Hi my lovely readers!

Chances are you are booking a cruise to see and explore many different ports and to get to places that you normally would not get to. Or you book a cruise to get some sun, sand and sea and just be lazy and relax by the pool or the beach.

No matter your reason, cruises are not just floating hotels that get you from A to B, they are floating resorts and as such come with lots of amenities and things to do to keep you busy, active and entertained.

This is especially important for sea days, those days when you do not have a port stop. Of course some of us, including me, prefer to go to the pool and just read a book. But so many people get bored and do not know what to do with themselves during sea day.

But fear not, I have put together this guide on 41 fun things to do on sea days during your cruise for you so being bored will be out of the questions!

PS: Just bear in mind that different cruise lines and even the ships within a fleet, offer different activities and have different amenities. Therefore, activities and what is on offer will vary.

1. RELAX BY THE POOL

This is what most of us want to do on sea days. Go the the pool, get a sun tan, relax with a cocktail in your hand and jump occasionally into the pool to cool down or even get into the hot tub.

2. GO TO THE SAUNA

I like to take my time during a cruise to look after my wellness and wellbeing a little and that always includes a visit to the sauna, which is included in the cruise fare.

The sauna is often located in the spa and open throughout the day. Detoxification here I come!

3. BOOK A MASSAGE

Sea days are the perfect days to relax a little and get those sore muscles sorted out. A massage is just great to wind down and to treat yourself during a cruise. They often get booked out or are at least are in high demand during sea days.

4. GET YOUR HAIR AND NAILS DONE

Especially the ladies like to get pampered during sea days in the spa when they have plenty of time to get ready. They like getting their hair and nails done, often when the sea days fall on the same day as the formal night.

Who does not want to look pretty and glamorous when they get all done up?

5. ATTEND A DANCE CLASS

Get your booty shaking and attend a dance class. This can be anything from learning how to dance like Michael Jackson to Ballroom and Latin Dance. Try out something that you normally would not dare to give a go and see if you enjoy it.

6. JOIN IN OR WATCH THE POOL GAMES

Very often there will be some games taking place on the lido deck and people love joining in, but it often is very funny to just watch as people go all out to win. Games could be anything from water volleyball, to musical chairs or even sexy leg competition.

Often people say those games are not their cup of tea and they want to stay away from those pool areas when they take place, but trust me, they are hilarious to watch and you would be surprised what some people do to win.

7. ATTEND A WORKOUT CLASS

Are you one to get up early to exercise? If yes, why not attend one of the morning exercise classes to get your day started or maybe join an afternoon class to make space for the three course evening meal?

Classes can be anything from gentle stretching to yoga or Zumba. They are fun and also give you the chance to meet other cruisers that are like you and mingle.

8. NEW AND MEGA SHIP ACTIVITIES

Many of the new mega ships such as the Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean offer amazing activities on board such as rock climbing, surfing on the Flowrider, ziplining, ice skating, playing laser tag and much, much more.

Carnival has launched the first cruise ship with a rollercoaster, a rollercoaster at sea! I mean, it cannot get more entertaining, right?

9. CULINARY EXPERIENCE

You can watch and learn how some of the dishes on board are made by joining the culinary experience aka life cooking show.

The chef will show you how some dishes are prepared and cooked and you even get the chance to sample them. Often, the recipes for the dishes presented will be handed out for you to try to cook at home.

10. GO FOR A WALK AROUND THE PROMENADE

Many cruise ships have a promenade deck, a deck that goes fully around the ship. Take a stroll around the promenade to get you moving around a little and take in some amazing views.

Often you will also find the shuffle board on the promenade deck, if you like playing this game. Another bonus, if you are looking for some quiet time, this is often the place to go.

11. EXPLORE THE SHIP

Chances are that if your itinerary includes a lot of port stops, you have not got a lot of time to fully explore the ship. Sea days are perfect to catch up on your ship exploration.

12. LEARN SOMETHING NEW BY ATTENDING A LECTURE

Cruise lines offer lectures on destinations, cruise destinations they go to, health and wellness and more pressing topics such as climate change, especially when you are on an expedition cruise. These lectures are interesting and informative.

13. ATTEND PORT LECTURES

You have not given it much thought on where to go and what to do at the next port? No problem.

