Going on a cruise for a vacation is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. There are many options between dining, entertainment, shopping and more. And if you visit different port locations during your trip, you get to see a whole new variety of ways to fill your days with fun, sun and sand. There is a whole new world of amazing shops, food options, and excursions to satisfy your thirst for adventure. So check out my favorites, and see the 10 best things to do on a cruise.
1. Food and Dining
One of the specialties that cruises offer are their dining opportunities. For most every meal there is buffet style option available to all guests. This is typically part of your all inclusive cost. I enjoy this type of dining, particularly for breakfasts, and casual lunches. It’s easy to come and go, eat whatever I want and fill up as much as I need. This is especially nice if you’ve spent all morning having fun and need a nice pick me up.
The other options are usually a bit fancier, and for most cruise lines this is also part of the inclusive price. This fine dining option is great for the end of the day when you’re all worn out from adventuring and want to eat a good meal but not have to wait in long lines or carry heavy plates. You will have servers bring the meal to you from a menu with incredibly delicious meals of yummy appetizers, hearty entrees, and delicious deserts.
The other eating opportunities, which may not be available to all ships, are the specialty dining restaurants. This is typically not part of the inclusive cost, but can widen your variety of dining options. Especially if you are feeling peckish for a particular craving. On the last ship I was on, they offered specialty dining for Italian, Hibachi and Sushi, an American style Diner, and an Ice Cream and Candy shop. Though the ice cream isn’t really meal style dining, it’s still a pretty great late night snack.
2. Entertainment
This is probably the next best part of the cruise. However, this will vary with the cruise line you are traveling with, and the size of the ship. The bigger the ship, the bigger the entertainment. But a bonus to be mindful of is that most, if not all of the entertainment is free, as an included cost of your trip. So take advantage of these beautiful opportunities.
During my last cruise, my travel buddy (aka my mom) and I were on one of the largest ships available on the Royal Caribbean cruise line. And boy, was there a ton of stuff to do.
Most ships will have a theater where they host shows, musicals, movies and more. Some ships even have an outdoor theater where you can watch some great flicks under the stars, while sharing a snack with your significant other. Or your mom. This was always one of my favorite things to do because while it was simple entertainment, it was so relaxing and calming.
One entertainment option which few ships may have includes an ice skating rink. It sounds crazy to have an ice rink on a ship, but I have to say that it was probably among the top 3-5 most amazing things I have done and seen while on a cruise. And think about it. How many times in your life will you get to see an ice show? This isn’t something your can see just anywhere, so take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that are offered. After all, most of them are included!
Another unique item of entertainment I was able to enjoy is the Aquatheater. This is a water show where you have performers diving from over 3 stories high, swinging around the audience on poles, ropes, and wires, and even walking on air!
While this part of the theater is not for guests swimming pleasure, it was still an amazing experience and one heck of a show! This Aquatheater even doubles as the ships outdoor theater. One of the reasons why the entertainment is among the best things to do on a cruise.
3. Shopping
Many cruise ships have shopping options available for most any ages. This includes candy, jewelry, fragrances and skincare, photography and more. And, even a shop specific to the cruise line with shirts, mugs, souvenirs and other items that are great to take home to remember your trip.
And during your trip, the ship will often have sales in various locations where you can stock up on t-shirts, cute jewelry, bags, and more great gifts for friends and family back home. These sales usually have some sort of deal or promotion as well where you can buy more for less, like buy 3 get 2 free, and so on.
It is also important to be mindful of the size of ship your on, and the cruise line you will be traveling with, as not all ships will have these same options available. However, in most cases, you should see some, if not most of these same shopping opportunities available to you.
4. Port of Call
These are the stops your ship makes during its voyage. This is your opportunity to check out the local culture, foods, shops and more.
And often times the shopping includes duty free items. This means no excessive taxes on many items like alcohol, perfumes, tobacco products, chocolates, and any other items that often have hefty taxes. So the savings are passed on to you! Plus many other items are handmade and unique to these ports, which makes for great souvenirs and conversation starters.
At these ports, you will have the opportunity to tour the town or city, head down to the beaches and tan, snorkel, or dive. You will have the option of joining specific excursions which will be an adventure of a lifetime, and an event to remember!
