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What to Do on a Cruise? 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship

If it’s your first time taking a cruise, you might be wondering exactly what there is to do on the ship.

First things first, there’s a lot more things to do on a cruise ship than most people realize. In the past, it might have been that the majority of your time would be hanging out on the pool deck and having a drink. These days there is no end to the fun you can have on a cruise, and there are activities nearly around the clock.

Whether you want to relax and do the bare minimum, or have a thrill a minute, modern cruise ships have no end to how you can have fun. To give you just an idea of how you can spend your time while sailing, we’ve offered up a massive list of 70 things to do on a cruise ship.

Create Your Own Bar Crawl Across the Ship

Alcohol flows freely on a cruise ship. It’s normal for a ship to have a dozen or more bars, and you can get a drink whether you are hanging poolside, watching a show in the theater, or trying your luck in the casino.

Just like restaurants, these bars all have different themes and menus. There are fun poolside bars, classy lounge bars, and even trendy hip bars with “mixologists.” Check them out and take a look at the menu to see what sort of cocktail speaks to you. Nowhere can we think of do you have the opportunity to try as many different drinks all in one place than on a cruise.

Take Part in the Poolside Competitions (Or Just Watch for Laughs!)

A belly-flop contest? Sexiest legs competition (for men only)? These are classic poolside events that are must-sees.

They typically take place in the afternoon on sea days, and all the contestants are sourced from your fellow passengers. It’s a riot with people packed around the pool to see. If you want to participate, get in on the action by heading down to the host. If you plan to just watch, we suggest getting there early. With hundreds — if not thousands — of people watching, great spots to get a view can fill up fast.

Find “Your” Spot on the Ship

Over the course of a cruise, something surprising happens. Since people are creatures of habit, we tend to find a spot that we really like and find ourselves going back again and again.

For some people it’s a special spot near the pool. For others it’s a bar that they just love. Still others find the most secluded spot they can because it’s perfect for reading a book.

During the course of your cruise, it’s always fun to spend some time exploring and find what “your” spot is on the ship.

Stock Up Your Liquor Cabinet With Duty-Free Shopping

Like airports, cruise ships are able to sell items duty-free. This means you can save cash since taxes and duty aren’t included in the price.

Every ship will have a store onboard that sells items normally subject to these fees like alcohol and cigarettes. Take advantage to stock up on what you might be missing back home and save a few bucks while you’re at it. Just keep in mind there are limits to how much you can bring home.

Also, you can’t buy bottles in these stores to enjoy on your cruise. They will be packaged and delivered to you at the end of the trip.

Try Out a Specialty Restaurant for Different Flavors

If you’ve never taken a cruise, you should know that not all food on the ship is free. There are many spots to eat, including the main dining room and the buffet, that are included with your fare. Many other restaurants on cruise ships now carry a charge.

It might be off-putting to have to shell out more money for a restaurant when you’ve already paid for the cruise and there are free options available. Don’t automatically discount these options, however.

Most specialty restaurants serve food you can’t find elsewhere on the ship, and if you like higher-end dining, it’s your best bet for a meal that you’ll love.

Take Advantage of the Kid’s Area

If you are a family going on a cruise, your kids will probably want to go check out the dedicated kids area on the ship. Parents are typically happy to oblige.

Major cruise ships have spaces made just for children that are staffed by the cruise line. They are split into different age groups with areas and activities that are interesting to each age. This way a 14-year-old doesn’t have to do the same things as a 5-year-old.

The kid’s areas are free and a big hit. Kids love having something they want to do while parents enjoy some time to relax without having young ones in tow.

Try Your Hand at Shuffleboard

There’s nothing more classic than playing shuffleboard on a cruise. It’s a reminder back to the older days of sailing, but the game is surprisingly fun. Each player takes turn sliding a disc onto a numbered board. While you are trying to score points by sliding the disc on a numbered spot, you are also trying to knock your opponent’s discs off the board.

It’s relaxing to play and a fun way to get a little competition while on the ship. Best of all, it’s free to play; sticks and discs are normally kept right by the boards on the ship.

Work on Your Tan

It’s hard to think of anything that’s more synonymous with cruising than sunshine. That’s why it’s no wonder that getting some sun and working on your tan is one of the most popular things to do on the ship.

The top deck on a cruise ship will feature tons of chairs, although those closest to the pool get picked first.

One thing to keep in mind is that the sun can be strong at lower latitudes in the Caribbean. Use plenty of sunscreen and keep track of your time in the sun. You don’t want to get burned early in your trip and not be able to enjoy yourself the rest of the cruise.

Hit the Hot Tub

There’s no better way to relax than by some time in the hot tub. On today’s cruise ships hot tubs dot the entire top deck. While there are usually multiple whirlpools around the main pool, other hot tubs are found around the ship, including adults-only areas. So while a ship might have a couple of pools, it could have 8-10 hot tubs.

These spots are especially popular in the evenings or during the winter months when the ship is sailing in cooler weather. There’s not much better than keeping warm on a cool night in a whirlpool.

Take a Dip in the Pool

Of course, most people go on a cruise to get warm, but sometimes you need to cool off. The classic way to chill out it to take a dip in the pool. Modern ships will have two or even three pools, sometimes including one in a covered solarium that can stay warm year round.

One thing to keep in mind is that swimming pools on a cruise ship might be smaller than you imagine. Remember that water is heavy, so having too large a pool up on the top of the ship could cause problems. Still, pools are large enough for dozens of bathers at once.

Try Your Luck in the Casino

Nearly every cruise ship you sail will have a casino; it’s a point of emphasis. Casinos are almost always centrally located on the ship, usually near the main promenade deck where there is lots of foot traffic.

Casinos are open when the ship is at sea, but closed in port. So most of your play will either be on sea days or in the evening as the ship is heading from port to port. Games include all your favorites including roulette, blackjack, craps, and slots. There are also some unique games you won’t find in most land-based casinos like coin-pusher machines that play for real money.

Careful, the payouts on a cruise ship are normally pretty stingy compared to many land-based casinos.

Get Your Mile in on the Jogging Track

A popular thing to do in the mornings, just about every major cruise ship will include a jogging track around the top deck. Only a couple of lanes wide, you might have to dodge a few people walking and a couple of deck chairs. That said, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better view than the open sea while on a jogging track.

We’d suggest going early in the morning as more people come out as the day goes on. This causes lots of traffic on the track and makes it harder to jog. Running before about 9 a.m. should be feasible, but going for an afternoon jog is impossible.

