If you’re new to cruise holidays, when planning your adventure, you may focus on the choice of amazing destinations you get to visit. While seeing multiple new and exciting places is a fantastic benefit, your sea days on a cruise can be equally, if not more, thrilling!
Many of today’s ships are often likened to small floating cities, meaning cruise sea days are packed with activities, entertainment and relaxation opportunities.
So, if you’re wondering what to do on sea days on a cruise, read on as we share some of the best things you can expect to do while sailing the open waters.
What Is a Sea Day On a Cruise?
Before we delve into what you can do on a cruise sea day, let’s first address what this term actually refers to.
Sea days on a cruise refer to any day during your trip when the ship doesn’t dock at a port and, instead, remains at sea. These days allow you to fully immerse yourself in all the amenities and activities your cruise ship has to offer, without the rush of a port day or worrying that you’re missing out on experiences ashore.
How Many Days At Sea Are There On a Cruise?
Cruise guests frequently ask this question, and the answer varies depending on your itinerary. Most cruises will have at least one sea day, especially if they’re covering larger distances.
Transatlantic cruises, for example, can offer several consecutive sea days. Cruise holidays in the Mediterranean may have just one or two sea days, while river cruises through Europe may have none at all.
The best number of days at sea on a cruise will depend on what you’re looking for from your holiday. You may appreciate having a few days to relax onboard and appreciate all the amenities your ship offers; alternatively, you may prefer a busier schedule where you arrive at a new destination every day.
What To Wear On Cruise Sea Days
Comfort is key on sea days. Choose casual wear like shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals for daytime lounging. Also, remember your swimwear for poolside relaxation or participating in water activities, as well as your sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun’s rays when out on deck.
For evenings, if you’re heading to one of the more formal restaurants or a show, smart casual attire is recommended. Always bring a light sweater or wrap, as it can get breezy on deck.
What To Do On Cruise Sea Days
On cruise sea days, you’ll be able to make the most of your ship’s many exciting (or more relaxing!) features without even needing to disembark.
Many of today’s cruise ships offer colourful, fun-filled waterparks, all-singing, all-dancing Broadway-style shows, and cinemas showing blockbuster movies. Typically, you’ll also have access to an array of fitness and sports facilities, whether you like playing basketball in the sunshine or working out with the latest equipment in the gym.
While these mainstream options offer endless entertainment, we also want to highlight some more unusual or unexpected activities that can make your time at sea uniquely memorable.
With that in mind, if you’re wondering what is a fun day at sea on a cruise, check out some of these lesser-known delights that could await you on your cruise adventure.
1. Dawn Patrol
If you’re an early riser, you’ll know that nothing quite beats watching the sunrise. And, during sea days on a cruise in the middle of the ocean, it is even more beautiful.
Head to the highest guest deck to experience panoramic views and enjoy sipping on an early morning espresso from the café while the dawn breaks over the infinite horizon. It’s a peaceful experience that sets a serene tone for the day.
2. Join a Themed Workshop
Many cruise lines offer engaging workshops you might struggle to find on land, so make the most of these on your cruise sea days.
For example, Cunard offers fencing lessons on some of its Mediterranean cruise itineraries, while on some of Royal Caribbean‘s ships, you can pick up circus skills.
Or perhaps wine tasting is more up your street, a treat many of the leading cruise lines offer. Take a look at Silversea Cruises Wine Voyages, where expert sommeliers teach introductory courses and wine appreciation workshops.
3. Take Part In An Art Auction
If you love to contemplate fine art, several cruise ships have impressive collections onboard.
Sail with Princess Cruises, and you can even have the opportunity to participate in a live art auction that features unique pieces from world-class artists. The cruise line also hosts enriching art lectures and special events.
4. Culinary Competitions
If you love to cook, you’ll discover a whole variety of food and cooking-related workshops on offer during sea days on a cruise.
A favourite is the MasterChef at Sea experience with MSC Cruises. Your first challenge is to take part in the MasterChef at Sea Quiz. Winners then get to enter the Mystery Box Challenge, cooking for a panel of MSC judges.
5. Behind The Scenes Tours
Have you ever wondered what goes into making your cruise holiday sail smoothly? Many cruise ships provide fascinating behind-the-scenes tours to allow you to find out.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers a ‘Behind the Fun’ tour, giving you the chance to see areas usually out of bounds to guests, including the ship’s bridge, engine control room, main galley, staff dining areas, storeroom and even the laundry!
6. A Day Of Luxury In The Spa
Cruise sea days are perfect for indulging in some pampering, and cruise lines know how to do spa days well. Many ships have exceptional facilities, all geared towards relaxation.
Voted the World’s Best Cruise Spa, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Mandara Spa is definitely one to consider if you’re seeking luxury self-care. Its adult-only Thermal Suite features multiple saunas, vitality pools and therapeutic rooms, as well as a complete menu of beauty services.
7. Adult Only Hideaways
If you’re seeking some child-free time, most ships offer adult-only areas in addition to their spa facilities. There’s Carnival’s Serenity, which includes a secluded area to relax with hammocks, whirlpools and a dedicated bar overlooking stunning ocean views.
Meanwhile, if you need a break from all the magic when sailing with Disney Cruise Line, its cruise ships provide an adults-only area known as The Quiet Cove. Here, you can enjoy a pool, hot tub, cocktail bar and premium lounging area.
8. Stargazing Sessions
After dinner, join a stargazing session on deck to witness the most extraordinary views of the night sky. With minimal light pollution, stargazing in the middle of the ocean can be a spellbinding experience.
On Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, stargazing sessions are led by an onboard astronomer who will guide you through the constellations as the captain turns off the exterior lights to ensure the best views of the dark skies at night.
9. Kids’ Activities & Teen Hangouts
Keeping the younger ones entertained during sea days on a cruise is the key to having an enjoyable time. Generally, kids’ clubs on cruise ships are fantastic, offering age-appropriate, themed activities run by experienced children’s staff. From crafts, sports and science experiments to scavenger hunts and discos, your children are guaranteed a great time.
Teens are not forgotten in this offering. On the contrary, many cruise ships have thoughtfully designed programmes and facilities for this age group. There’s everything from movie nights and video gaming to DJ training, karaoke, air hockey, and dedicated hangout zones; your teenager will only wish for more cruise sea days on your holiday!
10. Fuel Your Adrenaline
If you’re seeking excitement during your day at sea, modern-day cruise ships have plenty of thrilling activities to give you that adrenaline buzz.
Dare to walk the plank over the ship’s edge on Norwegian Cruise Line’s multi-level rope course, feel the speed on the fastest rollercoaster at sea, 187 feet above the waters on select Carnival Cruise Line ships or face a ten-storey drop into the darkness with the Ultimate Abyss, found on many of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.
With exhilarating activities like these, there’ll never be a dull moment on a cruise sea day!
11. End Your Day With a Sunset
If you didn’t make it up in time for sunrise, then the sun setting over the horizon at the end of your sea day on a cruise is the next best thing.
Find the best spot on the ship, order a cocktail or a glass of bubbly and toast the end of a memorable day. As the sky paints itself with orange, pink, and purple hues, you’ll have witnessed the unique charm of sea days on a cruise.
If you have any further questions about sea days on a cruise, please contact our cruise specialists.