You can attend a port lecture where cruise staff tell you about the most iconic and most famous attractions you can visit. Often these are also recorded so you can watch them later from the comfort of your cabin if you wish.

14. WATCH A MOVIE

Go to the cinema during your cruise. Cruise lines show movies during the day in the theatre where the evening shows take place.

And many cruise lines also have cinema screens now outside on the lido deck. Princess Cruises is famous for its Movies under the Stars where the sun loungers are fitted with comfy padding and blankets at night for people to watch a movie outside and under the night sky.

15. GO TO AN ART AUCTION

Cruise lines often have an art gallery on board to showcase works of promising artists that can be purchased. Ever wandered what an art auction might be like? Well, you have the chance to attend one during a cruise.

16. TRIVIA

Oh Trivia. Trivia is huge on cruise ships and always fun and interactive. There are different Trivia themes that you can choose from, my favourite one I attended was based on Harry Potter.

You do not have to know anyone to participate. Just go and join another team and I promise they will welcome you with open arms.

17. GET ARTY AND CRAFTY

Want to learn a new skill? Why not attend an art and craft course and let your creativity run free? During my expedition cruise to the Arctic, I learned how to make something for my coat zipper so I was able to open and close my coat whenever I needed to without having to take of my gloves all the time.

I really enjoyed that class as I love making things. Plus, what I made came in handy during my cruise.

18. GIVE KARAOKE A GO

If you love singing, karaoke is for you. Chose your favourite song and sing your heart and soul out.

I watched a few people, some are really good and some are just terrible. But you know what? That is not the point. The point is people are having fun.

19. GO FOR A WORKOUT IN THE GYM

You want to stay in shape? No problem, just head over to the gym and workout as much and as long as you want.

The bigger cruise lines have in fact really good gyms on board with a good selection of gym equipment available so you can train those different muscle groups.

20. GO ON A SHIP TOUR – GET BEHING THE SCENES

You always wandered how this well oiled machine called a cruise works? If you did not know, you can book a ship tour to get access to areas that you normally would not be able to and see how everything works behind the scenes. The highlight for many is often a trip to the bridge, where the captain sits and maneuvers the ship.

21. GET RID OF THE KIDS BY SENDING THEM TO KIDS CAMP

If you are longing for some peace and quiet time, I would recommend getting rid of the kids for a few hours by sending them to kids camp.

The bigger ships will have separate play areas for them, also for different age groups where they can interact with other kids or play Xbox for example. Staff will also plan activities for them such as going on treasure hunts that will keep them busy and entertained.

22. BINGO

Another staple cruise game is bingo. You can purchase cards for just one game or as many games as you like and see if you are lucky enough to win something.

On my last ocean cruise, the top price was, if I remember correctly, a few thousand dollars. Not bad, right?

23. JOIN THE FLASH MOB DANCING CREW

This is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it absolutely is mine. Get together with other cruise guests and give a flash mob a go. I was shy on my first cruise, but all the following once I have been on I always joined in.

No one cares how you look and dancing is good for the soul, especially on the lido deck when you can dance under the sun. If anyone is interest, Carnival’s flash mob is the Wobble by VIC. I cannot wait to wobble again 🙂

24. COMPETE IN SPORTS COMPETITIONS

If you are into sports and a bit competitive, look out for different sports competitions and win prices. It could be anything from golf putting or bean bag tossing to basketball and table tennis tournaments.

25. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

As you can already see, there is plenty to keep you entertained during the day and this does not stop at night.

There are plenty of bars and even night clubs on cruise ships for party goers and those that want to continue their great day into the night.

26. GO TO THE EVENING SHOWS

The evening shows are fantastic on board, some are even Broadway worthy. One night it could be a musical performance, the next night it might be a magician show and the next night will be a singing performance.

Entertainment is never far away and there is something happening and going on from the morning well into the night.

27. SHOPPING, SHOPPING AND SOME MORE SHOPPING

All cruise lines have a shop or several shops on board selling different items. During sea days you will have time to browse around a little and find some souvenirs to take back home.

You can find jewellery, handbags, clothing items, sun glasses, souvenirs such as postcards, mugs, keyrings, you can buy snacks or some items that you might have forgotten at home such as toothpaste etc.

28. ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA

The English are famous for Afternoon Tea. Everyone knows that and I bet many people would want to have Afternoon. If this was offered during a cruise that would be great. But hey, it is offered during a cruise!