Relax on Your Balcony

If you’re fortunate enough to have booked a cabin with a balcony, then take advantage! There’s nothing better than spending some time just relaxing while watching the ocean roll by. Given how fast-paced most of our lives are these days, it’s the ultimate luxury to just be able to sit still in your own private space without having to do anything at all.

Balconies usually aren’t that large; it’s just enough space for a couple of chairs and a small side table. Still, they are big enough to get some fresh air and take in the view. Sitting out here in the evening as the sun sets is one of our favorite things to do on a cruise.

Pamper Yourself at the Ship’s Spa

All the major cruise ships have a spa where you can get tons of different treatments. Whether you want a massage, or manicure, teeth whitening, or any other thing under the sun, it’s likely the staff on the ship can accommodate.

Rates will vary across lines, but you can expect the cost of an hour-long massage to run about $100-150. Most spas will also give you a free tour so you can get a look before committing. We highly recommend you take advantage of the tours as you will be amazed at some of the facilities on a modern ship. We’ve even seen one spa with a “snow” room that has literal snow in it to help improve circulation in the cold air.

Tip: You can also usually purchase a day pass to hang out in the spa for much cheaper than a massage.

Watch a Movie on the Pool Deck Under the Stars

In the evening the pool deck crowd thins out considerably. To still utilize this space, the cruise lines often show feature films on the big screen that overlooks the deck. You can grab a pool chair or hang out in a hot tub and watch a flick.

In our experience the films are family-friendly, with them often being one of the newest superhero films. One more thing — sometimes the cruise line even serves free popcorn to movie-goers. It’s definitely one of the more unique places to watch a flick.

Enjoy Some Live Music Around the Ship

Are you a live music fan? In the evenings you’ll find live music being played at locations around the ship.

Styles vary, and the lineup will be mentioned in your ship’s daily planner. It’s almost always something easy to listen to (don’t expect any heavy metal), and usually the bands play covers ranging from classic hits to new favorites.

Find a musician you like, grab a drink, and settle in while you enjoy the evening.

Let the Kids Splash at the Waterpark

As cruise ships get larger, that means more space for things to do. One popular addition is a waterpark for kids. They aren’t on every ship, but if you are sailing a vessel that’s been built or updated in the past several years, it’s likely to have one.

These waterparks won’t be confused with anything you might find on land, but for a cruise ship they can be impressive, including waterslides, splash pads, and more. One of our favorites is Splashaway Bay on Royal Caribbean ships (shown above).

This waterpark features tons of features that will soak any kid who plays. It also has a reserved area for kids who aren’t yet potty-trained so that they can enjoy as well (typically kids not yet potty-trained aren’t allowed in pools or water features for health reasons).

Spend Some Time (and Money) in the Arcade

If you have kids (or you’re a kid at heart), don’t miss spending some time in the arcade on the ship. They feature games ranging from air hockey to racing to shooting genres, and you can play them all with a swipe of your keycard.

Arcades can vary widely on cruise ships. We’ve seen large ones with dozens of games, and others that have been relatively small. Games are usually higher priced — expect it to cost $1-2 to play anything. We have been on cruises where there is a “Happy Hour” where arcade games are discounted 50% for a short period. Take advantage if you see this sort of deal. It’s a great way to spend an hour that the kids will love.

Grab a Bite to Eat… Around the Clock

Cruise ships and food go together like peanut butter and jelly. Every ship will have lots of places to eat around the ship, ranging from the buffet to the high-end steakhouse. But whether you just want a snack or a full-blown meal, you’ll always be in luck.

These days food is served somewhere on the ship around the clock. Of course the most restaurants are open during meal times. However, ships will usually have a 24-hour restaurant you can visit or at least a buffet that’s open extended hours.

So no matter when you get an urge, you can grab a bite to eat.

Watch the Game in the Middle of the Ocean

Is there a big sporting event happening while you’re on your cruise? It doesn’t mean you have to miss it just because you are at sea.

Cruise lines offer feeds of popular sporting events, such as NFL games, during the trip. And while not every ship has a sports bar, many do, making it the perfect place to watch. No matter, you’ll be able to find games being broadcast somewhere on the ship to enjoy while you sail.

Take in the Evening Entertainment

What do you do if you’re a cruise line and need to keep hundreds of people entertained at once? Put on a show!

These days most cruise lines have moved beyond the typical song and dance routines. Evening shows on cruise ships look more like Broadway. For instance, Norwegian has productions of Footloose and Kinky Boots aboard its newer ships.

No matter which line you sail, you’ll be impressed with the talent and production of these programs. Evening shows typically run twice a night, with a rotating lineup during the cruise so that you have something different each day of your cruise.

Get Your Workout in While Setting Sail

When it comes to things to do on a cruise, not too many people consider working out. That’s a shame because cruise ships offer some of the best gym facilities you’ll find.

First, there is a wide variety of equipment in gyms; it’s not at all what you’d find at a chain hotel. From aerobic machines (treadmills, bikes, etc.) to weight lifting machines and dumbbells, there’s something for everyone. As well, gyms on cruise ships are usually spacious with plenty of room.

But what always wows new cruisers are the views. Gyms are usually high up on the ship with massive windows that look out over the water. It is one of the most breathtaking views you can imagine while getting a workout.

Catch Up on Netflix

There’s so many things to do on the ship, it might seem silly to talk about Netflix. We know, however, that some people’s favorite thing to do is catch up on all those shows they want to watch. And it’s your vacation; do what you want!

We personally love watching a show after coming in from a long day in port. After being in the sun all day, it’s nice to relax in the cool cabin. If you feel the same, bring along your tablet, phone or computer with your Netflix account.

We suggest that you download the shows at home beforehand. That way you don’t have to stream over the ship’s wi-fi, which can be choppy and expensive. Many ships also won’t let you stream over their connection.

Order Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or a Midnight Snack from Room Service

One of the guilty pleasures on a cruise is that you can order room service and eat in your pajamas. Every cruise line offers room service.

Most of the time breakfast is free, but there is normally a small charge for lunch, dinner, or late-night meals. Rates are usually around $8 per trip, but you can order whatever you want. Other lines do charge ala carte, so your bill can rise or fall with how much you order.

One thing to remember is that it’s customary to tip the staff that brings your meal a few bucks.

