What Are We Going To Do On Our Cruise If It Rains?

​​Always the planner (like me!) my 16-year-old asks me a great question, “What are we going to do on our cruise if it rains?”

You have this perfect, luxury cruise vacation planned, but somehow that doesn’t get conveyed to Mother Nature. It happens. The clouds start rolling in. I always try to look on the bright side that at least it’s raining while I’m vacationing on a cruise - not working, running errands, or driving carpool. 

Best Tips When It Rains On Your Cruise

SO, what are you going to do on the ship?

​My first advice is to always check your daily cruise planner for the next day. Every cruise line includes the forecast so that you can try to tailor your activities around the weather. If clouds or drizzle is anticipated,  getting dressed in your swim suit first thing in the morning might not be the best idea.

• Take this time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the dining room. Or head to the buffet and get a table by the window to eat while watching the rain and ocean swells.

• ​Study your daily cruise planner and find an enrichment class that interests you or head to the Internet lounge and check your email.

• A rainy day is the perfect time to have that spa treatment you’ve been wanting to try. If the weather isn't ideal when there is a formal or evening chic night, splurge on getting your hair or nails done. 

• If it’s afternoon when the rain hits, take the family to experience high tea or a unique lunch in a specialty restaurant. Sometimes, last minute discounts will be offered to entice guests. 

• Kid's programs are always stepped up on a rainy sea day. But if your kids don't choose to go, a family favorite is always a game of BINGO or see an interactive game show or demonstration happening in the theater. Some cruise lines even have a movie or a variety of arcade games to enjoy. Just be prepared to have extra sleeping room if your kids hit it big in the arcade!

• Browse the shops. They always offer a great variety of enticing treasures. Use this opportunity to select a souvenir for yourself or bring home a gift for someone else.  I love to take advantage of a rainy day to get this done. Once the weather clears, you'll  want to be spending every last minute outside on deck. 

Virtual Hint: When rain hits, you may feel a bit more of the ocean. If you are concerned about seasickness, I have some great tips on ways to help seasickness. 

when visiting a poRt on a rainy day, things to know:

• ​If you didn’t bring your own, many cruise lines provide umbrellas in the cabin for you to take off the ship while exploring your port on a rainy day.

• If the weather is extremely bad and the ship is still on schedule to visit the port, be prepared that your excursion may be canceled. Check the activity guide and you might find an excursion that is more weather appropriate. ​If you booked through the cruise line, they typically will let you choose another rain-friendly excursion that is available or refund your money. 

• ​In the Caribbean, torrential rain showers may instantaneously appear and then magically stop only 10 minutes later. Wait it out! If lightening isn’t an issue, grab your belongings and head into the main part of any beach, park or attraction you may be visiting. Take the time to grab a drink, snack, or even upload your earlier pictures to social media and make your friends jealous back home. ​

​Whatever the weather, rest assured it won't be consistent for the entire cruise. Captains are experts in steering the ship towards better weather conditions. If you take part in the various activities, relax and pamper yourself, enjoy the different venues and types of food offered, and spend time with the friends and family you came on board with, you will always have the perfect cruise vacation.