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If you’re reading this article you most likely have not been on a cruise before and are looking to see what fun things they have to offer and if it’s the correct type of vacation for you. Good news! The activities on a cruise ship are almost ENDLESS. There really is something for everyone.
You are going to learn about all the different things you can do on a cruise so you’ll feel prepared and excited to take advantage of everything a cruise has to offer!
This post will discuss fun things to do on a cruise, the best things to do on a cruise, things to do on a cruise by yourself and more!
This post is all about things to do on a cruise.
Activities on a cruise will vary from cruise line to cruise line and ship to ship. They have ships sailing that are 30 ish years old and ships that are brand new. That is one big reason why some activities will vary.
I will be talking about things that you will *most likely see on every cruise ship because of that.
I do recommend as well preferably before you book a cruise to google the cruise line and ship you’re considering and watch a ship tour on YouTube so you can see what all that ship has to offer.
You may find it’s a perfect fit or you may find other options you’re considering are a better fit.
Back to the point. . .
1. Eat
From the main dining room, to the buffet, to pizza any time you want it. Eating on a cruise is definitely a featured activity that you should take full advantage of.
One great thing about cruising is the ability to try foods you wouldn’t normally try or buy at home. The menu on a cruise offers a wide variety and the best part is if you don’t like it, you can always try something else. No risk!
Some cruise lines have started to charge for a second entree (MSC) and others will charge for a second lobster tail that used to be unlimited (Royal Caribbean) but for the most part you can eat as much and as often as you like!
2. Pool Deck Activities
A pool deck on a cruise ship offers several different options for each cruiser to choose the type of day they want to have!
From tanning on the pool deck, to taking a swim, relaxing in a hot tub or watching a belly flop competition, there is something for everyone. Most ships also offer awesome kid areas such as small water slides.
Side note:
If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling you should check out the water slides onboard or on certain lines like Royal Caribbean, try out the Flowrider!
3. Shows
Cruise ships usually offer amazing Broadway level shows right there onboard! You may be delighted to watch the fabulous ice skating shows or be mesmerized by actrobatics. If you’re looking for a good laugh a comedian is a regular occurance.
Sometimes cruises will offer the same show on a couple different days and/or times but sometimes they don’t. Be sure to look at the schedule of events on their app on the first day of your cruise so you don’t miss anything you want to see. Some apps will give you the ability to mark just what you’re interested in, filtering everything else out so your day of events is more organized.
Most shows are free but a couple cruise lines may have a small fee for certain shows. Be sure to check on if it’s a complimentary option if that is important to you before booking it.
4. Trivia, Bingo, Belly Flop Competition, Battle Of The Sexes And More!
If you’re going on a cruise you’re basically guaranteed to never be bored.
Throughout your cruise they will offer several different types of trivia. From music to fan favorite movies, give it a try!
Bingo is the only activity in this section that is an added cost. Cruises will have bingo a couple times throughout your sailing. If you have never played bingo before or bingo for money you should give it a try! I’ve seen people walk away with anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand! It sure would be nice to have your cruise paid for by winning a simple game.
A belly flop competition on a cruise is MUST SEE. The people who enter this competition usually work the crowd and show off their skills. You can participant by being in the crowd and voting for who you think was the best. Or if you would rather try your luck, give it a go and sign up!
Battle of the sexes games are hilarious and one of my personal favorites. You never know what the cruise staff are going to ask each team to do but it is always a great show to catch. Be sure to get there early if you want a good seat or a seat at all as this show is always full. You can also volunteer to participant if you would like!
5. The Spa
If you’d like to take your cruise to the next level and have a relaxing experience, book a spa service!
The spa offers your typical massages and facials but they also can do other things like nails, a hair cut, or styling your hair. A great way to put the finishing touches on your formal night look is to have your hair professionally done.
If you are wanting a deal I would recommend looking at the deal of the day spa offer. It will give you a little bit more value.
Pro Tip:
The best spa deals are usually on embarkation day or a port day when most people will be getting off the ship so they know they will have less business.
The downside of booking a service on the cruise ship is they will try to sell you products potentially before, during and after your service. If you want to relax and not deal with a sales pitch I would suggest telling them that upfront so you don’t have to deal with it throughout your service.
6. The Gym
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While the gym might not be a popular venue on a cruise ship if you would like to stay active while on your vacation they always have a gym you can go to and they’re usually pretty nice!
The gym is typically busy the first morning (day 2) of your cruise but it becomes way less busy after that. Usually when I go to the gym later on in my sailing it is completely empty.
Side note:
If you like saunas a lot of ships will have on in the gym or spa for free. Some lines will charge you for it unfortunately but the ones that it’s a free service I would 100% recommend (if your health allows, definitely consult your doctor) you take advantage of spending 15 minutes after your workout in the sauna.
If you’re hungover from taking advantage of your drink package sweating it out in the sauna may be the bounce back you need as well.
7. Dance The Night Away
If you like to dance there are several opportunities to do so on a cruise! A lot of cruises will have a bar that turns into a club at night with a DJ. Often on the cruise app you will see different themes every night of music styles so you could choose your favorite or go to them all!
Live music areas also may be a good place to dance. Cruise line’s will also offer theme parties too some nights that will have a small dance floor.