Book an Excursion For Your Day in Port

Small boat in blue water for a cruise shore excursion

While there’s a lot to do on the ship, there’s also a lot to do in port. The best way to explore the area is on an excursion. You can always just plan your own day, but it’s much easier to pick from a menu of options and have your day planned for you. Excursions do exactly that.

Every ship has an “Excursions Desk” that you can visit to learn more about all your options, ask questions, and book your spot.

While these day trips can get pricey, we suggest that passengers book at least one excursion during their trip. They can offer some of the most memorable moments of your entire cruise and an opportunity to do something that you would never be able to experience back home.

Enjoy Some Quiet Time in the Library

Cruise ships have libraries, and compared to other parts of the ship, they are barely used. Inside you’ll find plenty of books covering all genres from poolside paperbacks to serious historical volumes.

What some folks may like is that the libraries are a nice quiet spot out of the way. If the pool is too loud and you simply want to get away from some of the crowds, head to the library for some peace and quiet.

Play a Board Game or Some Cards

Usually near the library you can find a game room on a lot of cruise ships. If you want some time out of the sun, head here to see what they offer. The board games are basic — checkers and chess — and there are usually decks of cards.

While there will be tables in the game room, don’t think you are stuck playing there. Take the games with you to find a spot to play (you’ll often see people playing near the pool in the fresh air), just be sure to return the games when you are done so that other passengers can enjoy them.

You can also bring your own favorites and play whenever you want.

Get Online to Send a Selfie Home

Want to show off what you’re doing on your vacation? You can, even if you are in the middle of the sea.

Cruise ships all have Internet service. While it can be expensive (expect to spend $20-30 per day), there are often “social media” packages available for cheaper. If you’re online, then snap a few poolside selfies to post to Facebook, Instagram, or send back home to let everyone know you’re enjoying your vacation.

In addition, online access gives you the chance to check in back home, catch up on emails, and keep up with the news even while you’re in the middle of the ocean.

Learn a New Game in the Casino

Cruise ship casino with slot machines and table game.

Have you always wanted to play blackjack but have been too intimidated? Or maybe you want to try craps but are scared of losing money?

If you’ve ever wanted to try a new game, a cruise ship casino is a great place to start. Ships will have beginner lessons on all sorts of games. Best of all, they are free to play while learning. You’ll see the times listed in your ship’s daily schedule, but classes are usually in the morning when the ship is as sea.

Simply show up and the staff will walk you through the games and let you play some practice rounds to get you up to speed.

Play in a Slot Tournament on the Ship

Slot tournaments are simple — get the highest score at the end of a certain time and you are the winner. Ships often have tournaments during the day in casinos and they can cost little to enter — about $20 or so.

Prizes vary, but even if you don’t win, it’s a fun way to spend some time in the casino without having to spend a fortune.

Bid on a New Piece of Art

If you’ve never been on a cruise before, you might be surprised at how heavily the art auctions are promoted on the ship. You’ll receive lots of flyers, and you’ll see the artwork for sale as you walk around.

Styles range the gamut, so just about everyone can find something that they would like to bring home. If a piece catches your eye, talk to the clerk to see what it costs. They can get you all set up to bid on the piece and help you get it home.

Play a Round of Putt-Putt

Putt-putt has become a favorite on a cruise. Most ships have a course that you can play 24 hours a day. Simply walk up, grab a club and ball, and start swinging.

What’s nice is that it’s an easy go-to when you have kids as they seem to love to play. It’s also an easy-going activity and only takes about 20-30 minutes to play a round. So when you’re bored or have a few minutes to kill before dinner, you can get a round in as easy entertainment.

And did we mention that it’s free to play?

Go Shopping… In the Middle of the Ocean

These days some sections of new cruise ships look more like a mall than a ship. Shopping is a big draw, with a number of stores offering everything from souvenir keychains to high-end expensive watches.

Even if you aren’t in the market for anything, going window-shopping is a fun thing to do on a cruise. One thing to note is that cruise lines will often have sales in their stores. We’d suggest scoping things out early on the cruise. If there is something you like, give it some time during your trip to see if it goes on sale before you buy.

Grab an Ice Cream Cone by the Pool

What’s better than ice cream on a warm day? Not much. That’s why cruise ships often have ice cream stations located near the pool. Sometimes it’s free soft-serve, other ships might have gelato that costs a few bucks.

If you’re out at the pool, grab a cone to help you cool off.

Play Ping-Pong to See Who Is Better

Ping-pong is such a simple game, but for some reason it brings out the competitive spirit. Maybe that’s why everyone seems to love to play.

On a cruise ship you are in luck. Ships have spots dedicated to the game, often with multiple tables in a place outside, but with minimal wind so that you can play even when it’s breezy. (Tables are normally located on the pool deck, tucked in a corner.) Just head up and pick up a couple of paddles (which are provided) to play.

Score Big in a Blackjack Tournament

Similar to the slot tournament mentioned above, casinos often offer blackjack tournaments as well. Pay the entry fee and do your best to come out in the lead at the end of the time. Be the big winner and you could go home with some cash or prizes.

It’s also a good way to get the hang of the mechanics of the game if you’re a beginner, without risking a lot of money.

Hit the Comedy Show For Belly Laughs

Think that the entertainment on the cruise ship is going to all be PG-rated? Most is, but the comedians that perform during the trip can get a little dirtier… and a lot funnier.

Many ships have comedy clubs while others simply have a lounge or theater where the comedian performs a set. As well, there is usually a “clean” routine earlier in the night and then a more adult routine late at night.

The comedians brought onboard may not be the biggest names, but they are often well-accomplished, including appearances on TV shows and specials.

Belt Out a Tune During Karaoke

Love to be the center of attention? Check out the karaoke on the ship. It’s may not be on your specific cruise, but some ships offer karaoke times where you can go listen to others sing their favorite songs… or try your own favorite tune.

Don’t be intimidated — everyone is there to have a good time, whether good or bad — but we have been to some shows where the singers are top-notch.

Buy Your Next Cruise

Did you know that you can book your next cruise… while still on your current cruise? There’s a big push to get you to book again, and the cruise like will offer perks to entice you. That can include discounts and onboard credit.

During your cruise you can stop by the booking desk to talk to an agent. They will explain all the options and help you find the perfect cruise to match your schedule and budget. Best of all, having an agent there can help you with any questions you might have about the trip.

