Although visiting destinations is a nice part of cruising, sea days can certainly be the highlight of your cruise vacation. Sea days are designed for cruise passengers to unwind, participate in fun activities, and indulge in the ship’s offerings.
Knowing the key do’s and don’ts to enhance your sea day experience is important. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruiser, these tips will help you easily navigate your day, allowing you to relax, have fun, and make the most of your day at sea.
10 Do’s for Cruise Sea Days
1. Participate in the Poolside Entertainment
Take advantage of the fun poolside entertainment during your sea day. On the lido deck, you’ll often find a range of engaging activities where you can compete for prizes and, of course, bragging rights.
Activities can vary depending on the cruise line. However, poolside entertainment can include crew members vs. cruise passengers, water volleyball games, poolside Olympics, and even belly-flipping competitions.
Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, poolside entertainment guarantees a great time. So check your daily cruise planner to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun and excitement that awaits you.
2. Plan Your Sea Days
On a sea day, it’s good to go over the daily planner and plan your day. This way, you can try various activities, explore the ship, and have some downtime.
On a cruise, I make it a point to sit down at breakfast and review the daily planner to make sure I make the most out of my sea days. By planning ahead, you can avoid missing out on fun activities and feel more organized during your sea day.
3. Get Up Early if You Want a Lounge Chair by the Pool
On sea days, the pool deck is very busy compared to port days. If you want to get a good lounge chair close by the pool, you will want to head there early (typically around 8:00 am).
Although this may seem like an early time to wake up on a sea day, the reality is that the pool chairs will fill up quickly, and it will be hard to get a lounge chair in a prime location until later on in the afternoon.
Remember, you don’t want to be a chair hog. So if you’re going to grab a chair by the pool, make sure that you’re actually using it.
4. Enjoy Downtime
Although plenty of fun activities take place on a sea day, it’s important to take the time to enjoy some downtime. Whether it’s taking a nap in your cabin or relaxing by the pool with a book, it’s hard to beat the relaxation you will get on a sea day.
When planning your sea day, it’s okay to take time to unwind. Although you may feel like you have to make the most of your days and constantly stay busy, you will no regret taking the time to relax.
5. Watch The Sunrise or Sunset
A sea day is a great opportunity to get up early and watch the sunrise. The unique feeling of watching a sunrise at sea is truly amazing and is the only thing you can experience on a cruise ship.
If you’re not a morning person and prefer to sleep in, try watching the sunset. Sunsets at sea are magical and an excellent opportunity to take photos, grab a drink, and enjoy the amazing view.
6. Book Excursions
If you still need to book your excursions, there’s no better time to do so than during a sea day. Take the time to check out the shore excursions desk and book a shore side tour.
It’s important to note that popular shore excursions sell out earlier on the cruise. So, if there’s a specific shore excursion you’re hoping for, booking it online before your cruise is a good idea.
7. Book Exclusive Adult-Only Areas ASAP
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to relax during a sea day, consider booking a day pass to one of the exclusive adult-only areas. Whether it’s Princess Cruises‘ Sanctuary, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Vibe Beach Club, or Holland America Line’s The Retreat, these areas sell out quickly on sea days, so you’ll want to book in advance.
Although these exclusive areas cost extra, many cruisers believe they are worth the price. You will have access to private hot tubs, comfortable lounge chairs, and enhanced bar service, making for the ultimate sea day experience.
8. Work Out in the Fitness Center
Port days can be busy, making it challenging to visit the fitness center. However, spending an hour at the gym on a sea day is a great way to stay active and feel good about yourself.
Cruise lines often offer complimentary fitness classes during sea days, which are a great way to get a workout.
Consider walking on the outdoor track if you’re not a gym fan. It’s the perfect way to get your legs moving while spending time outdoors.
9. Take Advantage of Sales
If you like to shop while you’re on vacation, check out the shops onboard your cruise ship. Oftentimes, you can find great deals and giveaways in the shops during a sea day.
Pay attention to the offers on the daily planner so you can take advantage of all the amazing deals!
10. Book a Spa Day
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to relax on a sea day, book a spa treatment. The convenience of booking a spa day during a sea day, rather than a port day, ensures you can unwind without worrying about rushing back to the cruise ship for your appointment.
If you’re booking a spa treatment, consider doing it early or later in the afternoon. This way, you can fully enjoy the activities taking place throughout the day.
It’s very common for the spa to get booked up during sea days. So, if you plan to visit the spa during a day at sea, you’ll want to book your appointment on embarkation day.