But do be mindful that the time you have to visit each port is limited. So stay on your ships time, and make sure you get back to the ship before they pull away from the dock!
Don’t worry if you are running behind from an excursion though. If you book an excursion through your ship, they will wait until everyone from that trip is all back on the ship before setting sail.
5. Excursions
These are typically one of the best options available at the ports. Often times most ports will offer some kind of tour, whether that’s in a bus, a food and drink tasting, or even a hike. These can be a great option for those interested in the local culture, and in seeing a lot in a short amount of time.
The tour guides are great about teaching you the fun and unique history of the places along the way. They offer great places to visit during your trip, and fun facts to keep tucked away.
One of our favorite excursions is the snorkeling. This can either be right off the beach, which is more common, or off the side of a boat.
During our trip to Hawaii, we were able to swim by a pod a dolphins. While not all cruising trips will have this excursion opportunity, it is definitely one to take advantage of.
Other excursions can include helicopter rides, zip lining, fun dining experiences, and so much more. The options will all depend of the season, ports, and sometimes the ship. If you forget to book some, many of the ports will have options available once you get there.
But do be mindful that if you join an excursion that is not booked through your cruise line, your ship may not wait for you if you arrive late. This is because they may have no idea where you are if you’re running late since you aren’t on their rosters.
6. Gym on Board
Many ships will have a gym, workout center, or even a walking/running track available. This is a great way to keep up with your exercise regimen and maintain your physique during your trip. This is particularly beneficial for those days at sea when there’s no where else to wander except on the ship.
Oftentimes there are even opportunities to join in on yoga sessions and satisfy your inner yogi. Or, spin classes, and other fun classes to get your booty shaking on deck!
7. Health Spa
This is an amenity which I didn’t often take advantage of as I’m not a big spa type person. But, if you are, the spas have some pretty amazing things available to make you feel pampered and renewed.
This includes singles and couples massages, mani’s and pedi’s, facials and peels, haircuts and stylings, and many more interesting options to take off a few years of “worn and tired”.
What is available, of course, is all dependent on each ship and spa.
8. Pools, Ice Cream, and Room Service
Each ship that I’ve been on has always had these awesome little treats!
The pools are great, especially for the kids and water lovers in the group. And for those days at sea, it is an excellent way to cool down from the heat. And, more and more ships are including water slides with their pools. So keep on the lookout, and slide into some new adventures!
Ice cream is another fun addition to those hot days when you can’t seem to beat the heat. This is your time to feel like a kid again and enjoy a sweet treat under that warm sun, and lick away at that sweet cream.
Room service is one of those excellent options to help you relax, cool down, and unwind from all the stress. Especially for those times when you feel over stimulated and exhausted from a long day in the sun. Take this time to grab a nice bite to eat in your room and have a nice moment of silence, a simple movie on the tv, or a book.
Or, grab a bite to eat, and ‘Netflix and chill’. Whatever your adventure calls for.
9. Gaming Arcade
The gaming arcade is a great way to pass a little time between events, social gatherings, meals, and more. Especially for those between the age of 10-99.
But seriously though, there are some fun games that will make you feel like a kid again, and bring a smile to your face. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained with a little friendly competition, and fun challenges.
10. Free stuff
Everyone loves free stuff.
It’s part of our nature. Many of the shops on board will have events or opportunities in which you can get something for free.
This can be a gift, tickets to an event, maps to exclusive shopping at ports, other free items, coupons for shopping and excursions, and sometimes even tickets for another cruise!
Plus, oftentimes at events sponsored by the ship, they will have additional free items available to its participants.
You will see the spa having free samples, and samplings of things like massages or smoothies. Or jewelry shops having little trinkets available, and even art auctions offering free prints at the end of an auction.
The free items are vast and variable. And they come with great memories and unique lifetime experiences.
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10 Best Things To Do On A Cruise
Cruising is an excellent way to spend your vacation. I certainly enjoy them, and love every part of what they have to offer. Plus, the cost is really quite reasonable, and often cheaper overall when compared to other vacations with similar opportunities.
It really is a unique experience that I feel everyone should consider, as long as they aren’t afraid of ships or water. I would love to hear your favorite experiences on a cruise, and what you liked most.