Dress to the Nines for Formal Night

Part of the tradition of cruising is getting dressed up for dinner. These days there are usually two formal nights on a 7-day cruise and one formal night on shorter trips.

Formal nights give you a chance to glamour up and have a “date night” with your significant other.

You don’t have to get dressed up on these nights (if you aren’t dining in the main dining room, then casual wear is fine), but it’s a fun thing to do during your trip. And don’t think you have to get dressed in a formal gown or a tuxedo. Just getting a little dressier is fine. You will want to leave the t-shirt and jeans in the cabin.

Test Your Brain with Daily Trivia

The library on your ship will have a sheet of daily trivia and puzzles that you can pick up each morning. It’s a simple sheet with maybe a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, and some trivia questions. Lots of people like to work this into their daily routine as a fun way to get their day started.

There are also trivia contests later in the day where you can compete against other passengers for bragging rights… and maybe a small trophy.

Meet the Ship’s Captain

While there is an entire team of people who handle the navigation and maneuvering of a cruise ship, there’s one person that’s in charge above everyone else — the ship’s captain. And while you might think the captain is some far-away person who the passengers will never see, you usually get a chance to meet him or her during your cruise.

The captain often hosts a welcome party or some other get-together on the ship where you can meet and get a picture. Note that the pandemic has changed this some as cruise lines don’t want the captain to get sick!

Try Your Luck at Bingo (And Possibly Win Some Dough)

While it might seem old-fashioned, bingo is big on cruises. Best of all, you can win some cash playing. Cards are for sale before the games begin and usually cost around $10 each. Games are normally played on days at sea.

Get a bingo on your card and you could sail home just a little bit richer as there are cash prizes often given to the winners.

Dance All Evening (’80s, White Parties, Disco Themes)

Dance parties are a popular thing to do on a cruise in the evenings and late-nights. There are clubs that play music, but the big events are the themed parties that usually take place on the pool deck at night.

The theme will differ among cruise lines, but some of the popular themed dance parties are the ’80s (everyone dresses like a flashback to the 1980s), white parties (dress in all-white), and disco themes.

Don’t worry if you don’t have anything that matches the theme. While it’s nice to dress up, you won’t be shunned if you don’t. Just be sure to have a good time!

Try to Win a Sports Tournament

Volleyball, soccer, free-throws, ping-pong… if you think you’re good enough then enter one of the tournaments that the cruise line hosts.

These games usually aren’t too competitive, but a fun way to to pass the time while at sea. They are normally hosted on sea days; just check your daily planner for the schedule. Sign up, and you could take home bragging rights as the best ping-pong player on your cruise. You might even get a medal or a trophy to prove it.

Get Away From the Kids in the Adults-Only Area

Not every ship has it, but many have an area on the pool deck that’s reserved only for adults, such as the Serenity area on Carnival.

What we find is that often not only are the spots kid-free, but they are just less crowded in general. If you’re looking for a spot to get away, it’s a great choice. You’ll often find a dedicated pool or hot tubs, seating, and a bar, meaning you have everything you need to enjoy the day, just without as much noise or as many people.

This is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy a space that’s a little quieter.

Get a Professional Photo Taken

From the moment you board the the ship, you’ll see the ship’s photographers out to take souvenir photos for your cruise. As well, they are prominent on formal night when many people are dressed up for the evening.

If you’d like a great photo, then take a couple of minutes to pose for the photographer. They feature professional lighting and backdrop and can work with you to get the perfect picture. Best of all, it’s free to take the pictures. You only pay if you decide to purchase the photo in the ship’s gallery.

Try Your Luck With Scratch-Off Tickets

We mentioned that the ship’s casino has some games you don’t normally find on land. That includes the coin-pusher machines that use actual coins and even electronic “skill” games where you normally win a prize but win cash instead.

One unique thing we’ve seen on some ships are their own scratch-off lottery tickets. You can buy a ticket, and if it wins, you cash in.

Get Romantic With the Ocean Air

Maybe it’s the relaxed mood that comes with being on vacation. Or maybe it’s that everyone is dressed in a little less around the pool. Or maybe it’s that there’s plenty of adult beverages around. No matter the reason, cruises definitely spark romance between couples.

If you have a balcony cabin, then you have an opportunity to open up that door and let in the wonderful ocean air and the sunshine to the cabin while you enjoy each other’s company. Just know that balconies aren’t completely private (sounds can travel and there are usually gaps around dividers) if you do decide to get frisky, so keep it in the room.

Take a Nap!

Is a nap a little boring for a vacation? Sure. But can it be one of the best things ever? Absolutely.

Remember, your time on the cruise ship is yours. While there is no shortage of things to do, don’t think you have to go 100 miles per hour the entire cruise. Sleep in, take a nap, just relax. Spend your cruise doing what you want to do.

Do Some Major People Watching

There’s hardly a better place to do some good old-fashioned people watching than on a cruise. We’re not talking about staring at folks as they go about their vacation. We’re talking about just simply sitting in a spot, watching people pass.

Major areas like the pool deck and the main promenade see nearly everyone on the ship pass by at one point or another, and they have lots of seating. It’s relaxing to sit down, have a drink, and just watch as everyone on the ship eventually passes by.

Try New Foods

Cruise ships are one of the best spots ever to try new foods. Whether you are a foodie or simply want to expand your palette, take advantage.

First, there are a number of restaurants within a close proximity so you don’t have to go far to try something unique. Literally within steps of each other can be an Asian restaurant and an Italian restaurant.

Second, while not every restaurant is free, many are. That means you can try new things without worrying about if you will like it or not. After all, if you get something and don’t like it at a free restaurant, you aren’t out any money.

Ship-Specific Things to Do on a Cruise

So far the items we’ve covered apply to most, if not all cruises. But every cruise ship is different. Below, we cover some things to do that are available only on some ships or cruise lines.

Get Racing in a Go-Kart

One of the most unique things you can do at sea is to race go-karts . Norwegian Cruise Lines allows you to do just that on several of their newer ships.

The speedways on these ships feature tracks that twist and turn, and even span multiple decks. You’ll be in control of your own electric car as you race against other passengers around the course. Now it does cost money, but it’s a sure way to get your adrenaline pumping while at sea.

Ride on a Roller Coaster

Carnival is making waves with its new ships like Mardi Gras and Celebration. Not only are they completely different ships compared to the rest of Carnival’s fleet, but they also feature the only roller coasters at sea.

