Cruising is one of the most spectacular ways to see the world and achieve maximum relaxation. You only have to battle through one or two travel days to get to your port of call, and then the cruise ship does the rest. You can indulge in a short, three-day cruise to nowhere or embark on the destination of a lifetime through the fjords of Norway and beyond.
Relaxation comes into play during those lovely cruise ship sea days. These are the moments when you don’t have to do anything more than read a book, enjoy a delicious meal, and hang beside the pool. During this time, your options abound more than you may realize. Here are 16 mistakes to avoid, ensuring the smoothest of sails.
1. Skipping Breakfast
Without question, the temptation to sleep in will be enticing on a sea day. And, why not? You’ve earned it. If possible, don’t forego room service or a stroll to the breakfast buffet. Some of the most amazing spreads on board a ship are their breakfast buffets. If you fuel your body just right, you can set yourself up for a magical day.
2. Skipping Trivia
Did you know most cruise ships run trivia and other events during their days at sea? It’s a great way to put your competitive spirit to the test and forge some new friendships with fellow seafarers. Take a look around to see who’s hosting trivia (or any other similar forms of fun) and be sure to join in for an hour or two!
3. Overindulging In Alcohol
This is another legitimate temptation that no one could fault you for. Just try to temper the mimosas at breakfast with the margaritas at lunch. It could dampen your day if you’re passed out by one o’clock and missed all that pool time. Plus, alcohol has a dehydrating effect and if you’re out on the deck all day, you could bring on a small bout of dehydration, resulting in a minor headache.
4. Not Doing Nothing
How often do you get a “do nothing” day in “real life?” What if you just sat out on your balcony and stared at the sea for 45 minutes? Can you imagine that sort of peaceful bliss? Try it for an hour or so after breakfast and remind yourself what it felt like pre-Internet and TV.
5. Avoiding the Spa
Sea days are the best days to indulge in luxurious spa treatments — and some of the best treatments of your life will take place on board a cruise ship. Book these well in advance for your sea days because other people who like to plan ahead will have the same idea. Imagine walking out of a 90-minute massage only to luxuriate the day away beside the pool. Now that’s paradise.
6. Refusing to Take a Nap
Like a “do nothing” day, when’s the last time you were able to take a nap in the middle of the day? As children, we often fought our parents when it was nap time. As adults, we’d give anything for a designated siesta hour in the middle of the day. Treat yourself to some shut-eye, whether it’s in your room in your clean sheets or out on the deck sunbathing.
7. Overpacking the Day
This sounds counterintuitive on a sea day, but there are still plenty of events to enjoy on board the ship during a sea day. Between spa services, meals, and entertainment events, the whole day could fly by in a flash. Although you might be tempted to pack all your onboard fun into a sea day, remember this is also your moment to be purposefully lazy. Leave plenty of room to read a book, sketch a drawing, or lay out somewhere and watch the clouds go by.
8. Avoiding New Restaurants
Most ships have quite a few dining options. It’s easy to fall into a routine and just stick to the one you enjoy the most. Use a sea day to be adventurous and try a new type of cuisine that you wouldn’t normally entertain in “everyday life.”
9. Forgetting to Apply Sunscreen
Speaking of laying out and watching the clouds go by, don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you leave your room. Being on a cruise ship feels so much like being at home. But, an hour or two out in the Caribbean sun (or any type of sun) can really put a damper on things if you show up for dinner bright red and in a good deal of pain.
10. Not Following the Music
Entertainment abounds on a cruise ship, especially on a sea day. Search around on deck for the sound of engaging music. Whether you join the crowd out on the dancefloor or just sip on an umbrella drink, you’ll be glad you tuned in – even if just for an hour or so.
11. Neglecting Your Hydration
When you’re splish-splashing in the pool, diving into a romance novel, or dancing to the music, it’s easy to forget to drink your six to eight glasses of water. Top that off with some healthy sweat from your dancing and a few sips of that margarita, and you’re really working your way toward dehydration. No matter how you’ve planned your day, be sure to take advantage of all that bottled water throughout the ship.
12. Forgetting to Double Dip at the Buffet
Make the most of the food on offer on a ship! Make your sea day a cheat day and be sure to seek out any potential leftovers – like desserts – from the main dining room. Sadly, there tends to be a lot of food waste on cruise ships, but you can do your part and save the scraps!
13. Forgetting Your Seasick Meds
If you know you’ll suffer from the effects of seasickness, this is the most important day to take your meds. Like applying sunscreen or forgetting your water, it’s easy to get washed away in all the on-deck activities. But, don’t overlook this first thing in the morning because the reality is, this is the day your captain will be looking to clock a lot of nautical miles.
