16 Mistakes Cruisers Make on Cruise Ship Sea Days

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 on-board 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.