Strap in and hang on as the ride takes you all around the top deck of the ship. It’s a ride that just a few years ago wouldn’t even be imagined, but the cruise line has made it a reality — and one of the more memorable things you can do on a cruise ship.

Practice Surfing on a Standing Wave

Flowrider standing wave on Royal Caribbean

Many Royal Caribbean ships have a water feature on the top deck that’s called the Flowrider. This ride is free, and spits out a thin layer of fast-moving water. With some practice you can ride a boogie-board or a special surfboard over the water, carving back and forth.

What if you fall down? Don’t worry, everything is padded. All that should be hurt is your pride (lots of people like to hang out and watch the surfers try their luck).

Ride a Zipline… Across the Ship

How big are cruise ships these days? So big that you can zipline across them. Several ships, including those from Royal Caribbean and MSC have zipline rides that will sail from one end of the ship to the other. So you can sail over the ship as it cruises over the water. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Just be sure before you strap in that you aren’t afraid of heights!

Take a Turn on a Waterslide

While older ships might not have them, most newer ships come with waterslides onboard. And before you think these are simple slides that make a turn or two and let you out… that’s normally not the case.

For example, Norwegian has the Ocean Loops (pictured above) — an extreme slide that juts out over the side of the ship. After a nearly vertical drop, you’ll go out over the side of the ship before doing a sharp turn back. And did we mention the clear tube so you can see the water below?

Go Ice Skating at Sea

We can’t think of anything that seems more unlikely than ice skating while sailing the Caribbean. Yet many Royal Caribbean ships have an ice rink. While it’s used for performances put on by the entertainment staff, there is also a chance for passengers to skate as well.

Look at your daily calendar for the times. Most of what you need — including skates — are provided for you. Be sure to bring long pants and socks. You’ll need them to skate.

Have Some Fun in Bumper Cars

Another Royal Caribbean activity on some ships is the chance to ride bumper cars while at sea. Passengers need to be at least five years old to ride tandem, but eight years old and above can drive their own car.

Don’t worry, you won’t go fast enough to get hurt, but the bumps can come suddenly enough that you might not stop laughing while you drive around.

Take a Class You’ve Always Wanted to Learn

On many higher-end cruise lines, classes are a big draw. Whether it’s learning more about the history of a country or port you’re visiting or learning some new cooking skills under the leadership of a chef, it’s a fun way to get something more “cultural” out of your cruise.

Classes often have a fee associated. You’ll be able to find out more once you are on your cruise.

Listen to The Beatles Play (Or at Least a Cover of Them)

The Cavern Club in Liverpool is where The Beatles got their start. The Cavern Club on Norwegian Cruise Lines is a re-creation of the famous club on some of the ships.

Walk into the dimly-lit joint and you can get a drink, hang out, and in the evenings there is a recreated Fab Four that plays covers of the band. If you’re a fan, it’s a must see. Even if you aren’t, it’s a fun thing to check out while on the ship.

Pour Your Own Beer

Want to get a cheap beer? Suds on a cruise can cost a bit. It’s normal to pay between $6-8 for a beer.

But some cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are putting in self-serve taps. You swipe your card, pour your beer, and you are charged by the ounce. Best of all? You don’t have to wait on a bartender for a beer, and it’s also among the cheapest options on the ships. We’ve found beers for about $5 a glass.

Get Your Drink Made by a Robot

One of the more unique things you’ll find a cruise, some Royal Caribbean ships have the “Bionic Bar.” What makes this special is that it’s a robotic arm that grabs all the ingredients and makes your entire drink without human interaction (you even order from an electronic pad). While it might not replace the traditional bar anytime soon, it is something unique to try on your cruise.

See How Fast You Are on an F1 Simulator

If you love to race, you already know some ships have go-kart tracks. But what if you want to go faster? Some ships, including those from Norwegian and MSC have F1 simulators. This includes a full-sized car replica that you sit in and wide screens to make you feel like you really are driving around the course.

Jump 10 Feet in the Air with the Sky Pad

Royal Caribbean has a feature on some ships — a huge sphere that sits high atop the ship. The massive ball contains the Sky Pad. It’s a thrill where you are attached to bungee cords via a harness and then start jumping on a trampoline.

What’s surprising is how high this can make you jump. You can choose to free jump, or there are also virtual reality headsets that allow you to play games as you jump (such as blocking virtual soccer balls). Either way, it’s unique to be jumping so high while you are on top of a cruise ship.

Get a Taste of Virtual Reality

Norwegian has a place called the Galaxy Pavilion on some of its newer cruise ships. If you have kids, they will likely beg you to go.

The area features a ton of virtual reality games. From a Jeep ride that moves as the virtual reality headset takes you on a run from chasing dinosaurs to walking a balance beam high above a city to rescue a kitten, the experience can make you feel like you are really there.

The Galaxy Pavilion does cost extra, but it’s a pretty memorable thing to do on a cruise and the entire family will have fun.

No Shortage of Things to Do on a Cruise

The good news is that whether you like it quiet and relaxing, or you love to be on the go your entire vacation, there’s something for everyone on a cruise. There are dozens — if not hundreds of things for you to do. But the most important thing is to remember that your time is your own on vacation. Spend it how you want without worrying about if you’re making the “most” of your trip.

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What is cruise tourism?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Cruise tourism is BIG business! So big, in fact, that in 2019 (before the COVID crash), the global cruise industry welcomed 29.7 million passengers, created jobs for 1.8 million people around the world and contributed over $154 billion to the global economy.

Cruise tourism is essentially a form of enclave tourism and it encompasses all faces of the tourism industry- accommodation, transportation, hospitality and attractions. Cruising has become the fastest growing segment in the travel industry across the world and it’s no surprise with the wide variety of cruises on offer nowadays.

Cruise tourism is hugely popular around the world, but it can also have severe impacts on the natural environment and limited economic benefits for host destinations- interested to learn more? Stay tuned to learn more

History of cruise tourism

Royal caribbean, p&o cruises, norwegian cruise line, princess cruises.

Cruise ship packages

Cruise ship names

The largest cruise ship in the world, cruise ship facilities, river cruise, expedition cruise, mega cruise, luxury cruise, caribbean cruise, mediterranean cruise, nile cruise, yangtze cruise.

Read also: Business tourism explained: What, why and where

Arctic cruise

Cruise tourism: Conclusion

Cruise tourism companies

There are a wide range of cruise companies, although the market is largely dominated by the big five names:

Cunard cruises have been operating for more than 180 years and they specialise in luxury cruises with their famous White Star Service . This formal and traditional cruise company is ideal for couple and the older generation.

