There’s no denying that cruising is one of the best types of vacations, and it’s a great way to experience things that you can never do on land. With various unique experiences and offerings, a cruise vacation lets you tick off many items from your bucket list in one trip.
As someone who has been on over 30 cruises, I know first-hand which amazing experiences you will only find on a cruise vacation.
With that being said, here are 10 things you can only experience on a cruise ship.
10 Things You Can Do Exclusively a Cruise Ship
1. Eat Breakfast on Your Balcony
Sure, eating breakfast on your balcony is possible at a land resort. However, it does not compare to eating breakfast on your balcony in the middle of the ocean.
Having a clear view of the beautiful sea as you enjoy a tasty breakfast (and a mimosa) is truly a special feeling.
Furthermore, eating breakfast on your balcony as you sail into port is another unique cruising experience. Starting your day with coffee, pastries and some fresh fruit as you sail into a cruise port of call offers a unique perspective you won’t find on land.
2. Go On a Roller Coaster at Sea
Yes, some cruise ships have theme park like attractions onboard! In fact, Carnival is the first cruise line to feature roller coasters on their cruise ships! The Bolt Roller Coaster is available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Mardi Gras, and Carnival Jubilee.
With a top speed of 23 MPH (37.3 km), the Bolt Roller Coaster is one of the unique experiences at sea. So, if you’re a thrill chaser, consider booking one of these Carnival cruise ships.
Another cruise line that offers a thrill ride is MSC Cruises. Featured on MSC Seascape, Robotron is a thrill ride designed to offer adrenaline lovers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
3. Walk Out of a Restaurant Without Paying
There’s a unique sense of liberation on a cruise vacation, where you can dine without worrying about the bill. Whether it’s a casual restaurant or the main dining room, you can order what you want without worrying about the price.
One of the things I miss most about cruising when I’m not on a cruise is the feeling of ordering food without worrying about the price! Not having to pay for food and ordering as much as you want is an excellent benefit to booking a cruise vacation.
4. Experience Glaciers From Your Balcony
Viewing glaciers from the comfort of your balcony is truly an only-in-a-lifetime experience you will only get on a cruise vacation! The feeling of drinking a warm coffee while watching the stunning glaciers in the distance is something you can only experience on a cruise ship.
For those nature lovers, experiencing a glacier at sea is something you’ll want to do throughout your lifetime. Whether it’s a cruise to Alaska, Antarctica, or the Norwegian Fjords, cruising by glaciers is an incredible experience.
Last year, I had the pleasure of taking an Alaska cruise with Holland America and sailing through Glacier Bay National Park. Visiting Glacier Bay surpassed my expectations and was one of the most special travel experiences.
The glaciers’ beautiful color, sound, and movement is something that everyone should experience at some point in their lives. Furthermore, it was a great chance to take in Alaska’s unique wildlife and learn about the glaciers.
5. Go Zip-Lining
Zip-lining at sea is available on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, Icon Class, and MSC Seaside. This thrilling activity is one of the most unique experiences that you will find on any cruise ship.
If you’re a thrill chaser, you’ll enjoy taking a zip-line ride while you’re on a cruise ship!
In 2012, I was on Oasis of the Seas, the first cruise ship to feature the infamous zip-line. However, at the time, I was 12 years old and too small to ride it (and too scared!). In 2020, I sailed on Oasis of the Seas and knew I had to conquer my fears and ride that zip-line.
The zip line was definitely scary, but it was a great experience and made for some amazing pictures!
Related: 8 Best Cruises for Young Adults – By a Young Adult
6. Experience a Sunset At Sea
A sunset at sea is truly one of the most exclusive and relaxing experiences on a cruise vacation. Whether you’re winding down on your balcony, sitting at a bar, or relaxing in a hot tub, it’s one of those magical experiences that only cruising can offer.
Sure, you may experience a sunset at home or a hotel. However, being in the middle of the ocean provides an unobstructed view of the ocean. Since no land, structures, or buildings are blocking your view, you can witness the sun setting in its full glory.
The open sea offers a unique and unparalleled sense of peace and relaxation. The soothing sounds of the waves and the gentle rocking of the cruise ship combine to create an incredibly peaceful experience that is truly unique to a cruise vacation.
7. Order Drinks from a Robot Bartender
A cruise experience exclusive to Royal Caribbean cruise ships is ordering a cocktail from a robotic bartender. Sure, it’s a bit gimmicky. However, it is fun and unique!
If you’re a technology enthusiast, you’ll love the process of getting a drink from the robotic bartender. You’ll order your beverage on a high-tech touchscreen, scan your card, and the robotic bartender will start mixing your drink.
One of the coolest parts about ordering a drink at the Bionic Bar is that you will see many different statistics. You can see the most popular drink order, how many total drinks the robot has made, and how long it takes for your drink to be ready.
It’s important to note that although a robot serves you, you will still be charged a gratuity fee. When I ordered a drink from the robot bartender, I found it funny that I was still charged an 18% gratuity.
8. Watch a Broadway-Style Show at Sea
Cruises are home to some amazing Broadway-style production shows. Whether you’re looking for Broadway classics like Grease, Mama Mia, and Cats, or cruise line original production shows, it’s hard to beat the entertainment you’ll find on a cruise ship.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney are known for having amazing production shows. Compared to land-based vacations, the entertainment on a cruise ship is completely different.
Furthermore, cruise lines offer amazing entertainment, ranging from comedians to magicians to live bands. Overall, the included entertainment is one of the things that makes cruising such a special experience.
9. Go Go-Karting
Exclusively available on Norwegian Cruise Line, Go-Karting stands out as one of the most unique activities offered at sea. Picture yourself competing with other cruise passengers in high-speed electric go-karts, all while being surrouded by the breathtaking view of the ocean!
As someone who loves go-karting, I always looked forward to trying this activity. I had the pleasure of going on the Norwegian Joy, where I purchased the unlimited Go-Karting pass.
At a price of approximately $200, the unlimited Go-Karting pass proved to be a fantastic deal, especially considering the 10-day duration of the cruise. I made the most of this pass, by racing for several hours every day of the cruise!
Overall, this is a great activity for teenagers, young adults, and those adventurous cruisers who enjoy doing thrilling activities.
10. Watch an Ice Skating Show
A shocking cruise experience for new and potential cruisers is that you can watch an ice skating show at sea. Yes, certain cruise ships have ice skating rinks!
Ice skating shows are an exclusive Royal Caribbean experience, and they can be found on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class, Freedom Class, Oasis Class, and Icon Class. The shows are truly incredible, and the performers are extremely skilled.
As someone who grew up ice skating, I make it a priority to watch the ice skating show. No matter how many times I’ve seen the same show, it’s always impressive!
A bonus of going on a cruise with an ice rink is that you can actually ice skate as an activity during the day. On sea days, there will be select hours where cruise passengers can skate (skate rentals are free) on the ice rink.
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Final Thoughts On Things You Can Only Do on a Cruise Ship
Cruising is a great way to travel and offers plenty of unique experiences. Whether it’s a sunset at sea, glacier viewing, or going on a roller coaster, there’s no denying that a cruise vacation offers a variety of amazing travel experiences.
What’s your favorite experience that is exclusive to cruising? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.