When I first started cruising in my early 20s, I saw sea days as something to endure until the next port. Now that I’m a more experienced cruiser, I’ve come to love the slow rhythm of days at sea. There’s a simple luxury in having an entire day to spend however you wish.
Sea days—when your ship is sailing and not docked in port—can be a highlight of any cruise. Here’s how to make the most of them—and how to avoid some common mistakes on your days at sea.
Enjoy the opportunity to recharge
Cruises offer the chance to see many destinations in one trip, but they can be busy. My husband and I are often off the ship early on port days, trying to spend as much time on shore as possible.
We use at-sea days to rest and recharge. For us, that means slowing things down. We might sleep in a little, and then try the “late riser’s” breakfast. We spend time reading in a quiet corner of the ship, and I make time to walk laps around the deck—one of my favorite ways to work off those delicious onboard meals.
Going nonstop can lead to burnout. Whatever relaxation means to you, sea days offer the chance to recharge for the next busy days in port.
Book a spa appointment well in advance
One great way to unwind is to book a massage, facial, or other treatment at the onboard spa. Days at sea are the perfect time for this—but appointments fill up quickly. Many cruise lines will let you book spa treatments in advance; if not, head straight to the spa as soon as you board to secure your spot.
Sample unique onboard experiences
Most cruise lines offer a wide variety of activities during sea days, but many passengers make the mistake of not checking the ship’s daily schedule. The schedule—delivered to your cabin each evening or available through the ship's app—is your roadmap to fun days at sea.
A typical sea day might offer everything from poolside trivia at 2 p.m. to a cooking demonstration at 4 p.m., followed by an evening show in the ship’s theater. That writing workshop, wine tasting seminar, or dance lesson could become the highlight of your cruise.
Some onboard activities require reservations, so book as soon as sign-ups open—either before the cruise or as soon as you get on board.
Keep your schedule relaxed
It can be tempting to try to fit in a long list of activities, but attempting to do so can leave you exhausted. Instead, pick two or three activities that genuinely interest you and leave plenty of time to simply enjoy the ocean views.
Don’t be a poolside seat hog
Cruise ship pools are especially popular on sea days, and it’s natural to want a prime spot. But many cruise lines have policies against saving seats for long periods. Draping towels over chairs for hours while you’re elsewhere on the ship is considered inconsiderate to other passengers. If you want a deck chair, plan to arrive early—or go later in the afternoon when many people head off to other activities.
Lock in your sea day dining
Days at sea offer the perfect chance to enjoy a long, leisurely dinner at a specialty restaurant—but popular venues fill up fast, especially since everyone is on board rather than dining in port. Many cruisers make the mistake of not understanding the ship's dining options or waiting too long to make reservations for specialty restaurants. Research your options before the cruise, and book as early as possible.
Strategize your visit to the gym
My husband likes to work out and uses the gym on every ship. On sea days, though, everyone else seems to have the same idea, making the gym rather crowded. His strategy is to go very early or later in the afternoon, when people are readying for dinner. Sometimes, he skips the gym entirely on sea days and takes the stairs all day instead as a workout of its own.
Don’t forget to savor the day
No matter how you spend your day at sea, the day is yours to enjoy on your terms. Whether that means curling up with a good book, journaling, relaxing at the spa, midday napping, or watching an entertaining onboard game show—savor the moment exactly as you wish.