14. Not Revisiting the Sauna
Relaxation is the name of the game all throughout your cruise, but especially on sea days. After you’ve visited the spa for a relaxing massage, try to return to it again for a second dip in the sauna. This is a great way to detox some of the alcohol you’ve been indulging in – and rightly so – as well as put the body at total ease.
15. Not Exploring the Ship
Some cruise liners will blow your mind with their offerings. The Holland America line, for example, features refurbished onboard libraries. If you want to get a little bit of work done one day, why not do it in a lesser-known space like this? There are also hidden lounges to be discovered, countless stores, quieter wine bars, solariums, and other areas with fewer crowds. These are the spaces you might like to occupy during the day before you dance the night away.
16. Neglecting to Try a New Drink
Like a new restaurant or meal, use this time to cozy up to your bartender and ask him or her for their recommendations on new drinks. Cruise ship bartenders are often masters of their trade. Tell them what sort of flavors you tend towards and allow them to craft a new drink to satiate your taste buds.
17. Missing a Mixology Class
We just agreed not to overdo it on the alcohol. But, excess within control is the name of the game on any vacation. As we said, the bartenders on your cruise ship will be some of the best bartenders in the world. There’s probably not a single drink they can’t make. On sea days, you’re more than likely to find a mixology class taking place that you can mix right into.
18. Not Making a Show of Your Evening Activities
With all this free time on your hands, reserve an hour or so to queue up your favorite audiobook, podcast, or TV series and spend some time pampering yourself as you get ready. Make an effort to curl your hair or give yourself a close shave. Don your best outfit of the trip and go down to the main dining room with a splash.
19. Ignoring Your Neighbors
Okay, no one would really do this. But, keep your eyes peeled for lifelong friends when you’re aboard the ship. While everyone’s relaxed and living their best life, it’s going to be easy and natural to make new acquaintances. You’ll find couples or solo travelers like yourself to connect with, enjoy some meals with, raise a glass to, and maybe even stay in contact with when the magical week is over.
20. Tuning Out Facebook
A very interesting little trend that’s gained traction on cruise ships is small Facebook groups that develop on each ship. Join the group for your sailing and see if anyone has organized a meetup at the pool bar or poker tables. This is a great way to engage with new friends who share common interests.
21. Forgetting About the Cruise Planner
Newspapers can never go out of print, thanks to cruise ships. Every night, someone from the staff will deliver a printed sheet to your cabin with a full list of the next day’s activities — many of which are free! Be sure to review this over breakfast so you can make a loose, relaxed plan for the day.
22. Not Exploring a New Craft
If you think of it, try to stick the supplies for a new craft in your suitcase. Perhaps you’ll try that knitting pattern you’ve been meaning to attempt, but have never had the time for. A simple paint-by-numbers exercise is also good for the soul, especially as you’re sunning yourself out on your balcony.
23. Overlooking the Walking Track
Those waterpark slides are certainly the jewels of the crown on deck. But, most ships also have a walking track somewhere in the midst of all those pools. If this is your preferred way to get exercise, find out where the track is on your ship and treat yourself to a stroll, especially in the early morning hours when people are probably still sleeping off the night before.
24. Missing Out on Small-Scale Events
If you’re a bit more academic, you’ll be pleased to know several cruise liners plan special lectures and short classes for people who want to stimulate their minds as much as their bodies. Sometimes, there are sessions about local history and lore. Other times, there are fascinating maritime lectures. Keep your eyes peeled for these smaller, special events. And now you’ll know where to find them — in your daily activity sheet!
25. Skipping the Slot Machines
Did you know your ship will most likely have to close the casino when it’s docked? There are all kinds of rules and regulations surrounding the world of gambling. That means, if you want a high-stakes round of poker, you have to get in on the action during a sea day. If you win big, you might be able to counteract all the shopping you’re doing on board, and in the local towns and villages.
26. Ignoring the Boutiques
Some people make the mistake of thinking the onboard shops are full of overpriced souvenirs. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Those shops and boutiques are prime real estate that artisans will pay top dollar for. You’re more likely to find high-quality, handmade, unique gifts on board the ship than anywhere else in the world. Take your slot machine winnings to the shops and indulge yourself a little.
27. Forgetting About the Whales
Whether you’re up in Alaska or down in the Caribbean, you’re likely to spot some magnificent maritime life on board a ship. We all remember the scene from Titanic when Jack and Fabrizio watched the dolphins race the ship. You’re also likely to come upon some really exciting whale sightings, as well as plenty of other marine life when you’re cruising through the passageways.
Make the Most of Your Floating City
Being aboard a luxurious liner can feel a bit like its own floating city. With shops, restaurants, stores, and plenty of secret spaces to explore, it’s easy to fill a day at the sea.
Make the most of it with these tips and tricks and, when you’re ready for your next adventure, scroll through our destination guides. We’ll help you get there in effortless style and class, and make the best memories of your life.