Royal Caribbean cruises are the leading cruise company for innovation. Offering everything from surfing to Broad Way shows, the cruise line is popular amongst a wide range of cruise tourists, including families, couples and solo travellers.

This is the most popular cruise line in the UK. It appeals to a range of customer types including families and couples. It offers traditional cruise products and services.

Another cruise line that is popular with UK cruise tourists, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an American-style service onboard their ships. You can sail from the UK or book a fly cruise.

Princess cruises offers sailings around the world using a traditional, American-style cruise approach. Princess cruises are popular the world over with couple, families and premium travellers.

Cruise tourism packages

When you book a cruise you are generally booking an inclusive package that will include accommodation, transfers, excursions, food, entertainment and more!

As the cruise industry evolves, so does the diversity of its packages offered to cruise tourists. Below I have listed a few examples of cruise ship packages from the Royal Caribbean International website.

Miami Stay & Weekend Getaway Bahamas Cruise

Fly from UK to Miami
3 Night Hotel stay in Miami
A dinner on us at Hard Rock Cafe
3 Night Weekend Getaway Bahamas Cruise on Navigator of the Seas
VOOM Surf Internet WiFi whilst onboard your cruise for one device
Overnight Flight from Miami to UK
Private car transfers included

Singapore Stay & Spice Of Southeast Asia

Overnight Flight from UK to Singapore
3 Night Hotel stay in Singapore
Universal Studios – One Day Pass or Evening Marina Bay Tour
5 Night Spice of Southeast Asia Cruise on Quantum of the Seas
Overnight Flight from Singapore to UK
Private Car Transfers included

You can find some excellent t deals on cruise packages if you know where to look! Here are some of my favourite websites to find a cruise package holiday:

Travel Supermarket
Travel Zoo (I suggest you register for weekly updates on offers)
Titan Travel

Looking for some cruise travel hacks? Best Cruise Tips: 303 Cruise Hacks Saving You Time, Money & Frustration has over 100 detailed pages of travel hacks to help you to make the most out of your cruise experience for as little money as possible.

There are many, many different ships used by the various cruise companies. Each ship has its own unique name so that you can research exactly what facilities are available onboard. For a full A-Z list of cruise ships, take a look at globalcruiseship.com .

Here are a couple of examples for you to take a look at.

At this moment in time, the largest cruise ship is the Symphony of the Seas. Measuring 361.011 metres (1,184.42 ft) in length and with a gross tonnage of 228,081 across 18 decks, this ship is a engineering marvel! The ship is able to accommodate 5,518 passengers at double occupancy up to a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers, as well as a 2,200-person crew.

The Symphony of the Seas has every you would expect from the largest cruise ship in the world.

The cruise has;

22 restaurants
2,759 cabins
A park with over 20,000 tropical plants

But we are witnessing growing trends in the mega cruise industry and it is no doubt that vessels are going to get bigger in time.

But this ship won’t be the biggest for long! Royal Caribbean International has announced that it will begin operations of its new Wonder of the Seas, in 2022. This ship will measure 1,188 feet long, 217 feet wide and will feature 18 decks and 2,867 staterooms. Wonder of the Seas will sail 7-night itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Cruise ships are pretty incredible. They will often have everything you could want onboard. In fact, many are like a small city!

It is fairly common among modern cruises for the following facilities to be found on board:

Swimming Pool
Fitness centre
Restaurants

Take a look inside…

Types of cruise tourism

Whilst the large cruises that I have discussed above are perhaps the most well-known, there are in fact many different types of cruise, which are less high profile.

Below I have briefly explained the different forms of cruise tourism.

Many destinations are popular for river cruising. River cruising is different from ocean cruising as passengers are close to the shore and the focus of the cruise is more for sightseeing and visionary landscape purpose. During river cruises, passengers tend to step offshore, and these excursions are typically free of charge.

The facilities on board a river course is kept to a minimum and are restricted due to the smaller size of the ship (it needs to fit down the river!).

Typically, cruise ships will hold no more than 100 to 200 passengers, whereas ocean cruises can hold many thousands.

Expedition cruising is smaller in its scale, offering niche experiences with shore landings via an inflatable boat to access remote locations. The purpose of expedition cruising is to take part in a comprehensive educational experience.

More often than not, expedition cruises specialise in voyages that offer nature/wildlife-based experiences in areas like Northern Europe, Alaska or the Arctic, for example.

Mega cruises are the biggest cruise ships yet, including cruise ships such as; Symphony of the Seas and Norwegian Bliss. Mega ships are a new class of cruise vessel and focus on maximising capacity and onboard services.

Some mega ships can hold more than 5,000 passengers. The Oasis series built by Royal Caribbean International, Oasis, Allure, Harmony and Symphony of the Seas can each hold around 6,700 people.

Yacht cruising is particularly small in scale when we compare the form of cruising to luxury or mega cruising. However, yacht cruising can be similar to luxury cruising in that it is a very expensive form of cruise tourism and can have very high standards of service and facilities on board.

Yachts hold fewer passengers than other cruise vessels and usually a family or group of people will hire the entire yacht and cruise the seas. There are many places that are popular for the cruise tourism, such as hiring a yacht in Greece or a Whitsunday yacht charter in Australia.

Many of the types of cruise noted here can also be considered luxury cruises. Luxury cruises tend to half a low staff to passenger ratio and a premium class of service throughout. And the sky is the limit when it comes to pricing!

Popular cruise tourism destinations

So where do people go to take a cruise? Lets take a closer look…

Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for cruise tourists as the weather in the Caribbean is generally good all year round.

Whilst the cruise tourism industry in the Caribbean is large, the economic and environmental impacts are often centre of discussion amongst academics and practitioners. Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean: Selling Sunshine outlines these concerns in a well articulated and interesting way and is definitely worth a read.

Similar to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean has always been a very popular cruise destination. Particularly for its warm climate all year round. And there are so many great places to visit around the Med- from Barcelona to Venice to Malta!

As I discussed earlier, river cruising is becoming an increasingly popular choice of cruising among cruise tourists. And the Nile has become a very popular destination for river cruising.

There are many ways to cruise the Nile. Cruise packages range from luxury cruises to something more cut back and affordable. Cruises vary in duration, most commonly, cruises last 3 to 7 days but can also last up to 14 days. The Nile cruise has been deemed as one of the world’s best cruises and it is a great way to see what Egypt has to offer.

