things you can do to make cruise sea days more enjoyable. Our first one is something you should do before you even step foot onboard, and that is to research the cruise ship. This is important because you can establish what activities and restaurants are offered, especially on the larger ships who have some impressive experiences.
1. Relax By the Pool – Sunbathe or Swim
The most obvious activity for cruise passengers on a sea day, has to be heading to the lido deck and chilling by the pool. Most cruise ships have multiple pools and hot tubs, plus lots of sun loungers and space to catch some rays. It’s the number one activity for most passengers, especially when you’re cruising on itineraries such as the Caribbean.
There’s something special about relaxing in the sunshine surrounded by an endless ocean. The best part is that you can choose how you want to spend your pool time, because each area will have a different vibe. Whether you find a quiet spot to read or take a nap, or you head to the central section of the lido deck and enjoy the music and games that tend to be played there. Most, if not all cruise ships will have an adult only section, and you will find that this tends to be away from the noise and pool games. Just be aware that if you don’t head up early, you may struggle to find a sun lounger as the sunbathing areas get incredibly busy on sea days. So, if catching some sunshine is important to you then maybe head there on a port day or get up early.
If you’re starting to sizzle a little, then you’ll want to take a dip in the pool. Interestingly most pools on cruises are filled using sea water and emptied each night so they can be cleaned. As you can imagine this means they’ll be a little cold when you get in, but this is perfect when the sun is baking down. If you need to warm up, then you have the many hot tubs around the ship to jump in to.
2. Have a Lie in and Relax in Your Cabin
We know you’re on holiday and that means trying to fit in and see as much as possible, so you’ll only spend time in your cabin when you sleep. But you are allowed to rest, so why not have a lie in or head back to your room through the day for a nap. This will give you the opportunity to take a break from endlessly being around other passengers. We love to meet new friends as we cruise, but it’s nice to retreat from the chaos sometimes and head to our cabin to relax and enjoy the peace.
Sea days are perfect for resting and re-energising for the next lot of port days, and if you have a balcony room or suite, you’ll want to spend some time enjoying the views. The TVs on cruise ships are normally pretty good, we’re specifically thinking of P&O who offer a raft of movies and TV shows. If you don’t fancy heading to the onboard cinema, then you can always watch the movie in the comfort of your own room. Most cruise lines offer room service and have menus within your cabin, so you could really hunker down for the day and have your food and drinks delivered.
3. Check Out the Food and Drinks
We know that you’ll have been heading to the restaurants and checking out the drink’s menu no matter if it’s a sea or port day. But sea days offer an opportunity to slow down and really take a look at what the ship has to offer, instead of the usual rush to grab something before heading ashore. So why not visit the main dining room for lunch instead of buffet, or book into a speciality restaurant.
Cruise ships offer a wide range of food, from the usual burgers, chips and pizza to items which are more akin to fine dining. During a cruise on Carnival with family members, they ordered steak on a gala evening but mentioned how they’d never had lobster before. The server brought them both steak and lobster and said they could have whatever they wanted, which was a surprise to us all. So why not try something new during your cruise, if you enjoy it then great, if not then no big deal order something else.
When it comes to drinks, this can be a little different because you will be paying for them, unless you have the all-inclusive package. We paid for the drinks package on a Greek cruise with NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) and had the opportunity to try a raft of cocktails we normally wouldn’t have paid for. Thankfully we got the package incredibly cheap, but most of the time it’s a big addition to your bill. As to whether you should pay for it would depend on how much you tend to drink on your vacations.
Related Guide – Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) Greek Island Cruise – Norwegian Jade
As with the food on sea days, you also have time to slow down and enjoy the cocktails, wine, beer or even spirits. Some cruise ships such as P&O even distil their own spirits on the ship, for example on the Iona they have Marabelle Gin. We can tell you from experience that having your lunch with views of the ocean and a large class of wine is a memory you will never forget, and the perfect way to spend your sea day.
Most of the bars on the ship will have menus and with some cruise lines they are available on the app, which makes it easier to pre-plan what you want to try.
Related Guide – P&O Cruise Line Iona – Deck Plans, Entertainment and Cruising Tips
4. Burn Some Calories at the Gym
For some of you this will be the last thing on your mind, but you’d be surprised by how busy the gym and sports areas can be on a cruise. We love hitting the gym when we travel, especially on cruises, because the views as you work out are second to none. Of course, it’s hard when you’re busy with excursions or you want to head out to the port asap. So why not save your work outs for sea days, when you can take the time to make use of the vast amount of equipment that they offer. If you’re not keen on the idea of the gym, then you could always head to the walking/running track and burn off some energy there. They tend to be on the top deck, so you’ll be spoilt with incredible ocean views.