Take the time to enjoy an Afternoon Tea experience and eat yummy scones, cakes and finger sandwiches.

PS: If you prefer coffee with your Afternoon Tea that is okay as well.

29. LISTEN TO SOME RELAXING AND CALMING MUSIC PERFORMANCE IN THE ATRIUM

If you prefer to spend a little time indoors or perhaps the weather is not that great, you can spend some time in the atrium and listen to a live music performance. Often this will be a piano or violin act or the house or better cruise band jamming away.

30. PARTICIPATE IN THE ON BOARD MUSIC TEAM

The entertainment crew on board really wants people to participate in activities and have a good time. Some more unusual activities include joining a choir or musical instrument team.

I once joined the musical instrument team and we had practices throughout the cruise to learn a musical routine that we later performed in front of an audience in the atrium. It was so much fun.

31. TAKE PICTURES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

Sea days are perfect to go around the ship and take amazing pictures for yourself, your blog or social media.

Some ships are huge and it can take easily a good few hours to go to every spot on the ship and take pictures and videos to capture those memories of the ship.

32. BOOK YOUR SHORE EXCUSRIONS

If you are going on a cruise that has the first day or two as sea days, it is a good idea to make use of those days and book your shore excursions if you have not done so already.

Often people forget to book them before the start of the cruise or have not made up their mind yet. You can visit the shore excursion desk to get a consultation or to get more information and make a booking if you decide a shore excursion or several are for you.

33. JUST WATCH THE VIEW

You can be super active and participate in all those fun activities, but one of the best things is and always will be to watch the views.

There is something special about just sitting down, listening to the sound of the waves and often the birds and just watching the water and admiring the ocean. This can be the most calming thing you will do during your cruise and is so soothing.

34. BOOK YOUR NEXT CRUISE

You have been on the ship for a few days now, you explored some ports and you are absolutely loving your cruise. You are dreaming of where to go next and cannot wait to book that next cruise. Well, why not book it while you are cruising?

Every cruise line will have a future cruise booking desk where you can sit together with a member of staff, get some consultation on where to go and book your next cruise. People who book on board get discounts and can save some good money.

35. GAMBLE AWAY IN THE CASINO

During sea days you will be in open waters and that means that the casino will be open even during the day. This is perfect for any gambler or anyone who always wanted to give poker a go and learn the games. Of course, be sensible when it comes to gambling.

36. CATCH UP ON SPORTS

There are plenty of people that cannot or do not want to miss a game of their favourite sports team. Luckily, plenty of cruise lines have sports bars or at least a few screens around the ship that can broadcast all those soccer, baseball and football games. Men can happily go and watch Arsenal while the wife is getting her hair and nails done in the spa.

37. SLEEP IN

One of the best parts about sea days is that you can sleep in. You do not have to get of the ship for sightseeing so you can just start the day whenever you are ready. Sea days are perfect to “catch up” on some sleep and recover a little so that you are ready for the next port exploration.

38. LEARN HOW TO MAKE THOSE CUTE TOWEL ANIMALS

Learn how to make those adorable towel animals that are left in your cabin by the room stewards during a towel folding class.

The towel folding classes are always popular with the young and the old. Everyone loves them and you get step by step instructions so you can replicate them back at home and extend that cruise feeling.

39. HAVE BREAKFAST ON YOUR BALCONY OR IN THE RESTAURANT

Port days tend to be busy and full of activities. Normally, you get up early and head for the buffet for a quick breakfast as you want to get of the ship asap to explore the port.

However, sea days are those days where you can just calm down, relax and take your time. Therefore, you can enjoy a full breakfast, best from your balcony or the main dining room and really enjoy it.

40. PLAY BOARD GAMES

If you like playing tradition board games, sea days are perfect to have a games day. The entire family can get together and send some good quality time. Cruise lines have board games in their library that are available to all guests and I often see families bringing their own.

Just head to the library, select a game and play until you can play no more. Just do not forget to put eh game bac once you are done so other people can play as well.

41. READ A GOOD BOOK

And of course reading a good old book is on many people’s list of what they want to do during sea days. There are many locations where once can enjoy reading a book. By the pool in the sun, in the library, in one of the many bars or maybe on your balcony.

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Do you think you would get bored during a cruise?