…IDEAL for keeping busy and entertained before your next port stop.
Few industries were more badly hit by the global pandemic – both financially and reputationally – than cruise ships. Indeed, as the Financial Times recently reported, at one point early on in the crisis, a single cruise ship accounted for half of cases worldwide, with the industry’s leading companies posting falls in revenue of roughly 90% in 2020 and 2021.
But the cruise line industry is staging something of a comeback, with that same FT article reporting ”bookings have surged to pre-pandemic levels”. How good it feels to be on the open seas again, indeed.
That said, one could be forgiven for thinking that it’s not all fun and games on the open seas. Indeed, certain stereotypes are called to mind when cruises are mentioned, of retirees doing very little, of sea sickness, of sub-standard food, and of relentless boredom.
Keeping Entertained On The High Seas
In reality, there’s so much happening on board that you might even be disappointed when you meet dry land. Yep, make those assumptions walk the plank, with these; our 7 fun things to do on cruise ship sea days, IDEAL for keeping busy and entertained before your next port stop.
Keep Yourself In Shape
Cruise ships and going to town on the all-you-can-eat buffet (self-restraint can all too often be left on shore, however subconsciously) go hand in hand. And depending on the length of your cruise, you may be onboard for months – that’s a lot of buffet dining to do.
Do remember, then, to keep yourself in shape on those sea days which stretch ahead like the vast blue sea you’re floating on. Fortunately, most cruise ships have some pretty state-of-the-art fitness facilities as part of on-board spa complexes, as well as on deck, open air swimming pools. Some even have running tracks around their perimeter.
There really is no excuse not to keep fit on board. And yep, we realise we said ‘fun’ in the title, but we all love that little exercise endorphin rush really.
Get Involved In The Games
Well it wouldn’t be a cruise ship without a flamboyant compere, the free flow of alcohol, and some good ol’ fashioned games nights. Bingo, of course, is big business on cruises, perhaps because of the traditional age of the clientele, but slot machines and even poker tables are often fixtures of these vessels, too.
But back to bingo; being a sociable affair, playing onboard usually in dedicated, state-of-the-art bingo hall setups) is a great way to meet other passengers and let your hair down a little. In fact, cruise ship bingo inspires such fervent devotion that there are even dedicated bingo cruises running today.
You might want to consider learning the sometimes baffling lexicon of the game prior to joining in; without getting familiar with the lingo involved, it’s often hit the floor and time for tea before you can shout the immortal word.
A Show & A Dance
Whether it’s a comedy show, a live musical performance or a band playing covers, one of the hallmarks of a good cruise is the sheer variety of entertainment on offer.
We’ll put our neck on the line here (or rather, our feet on the plank!), and say these shows are often better than the ones you find on land. As one Guardian writer wrote recently, “the theatre itself was actually of a far higher standard than many of the West End’s crumbling playhouses – more comfy seats, better sightlines, excellent acoustics, and high-end equipment”.
And when the show has ended and you’re a few cruise cocktails in, then why not go dancing? Yep, nearly every cruise ship has a nightclub or a designated dancing area. High jinks on the high seas…why not?
Ride The Adrenaline Wave
That swimming pool we mentioned earlier isn’t only for keeping fit. Indeed, many cruise ships now have water parks on deck, with slides, rides and wave machines for those looking to raise the adrenaline when waters aren’t choppy enough to provide a cheap thrill. We can’t decide whether it’s terrifying, titillating or a mixture of the two, but it’s certainly one way to keep busy on board!
If that’s not enough for you, firstly, kudos; you’re a braver person than us. But more importantly, August of last year saw the world’s first ever onboard rollercoaster setting sail as part of Carnival Cruise’s latest liner, the state-of-the-art Mardi Gras. Named Bolt, the coaster sits 187 feet above sea level, is 800 feet long and reaches speeds of 40 miles per hour. Wow!
Of course, you could just relax by the pool – holidays are for unwinding, after all.
Catch A Film In 4D
If you’re a keen film buff, then booking a cruise with a cinema onboard is a must. Though the immersive experience of a 4D flick on a ship has us feeling nauseous just thinking about it, some cruise ships do boast such cinemas. What better excuse on a sea day, then, than to catch the latest film release? Indeed, there are four Disney Cruise Lines sailing the open waves with Buena Vista Theatres showing some thrilling and funny films to passengers. Perhaps best not to watch Titanic though, hey?
Even more appealing than a seafaring cinema is the Royal Caribbean’s famed Outdoor Film Nights. With a massive 20.4m2 screen showing newly released films and live sporting events, you can actually enjoy the action from in the pool, as well as from a horizontal vantage point on the top deck’s sunloungers. Magic!
Admire The View
Or, you could simply enjoy the views from deck, even if it’s simply staring into the boundless abyss of the open waves. There’s no better sight to take in if you’re pondering life’s biggest questions, or simply looking to clear your mind for a while. What’s more, sunrises and sunsets from a high vantage point on board are uniformly, reliably fantastic. Maybe the answer, as it so often does, lies in nature.
Indulge In A Culinary Adventure
While the all-you-can-eat buffet is a staple of cruise dining, the culinary experiences available on modern cruise ships go far beyond the dining hall. Indeed, many cruises offer gourmet restaurants featuring world-class cuisine from renowned chefs. Take advantage of this by booking a table at one of these exclusive venues, or sign up for a cooking workshop or wine tasting session.
Some cruises even offer ‘chef’s table’ experiences where you can enjoy a multi-course meal prepared and explained by the executive chef. It’s not just a meal; it’s an educational and sensory journey that will likely be a highlight of your sea days.
The Bottom Line
Cruising offers an unparalleled opportunity to blend relaxation with adventure, indulgence with discovery, and luxury with fun. Whether you’re keeping fit with a jog around the deck, laughing through a game of bingo, being swept away by a high-quality show, riding the adrenaline wave at an onboard water park, catching the latest 4D film, soaking in the panoramic ocean views, or savoring a culinary masterpiece, there’s no shortage of activities to enrich your time at sea.
So, next time you find yourself on the open seas, dive into these activities and create memories that will last long after you’ve disembarked. Remember, on a cruise, every day is what you make of it, and the possibilities are as vast as the ocean itself.