Being the world’s third-longest river , almost one hundred cruise ships operate along the Yangtze. This is an amazing way to soak up some of the sights of rural China and is particularly popular with Chinese domestic tourists.

Round the world cruise

Round the world cruises are quite literally cruises that travel around the world.

Round the world cruises is probably the most expensive cruise and can cost up to anything from £9,000 upwards. Some of the most luxury round the world cruises can cost up to £200,000 per person. They typically last around 90-120 days and allows passengers to embark and disembark in various places along the way.

Arctic cruising I often referred to as a form of extinction tourism’, whereby passengers travel to the Arctic to observe the distinct wildlife or culture whilst it is still there.

Most people who take an Arctic cruise are wealthy adventure-seekers, wishing to explore the natural wildlife and landscapes of remote locations.

The advantages and disadvantages of cruise tourism

As I mentioned, cruise tourism is a growing type of tourism around the world. This industry not only makes a large amount of income directly, but through its various industry partnerships and integration it also has the potential to reap significant financial rewards.

However, the reality is that this economic benefit is absorbed predominantly by the large corporations who own these cruise ships and there is very little economic benefit of cruise tourism to the destinations that host the tourists. Because their every need is catered for onboard, cruise tourists typically spend little money in the destinations that they visit, meaning that the local people reap few rewards for this type of tourism. In addition to this, cruise tourism can have devastating impacts on the natural environment when ships dock in shallow waters or when garbage is not disposed of responsibly. And last but not least, large numbers of tourists visiting a destination at one time can have adverse effects, with overtourism being a distinct problem around the world that often results from cruise tourism.

The Cruise Planner – a place to record all the information and details you need to plan your perfect cruise with comprehensive lists, worksheets, a cruise arc planner, packing suggestions, diary and journal.
Cruise Tourism in Polar Regions – This book discusses critically the issues around environmental and social sustainability of the cruise industry in Polar Regions.
Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean: Selling Sunshine – This book considers the limited economic benefits of cruise tourism, its environmental and social impacts, and the effects of climate change, and “overtourism”.
Best Cruise Tips: 303 Cruise Hacks Saving You Time, Money & Frustration – A guide to teach you how to make the most of your cruise experience for as little money as possible.
Cruise Ship Tourism – This academic text covers the economic, social and environmental impacts of cruising, combining the latest knowledge and research to provide a comprehensive account of the subject.
Cruise Operations Management: Hospitality Perspectives – A practical guide for students and professionals alike, this is a comprehensive and contextualised overview of hospitality services for the cruise industry providing a background to the cruise industry and management issues.

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A virtual balcony in an inside stateroom on Navigator of the Seas.

Glossary of cruise lingo

A guide to help you navigate the jargon of the cruising world.

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship

CruiseClout score: 95.0

Unless you're a cruise veteran, chances are you've come across the occasional term on a cruise or travel website that makes you wonder, Huh? What the heck does that mean?

The cruise landscape is riddled with insidery terms and strange lingo — but don’t feel intimidated! Here’s a quick guide to some of the terms you may encounter.

Come across a term that’s making you cross-eyed? Tell us and we’ll define it, add it to the list and credit you.

Get a handle on cruise terms

Cruiseable team The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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Understanding Cruise Words and Lingo To Chat Like a Cruiser

As you start planning your cruise, you’ll quickly realize there’s a world of cruise words to familiarize yourself with. Some cruise ship lingo might be straightforward, but others could have you scratching your head in confusion. Fear not—we’re here to demystify the jargon for you and quiz you for fun.

Soon, you’ll be chatting like a seasoned cruiser, effortlessly tossing around terms like “port” and “starboard,” “aft” and “bow,” along with “gangway” and “lido deck.” You’ll confidently navigate the ship, knowing your “muster station” from your “tender port” with the ease of a seasoned cruiser.

We won’t get into cruise vocabulary you may never need to know or use. We’ll stick to cruise ship terms you’ll find the most useful to understand. For fun, we’ve added a quiz below.

The most important cruise word you should remember is SHIP. It’s a SHIP, NOT a boat.

Table of Contents

Cruise Words and Its Definitions

Fundamental cruise ship lingo you should know from the start.

Let’s start with the basic cruise terms. Familiarize yourself with these keywords to lay the groundwork for your cruise lingo education. You’ll be coming across them frequently as you navigate the planning process.

Ship: a vessel designed for maritime navigation across oceans and large bodies of water, capable of carrying people and cargo long distances. You can fit boats inside a ship, but not vice versa.
Bow : The very front of the ship.
AFT : The rear or back part of the inside of the ship.
Midship (MID): The middle area of the ship is often used to describe cabin locations.
Forward (FWD): Refers to the area or direction towards the vessel’s front end.
Portside : The ship’s left side, facing forward towards the bow.
Starboard : The right side of the ship when facing forward.
Port of Call : A port-of-call is a stop a cruise ship makes on its itinerary, where passengers can disembark to explore the destination. Also known as port destination.
Tender : A small boat transporting passengers from the ship to the shore when the ship cannot dock at the port directly.
Gangway : The entrance or exit ramp is used by passengers to board or leave the ship.
Cabin or Stateroom : Your room on the ship can vary from interior rooms without windows to suites with large balconies.
Sea Day : A day during the cruise when the ship does not dock at a port, allowing guests to enjoy the onboard amenities.
Shore Excursion : Organized tours or activities in the port cities where the ship docks.
Deck Plan : A map showing the ship’s layout, including cabins, public areas, and amenities, to help passengers navigate.

graphic card of crusie embarkation definition with an image of kathy walking up the gangway

Embarkation : The process of boarding the ship at the beginning of your cruise. You could consider it a happy day because it’s cruise vacation day #1.
Disembarkation : The saddest day of a cruise vacation. The process of leaving the ship at the end of the cruise.
Gangway : The entrance or exit ramp passengers use to board or leave the ship, typically when docked at a port.
Muster Station : Previously defined, this term refers to a designated area where passengers gather during a ship’s emergency drill. Understanding your muster station is crucial for safety.
Muster Drill : A mandatory exercise for all passengers and crew conducted at the beginning of the voyage to practice emergency procedures.
Lifeboats : Small boats carried on the ship are used during an emergency evacuation. Knowing how to locate and access lifeboats is essential.
Life Jackets : Personal flotation devices are provided in each cabin for every passenger. Familiarizing yourself with how to wear it correctly is a key safety measure.
Cruise Agent : A travel professional or agency specializing in booking cruise vacations.