10 Don’ts for Cruise Sea Days
1. Don’t Only Eat in the Buffet
A big mistake some cruisers make on a sea day is eating only at the buffet. A day at sea is the perfect opportunity to try different casual restaurants, specialty dining, or the main dining room.
Oftentimes, cruise lines offer brunch in the main dining room on sea days. In the main dining room, you will find a variety of foods ranging from pancakes and traditional breakfast items to burgers and sandwiches.
With so many dining options, it’s a good idea to try something new instead of eating at the buffet.
2. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
On a Caribbean cruise, you’ll likely see a few cruise passengers sporting a painful sunburn on a sea day. Ideally, you’ll want to avoid getting sunburnt by applying sunscreen.
During a sea day, losing track of time and getting sunburnt is very easy. Apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring the onboard attractions and waterslides, or playing on the sports court.
3. Don’t Not Stay Up Late the Night Before a Sea Day
Since most cruisers want to make the most out of their port days and may have early-morning excursions, it’s not uncommon to turn in early. However, this isn’t the case on the night before a sea day.
The night before a sea day is the perfect time to experience cruise nightlife and stay up late since you won’t have to wake up early the next day. Take advantage of the evening activities, like theme parties and live music at the pub and the nightclub, to make the most out of your cruise experience.
While you may feel tired the next morning, you can rest in bed and start your day when you feel ready. It’s better to sleep in during a day at sea than a day in port!
4. Don’t Forget to Take Sea Sickness Medication
Feeling seasick on a cruise isn’t very common. However, it’s always good to be prepared. If your cruise ship is traveling through rough seas, or you feel motion sick, taking seasickness medication can help you enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take the sea sickness medication before you start feeling sick. This way, you can prevent any feeling of sea sickness from happening.
The last thing you want is to get seasick and ruin your day. To prevent sea sickness, make sure to bring Bonine, Dramamine, ginger candies, or other remedies.
5. Don’t Spend All of Your Time in One Place
Don’t get me wrong—spending a day at sea by the pool is an amazing way to relax. However, moving around the cruise ship is a good idea instead of spending the whole day in the same spot.
This way, you can experience different indoor activities, onboard attractions, and events to make the most of your day at sea.
6. Don’t Be Late for Scheduled Events
It’s important not to be late to scheduled events on a cruise ship. Scheduled events start on time, and if you’re late, you’ll miss part of the event. Plus, you may have difficulty finding a seat.
Furthermore, certain events will fill up quickly on sea days, so you may want to arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot and fully enjoy the event.
7. Don’t Forget to Check Out the Indoor Activities
Although plenty of activities are happening outdoors on a sea day, it’s important to check out the indoor events as well. On a sea day, events like trivia, bingo, and art auctions will take place indoors.
If you’re spending your whole day outdoors, it may be hard to notice that these events are taking place. Be sure to check the daily planner to take advantage of all the fun indoor activities.
8. Don’t Neglect Time Zone Changes
During a sea day, you may experience a time change. It’s important to pay attention to the time zone changes and to update your phone with the accurate time so you are on the cruise ship time.
You may miss activities, spa appointments, and dining reservations if you neglect the time zone change. To avoid this, change your phone to your cruises accurate ship time when it’s announced.
This can be a common rookie cruiser mistake!
9. Don’t Forget to Watch a Show
With so many activities happening throughout the day, it’s a good idea to plan your evening as well. Whether before or after dinner, taking the time to watch a show is a great idea.
Cruise ship entertainment is always a fun time and a great way to spend your evenings. Whether it’s a production show, magician, or comedian, you will want to experience the evening entertainment.
Certain cruise lines require shows to be booked in advance. Check your cruise line mobile app to make show reservations before they show up
10. Don’t Overindulge
Overindulging is a sea day mistake that can totally ruin your day! Sure, drinking on a sea day is fun, but it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid drinking too much.
If you’re spending the day by the pool, it can be easy to overindulge, and you will feel the effects of alcohol much more because of the sun. If you drink too much during the day, you may feel sick and tired, and your evening will get ruined.
Instead, drink responsibly to make the most out of your day at sea.
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Final Thoughts On Do’s and Don’ts For a Cruise Sea Days
Sea days are one of the best parts of a cruise vacation. Whether you like to relax by the pool, participate in activities, or explore the onboard attractions, there is something for everyone!
What’s your favorite thing to do on a sea day? 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.