8. Outdoor Activities
@yourstrulychelsea Video idea from: @Royal Caribbean Blog. Had to show my own version of the only time I’ve tried the Flow Rider 🤣🤷🏼♀️ #cruise #cruisetok #cruisingtok #flowrider #royalcaribbean #royalcarribeancruise #royalcaribbeanflowrider #cruiseship #cruisingcontent
Cruise lines offer several outdoor activities if you’re looking to enjoy the weather and maybe your favorite sport. A lot of cruises offer basketball courts, mini golf and a rock climbing wall. This will vary ship to ship.
These activities are a great addition to a sea day to keep you moving and also enjoy some time with family or friends. Be sure to look at the schedule of events every day and over the entire cruise to see where you can fit in every activity you wish to do.
9. Indoor Activities
If you’re looking to avoid the sunshine or bad weather (hopefully not) on your cruise and you wish to stay inside there are still tons of things you can do on your cruise!
Common indoor activities are billards, ice skating and bumper cars.
10. The Casino
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The casino is an EXTREMELY popular place on a cruise ship! You will find people here at all hours of the day.
They offer machine games like slots, as well as table games such as craps, roulette and more!
If you’re of legal age and want to try your luck in the casino there is something for everyone. (This is not advise or me suggesting you to spend money, definitely do what is best for you)
I personally prefer table games because you can interact with other people who are usually having a good time, cracking jokes and just enjoying the cruise.
11. The Arcade
An arcade is a great place to take your kids on a cruise if you want to play a variety of games with them! Arcades will be an extra cost on the cruise ship, it is not included.
I have seen large and small arcades on cruise ships so if this feature is important to you, maybe research one that has a bigger arcade section.
12. Art
If you’re going a cruise definitely look around the ship, there will be art everywhere!
Pro tip:
If you keep getting lost finding your way back to your stateroom, take a look at the walls. You should see a couple distinct art pieces that will help you remember if you’re close by your room or if you’ve taken a wrong turn.
Besides all the art around the ship, they also will have a gallery and events. These pieces are usually for sale if you’re interested and find something you love.
13. A Behind The Scenes Tour
If you’d like to see how the ship is run in several different areas then a behind the scenes tour might be for you!
This is an addtional cost unfortunately but if you’ve never done one before, it may be worth the money.
These tours will normally go to places like the galley to talk to some staff and how the food is made and what every day is like. It will also make a stop at the bridge to view the control systems of a cruise ship. Pretty cool!
14. Cooking Classes
If you want to learn how to make one of your favorite foods or just participant in a fun activity you could try a cooking class! There are typically only a couple offered on a cruise so be on the lookout.
This will be an added cost on your cruise. Common classes I’ve seen are a sushi roll making class and a cupcake decorativing class!
15. Drink Tastings
On your cruise daily planner you may see different drink tasting options. I’ve seen ones for wine and also different liquors.
This is an added cost even if you have a drink package. It’s a fun and informational event if you’re looking to learn a bit more about different types of alcohol. Only valid for those of legal drinking age.
16. Learning Seminars
If you’re looking to learn something on your cruise look into what imformational seminars are offered on your cruise. One popular one I’ve seen several times on cruises are seminars about each port stop.
It’s a good way to learn a little bit of history about where your cruise is going and also maybe find an excursion you want to do in port!
17. Endless Ice Cream
If you are not taking advantage of the soft serve ice cream machines on cruise, you are missing out! One cone a day, five cones a day, who’s counting!
If you have never experienced an ice cream on the pool deck I would recommend after a day full of activities to grab yourself a small pick me up.
The most common flavors you’ll see are vanilla and chocolate or a swirl of the two!
18. Relaxing
One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is to just find a quiet place to relax. If you have a balcony stateroom or higher you have your own place to watch the ocean in peace.
If you’ve booked an interior or oceanview room and are looking for someplace to go outside that isn’t super crowded I would check the lower decks outdoor areas. They usually have chairs where you can sit down and watch the water or read a book.
Another great way to relax on a cruise is by spending a few minutes (or a few hours) in the hot tub!
If you want to take your cruise up a notch you can relax by booking yourself a spa treatment. This will be an additional cost though.
19. Listening To Live Music
A great way to wind down your day is by listening to the live music your cruise ship has to offer.
Your cruise will have a few lounges with piano players, singers, etc. It may also have a central atrium that will have live music throughout the day or night.
It’s a great way to enjoy your evening on a cruise by grabbing a drink and listening all the talented staff the cruise has hired.
20. Watch A Movie On The Pool Deck
This acitivity might not be offered on every sailing but if you love watching movies I would take advantage of this opportunity!
It’s such a great time to be sitting in a hot tub relaxing while a movie is playing on the big screen.
This is also an easy activity to do as a family if you have kids with your on your vacation. Check out your daily planner to see what the movie options are while on your cruise.
21. Read
Whether you bring your own book or pick one up at the library onboard, reading is a great way to spend your cruise!
There are several areas from your balcony, the pool deck, a cafe, etc where you can enjoy a good book.
No matter what you choose to do on a cruise you’re almost guaranteed to have a fantasic time with all of the different options a cruise vacation has to offer!
This post was all about things to do on a cruise.