My 10 Favorite Things To Do On Sea Days

​Woo hoo! It’s a sea day. As much as I love exploring new islands, cities, and cultures, I always look forward to lounge and enjoy my ship without any restrictions, schedules or planning. Ships offer so many choices to keep you busy or relaxed all day long. This is what vacation is all about.

So, what are my 10 most favorite things to do on sea days?

Have Breakfast on the Balcony. Without rushing for a tender or excursion to catch, take time to order room service and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your balcony. It’s the most luxurious feeling to choose whatever you want and then have it set out by a room attendant wherever you desire. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, while watching the waves and hopefully sea life swimming in front of you.  

Reserve an Alcove, Cabana or Secluded Area. It’s totally worth it to splurge and reserve your own piece of real estate on the ship. This exclusive spot will be dedicated for you all day, so no worrying about finding a lounger by the pool or coming back to find your seat occupied. Enjoy a private lunch or even have a spa service. For me, it’s the perfect way to relax while my kids can play basketball, go to the arcade, or get a snack. They'll always know exactly where to come back and find me. 

​​Try a Specialty Restaurant. A sea day is the perfect opportunity to experience a wonderfully unique and entertaining meal. How often during your busy life at home do you have the chance to dine in an upscale restaurant during the day? Besides, many ships offer discounts for specialty restaurants during sea days for lunch so keep a look out in your daily program and make your reservation.​

Indulge in a Spa Treatment. A variety of unique spa treatments are always offered on board ships. From massages to salon services and a multitude of skin treatments, you will find many types of stylish pampering in the spa. Also, is your cruise offering formal or evening chic that night? Get your hair styled, have a manicure or couples massage and get ready for the evening ahead. With relaxing music, scents and services, this is the time to enjoy and treat yourself. 

Take an Enrichment Class. Do you have an interest that you’d like to further explore? Many cruise lines offer amazing enrichment experiences. Not only do they often have lectures on the history and exploration of upcoming ports on your itinerary, but they may offer computer, photography, art, cooking or wine classes. These are always taught by experienced professionals, either on the staff or brought in as a guest lecturer. This is the perfect chance to enrich your knowledge by seeing demonstrations up close and ask questions. 

A Galley Tour. Always a favorite, all ages love a behind-the-scenes galley tour and many ships offer these. It’s amazing to see the staff in action busily preparing for the next meal in the huge, industrial type kitchen. Your tour guide will offer fun facts on the number of plates of food served at dinner, how many pounds of a particular item is supplied or answer any questions you might have of the culinary demands on your ship. Often exclusive samples are offered for tasting, too.

Hit the Pool. How perfect is it to lay poolside with a view of the ocean in the background? You’ll also find this is where the action is. On sea days, there are lots of different activities by the pool. Take part in a Zumba class or listen to Calypso music. Watch or participate in an entertaining pool volleyball game or a traditional belly flop contest. Even if you don’t like being in the sun, grab a tropical drink and find a covered area with a great view for people watching.

Splurge on a Decadent Treat. Enjoy all of the treats that you don’t eat every day off the ship, but are readily available every day when on a ship. If you are in the Caribbean or in another tropical region, take advantage of the delicious ice cream offered. Specifically on Celebrity Cruises, head over to Café al Bacio first thing in the morning for some amazing fresh made donuts, croissants (I highly recommend the almond) and other pastries. Of course, on Princess Cruises if you are a huge chocolate fan like me, don’t miss a treat from their “Chocolate Journeys” offerings from famed Master Chocolatier Norman Love. Click HERE for a video that will definitely make you hungry to explore his creations aboard.   

Experience High Tea. Such a beautifully English tradition, it is an experience you won’t want to miss. Share this with your children to let them taste the elegance of high tea as well. Depending on the cruise line, High Tea might be offered once a cruise in a specialty restaurant or main dining room and may include a nominal fee. Although aboard Crystal Cruises, this white-gloved event is complimentary and available every day. 

​Try Out the Fitness Center. Whether you belong to a gym at home or don’t get any more exercise than walking from your parked car to the grocery store, try out the fitness center - they are always terrific on cruise ships. Gazing out on the beautiful sea or sunset can surely make you inspired to exuberantly step on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle. If you aren’t a fan of machines, they may offer free weights or exercise balls. Even if you have two left feet, try out a  dance class and you might find you are good at it (even if you are not, you’ll never see a lot of these people again!) 

I absolutely love sea days! With so much offered on a cruise ship, I look forward to enjoying my days at sea to find my new favorite, relaxing and fun activities. The best part is everyone in your family or group of friends can personalize their own sea day for the perfect cruise vacation.