On most days many cruise lines have specialised classes, but alike activities they will ramp up on sea days. Some may come with an additional cost, but there are others such as Pilates and Yoga which are normally free. After all your hard work, make sure you head for some food to refuel for the rest of the day.
5. Book In at The Spa
We’ll begin by saying that if you want a quiet day in the spa, then you’re probably best booking in during a port day when the ship is quieter. But for those of you who don’t mind when you get your massage, then why not indulge yourself in a little pampering as the ship moves from port to port. During your cruise there will be lots of offers available within the cruise app or entertainment sheet.
The spa areas on cruise ships are huge and offer a wide range of treatments from massages, manicures, facials, teeth whitening and even things like Botox injections and acupuncture. Some cruise spas are another level, especially on the larger more modern ships which offer saunas and steam rooms.
Another treat you might consider is getting your hair done at the onboard salon. Most gala nights are held on sea days so that passengers have the time to get ready. So why not book in and treat yourself to a pamper day, then show it off to your friends and family during the glitzy evening.
6. Enjoy the Onboard Shopping
All cruise ships have a number of onboard shops, and as you can imagine the bigger the ship the more there are available. They tend to be around the atrium area in the centre of the ship, and you can find some incredible deals. The shops are only open when the ship is at sea, so having a spending spree is the ideal option to save for a sea day.
In general, the shops tend to be jewellery such as rings and watches, perfume, designer handbags, souvenirs and clothes. There will be a shop for any essentials you may have forgotten to bring, such as toothpaste and medications. But also, a confectionary shop with a wide range of sweet treats, although be prepared because they’re not cheap; we paid five pounds for a bag of skittles.
Keep an eye out during your cruise for deals within the entertainment guide. They will offer discounts on various items and even pop-up sales on things such as handbags, watches and t-shirts.
7. Watch a Movie
Depending on the cruise line and ship, you can watch movies on the big screen in two ways. Many of the older ships have large screens around the pool area, so you can lie on a sun lounger and curl up with a blanket under the stars. The only negative about this option is that it can get a little chilly, so it’s not our personal preference. If we had to choose it would be the second option and that is an onboard movie theatre, where your big screen is indoors.
Most cruise itineraries will have daily showings of recent blockbuster movies, but it can be difficult to fit in. When you combine visiting ports, getting ready for the evening and grabbing food, you don’t really have much spare time on a port day. So, this is the ideal option for a sea day, because you have nowhere to rush off to and can sit back and enjoy.
There is a chance that because it’s a sea day the screenings will be busy. If you struggle to find a seat or you simply don’t fancy being around a lot of people, then you can always watch the same movie in your cabin. Grab some food and drink or sweets from the shop and settle down in bed and watch as many movies as you like.
8. Try Your Luck at The Casino
Alike onboard shops, the casino is only open when the ship is away from the port at sea. So, there isn’t really a quiet time to head there, but you will find there are fewer passengers during the earlier parts of the evening. This is because they will be dining in the main restaurant or watching the shows in the theatre. But the best thing about casinos is the atmosphere, so why not head there when it’s in full swing. You could try your hand at poker or blackjack, but if you’re looking for something a little easier, then what about spinning those slots.
Sea days are a busy time for the casino, so make sure you take a look at the entertainment guides. Whether it’s classes on how to play table casino games or team games, which are a great way to make friends with other passengers.
9. Take Lots of Pictures
If you’re anything like us, then you’ll take a million pictures whenever you travel. Because once the holiday blues has subsided, they are your lasting memories of the incredible experiences you had. Of course, as we’ve mentioned numerous times already, on port days you’re too busy rushing around to spend time taking pictures on the ship. So why not wait until a sea day and dress up, then you can wander around the ship as everyone is sunbathing on the lido deck and take beautiful pictures to cherish. Cruise ships are so ornately decorated that they really enhance your pictures. We tend to walk around the ship looking for the best photo spots and it has really created some beautiful mementos. Whether it’s the elegant staircase in the atrium or even a windswept selfie with the ocean in the background.
If you really want to make it memorable then why not book a photo shoot for you and your family. Every ship has professional photographers and printing equipment, so you can either take a single photo or have a full session.
We know for sure that you’ll never regret taking lots of pictures during your trip, because we never have.
10. Head To the Kids Camp
For the kids in the group you have a whole section of the ship to yourselves, so you can escape your parents on sea days. Although we don’t have kids and have never attended a kids camp ourselves, we have done a lot of research and cruise lines really step up for their little passengers.
Most have different sections to the kid’s camp based on age groups, so that can provide activities more suited to the child’s age. For really young children, the parents will be expected to stay when they’re in the camp, but the older children can enjoy themselves as their parents are off sunbathing by the pool.
If you’re thinking that the kids will be kicking a ball around, then think again, most of the cruise ships have video game consoles, karaoke machines, scavenger hunts and a ton of arts and crafts to name a few. There are trained counsellors to make sure your child has an action-packed day, which makes a sea day the perfect time to join in on all the fun. But the best part is the friendships made between the kids as they’re joining in with the activities.
Remember to register your child on the first day of your cruise and introduce them to the kid’s camp team.
Related Guide – Our Recommendations on the First Things to Do on a Cruise Immediately After Boarding
11. Book Your Next Cruise
Sea days give us time to sit back and think about what a wonderful time we’re having, so why not look into your next cruise as you’re enjoying the current one. Most cruise ships will have an area where there is a consultant advising and selling future cruises. You may have an idea of where you want to head next or simply chat to the consultant about what is available. Because you’re currently on a holiday with the specific cruise line, then you can enjoy discounts and extra on board credit for your next cruise.
If you find something you like, then you can put down a deposit and spend the rest of your sea day smiling about your next cruise.
12. Learn Something New
This is one of the things we love when we cruise, whether it’s a Spanish lesson, towel origami or cooking demonstrations. Most cruise ship itineraries provide an opportunity to learn something new and you’d be surprised by the kind of things on offer. We’ve been on cruise lines who have expert guests from authors to astronauts, cooking demonstrations by world class chefs in a fully equipped kitchen and dance classes whether it’s ballroom or salsa. P&O are renowned for their ballroom classes, and we know from experience how much fun they are.
The best part of the entertainment on cruises is that it gives you the opportunity to test drive a number of new things which could become future passions. The water colour class or digital photography lesson could become a future hobby, so why not throw yourself into the entertainment itinerary and see what you enjoy. If you’re not a fan of sea days, then we know this will make them fly by and most of the itinerary will be adaptable for sunny or rainy days.
As well as learning a new skill you’ll want to learn about the ports you’re visiting. Many cruise ships offer lectures about the cruise ports during your itinerary and what excursions or attractions there are in each. We like to prepare before we leave for our trip, but if you’ve not found the time then let the cruise line do all the work for you.
Finally, did you know that some cruise ships offer bridge and gallery tours, which provide facts about the ship and what goes on behind the scenes. Sometimes these are free, but we have seen other cruise lines charge for the experience.
13. Be Entertained
If all the above options aren’t enough to fill your sea days, then there are still plenty of other things to keep you entertained. This will be dependent on the cruise line, and as you would expect the size of the ship. The bigger and more modern the ship, the more extravagant the entertainment options. Whether it’s zip lines, surfing pools, rope courses, iFly diving simulators, water slides, ice skating rinks or go karts. But don’t worry if they all seem a little extreme, because there are so many other things you can enjoy which are a little more relaxed. How about pool, bingo, table tennis, mini golf, shuffleboard, archery, karaoke, game shows, quizzes and trivia. Then you have the activities you wouldn’t normally consider such as art auctions, wine tasting and choir lessons. Many ships even have their own night clubs so you can dance away into the wee hours of the morning, or get your groove on at the poolside disco, the options are endless and so much fun.
The most popular form of entertainment on the cruise ships are the shows, whether they’re bands playing in the atrium, comedians in the theatre, celebrity impersonators or the all-out Broadway level productions. Some of the best shows we have ever seen have been on cruises, especially during our trip on the Norwegian Cruise Line Jade to Greece.
Because there is so much, we’re sure that you can make those sea days extra special and lots of fun. Some of these activities come with an additional cost, but you’d be shocked how many of them are free.
So, there you have it, plenty of things to keep you entertained so you can enjoy the sea days on your cruise. Even if you hate sea days, try and make use of your time in whatever way brings you happiness, because you’re on holiday so why not enjoy it. Sea days can end up being the best days of your cruise, if you plan in what you want to do.
No matter what you end up doing remember the key is about enjoying your time, whether it’s exploring the ship, relaxing and recharging those weary bones or reconnecting with your family. The crux of it all is that you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained and create wonderful new memories.
Because cruising is such a big bucket list option, we want to bring you as much information as we can to make your experience an enjoyable one. We have written many guides on cruising including.
- What are Back-to-Back Cruises?
- What You Need to Think About When Planning Your First Cruise – Tips for First Time Cruisers
- Cruise Ship Bucket List – The Ultimate List for Cruisers
- What to Pack for a Cruise – List of Cruise Essentials
Make sure you tag us on Instagram if you end up taking a cruise vacation, we love to see what you’re up to as you tick off your bucket lists and make use of your sea days; Enjoy!