Other Cruising Terminology and Phrases You’ll Find Yourself Using Rather Quickly

Let’s dive further into some other jargon popular in the cruise world.

Passenger : That would be you, the cruiser, on a cruise ship.
Cruiser : Another way to say a passenger on a cruise ship vessel.
Seasoned Cruiser : Someone with extensive experience taking multiple cruises is familiar with the nuances of cruise travel.
Cruise Card or Seapass Card: A personalized ID card is given to passengers upon boarding as a room key, onboard payment, and identification for disembarking and reembarking at ports.
Cabin Category : The classification of staterooms based on size, location, and amenities, from interior cabins to luxury suites.
Inside Cabin: A windowless cabin on the ship. Usually the most budget-friendly cabin.
Oceanview (OV): A cabin featuring a window or porthole for ocean views.
Veranda or Balcony : A private balcony attached to a cabin where you can step outside for ocean views, port views, and fresh salty air.
Guaranteed Cabin (GTY): Cruise lines offer this booking option for a discounted rate where the passenger secures a cabin within a specific category or type at the time of booking. The exact cabin number is not assigned until closer to the sailing date.
Freestyle Cruising : A flexible cruising style with no set dining times or seating arrangements and a relaxed dress code. This phrase is synonymous with Norwegian Cruise Line as the originator of freestyle cruising .
Guest Services or Relations : The ship’s customer service desk is where passengers can inquire about accounts, lost items, and other services.
Onboard Credit (OBC): Prepaid amount that is sometimes given to passengers by a promotion, agent, or cruise line to use onboard towards their bill.
Gratuity : A daily tip for cruise staff , often automatically added to your onboard account, acknowledging their service.
Itinerary : The cruise schedule detailing the ship’s travel plans includes ports-of-call and sea days.
Sail Away Party : As the cruise sails from port on embarkation day, there is usually a huge celebration on the pool deck.
Shore Excursion Desk : The place onboard where passengers can book and inquire about guided tours and activities at the upcoming ports of call.
Towel Animal: The art of folding towels into various animal shapes is a fun and creative touch the cabin attendant may add to your cabin decor during turn-down service. Unfortunately, most cruise lines have stopped making towel animals, but Carnival Cruise Lines continues the tradition.
Cruise Ducks : A fun tradition among passengers who hide and seek small rubber ducks around the ship for others to find.
Wave Season : Refers to the time of year (usually January through March) when many people book their cruises, prompted by cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and the cruise lines offering attractive deals and promotions.
The Suite Life : The luxury experience of staying in a suite cabin on a cruise ship, offering VIP treatment, personalized service, and exclusive amenities.
Back-to-Back (B2B) : When you book one cruise after another on the same ship when one cruise ends and the other begins.
Closed Loop Sailing: When a cruise starts and returns to the same port.
Obstructed View: When lifeboats or ship structures partially block a view from a cabin, you do not get a full ocean view.

Cruise Deck Terms

Lido Deck : Often the hub of outdoor activities on the ship, the Lido deck is where you’ll find the main pool area, sun loungers, and sometimes, outdoor bars and buffets.
Promenade Deck : This deck usually features a wide, outdoor walking area around the ship, perfect for a stroll with ocean views. The promenade might include shops, cafes, and other social spaces.
Sun Deck : As the name suggests, this is an open deck area designed for sunbathing, offering plenty of loungers and, often, panoramic sea views.
Pool Deck : Similar to the Lido deck, this area is focused on the ship’s swimming pools and accompanying leisure facilities, including hot tubs and poolside bars.
Observation Deck : Located at the top of the ship, the observation deck offers the best unobstructed views of the ocean and the ship’s surroundings, making it the perfect spot for sightseeing and photography.
Sports Deck : Dedicated to physical activities, the sports deck may include jogging tracks, miniature golf courses, basketball courts, and other sports facilities.
Spa Deck : Typically housing the ship’s spa and fitness center, this deck is about relaxation and rejuvenation, offering treatments, massages, and fitness classes.
Entertainment Deck : Home to the ship’s theaters, cinemas, nightclubs, and lounges, this deck is the heart of nighttime entertainment.

Cruise Dining Phrases

The dining experience is a large part of cruising. You should know These cruise words when delving into the dining scene on a cruise.

Main Dining Room (MDR): The ship’s primary dining area, offering seated dining with various menu options, often included in your cruise fare. Sometimes, there is more than one main dining room.
Buffet : A casual dining option on a cruise ship offering a wide range of options during breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It’s self-service and usually included in the cruise fare .
Specialty Dining : Onboard restaurants offering gourmet or special cuisine not covered by the cruise fare often require reservations and cost an additional fee.
À la Carte : Dining options where each item is priced separately, unlike the set menu prices in the main dining room or inclusive fare at the buffet.
Anytime Dining : Also known as “Your Time Dining” is an arrangement that allows you to eat your meals at any time during dining hours instead of scheduled seating times.
Fixed Seating : Assigned dining times and tables for the duration of the cruise, offering a consistent dining schedule and tablemates.
Room Service : Food and beverages can be ordered and delivered directly to your cabin. Some items and times may be free, while others incur a charge.
Galley : The ship’s kitchen where all the food preparation happens. Some cruises offer galley tours.
Chef’s Table : An exclusive dining experience offering a multi-course meal prepared and presented by the ship’s chef. It usually requires a reservation and an additional fee.
Windjammer : Often the name for the buffet restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise ships , providing various food options in a casual setting

Cruise Slang Used Regularly Amongst Cruisers

It’s not surprising that cruising has its own slang words. Whether used in a lighthearted manner or with a touch of annoyance, terms like “chair hogs” are part of the cruise community’s lexicon.

Cruise newbies: They’re what we call first-time beginner cruises.
Washy-washy : A fun phrase that reminds passengers to wash and disinfect their hands.
Chair Hog : A person who gets up early to place towels or personal items on poolside loungers to “reserve” them for the entire day, often leaving them unoccupied for long periods.
Cruise Control : A humorous term referring to the relaxed state passengers enter once they get used to the leisurely pace and routine of life on board.
Landlubber : A playful term borrowed from old sailor vocabulary, referring to someone not accustomed to life at sea or who prefers to stay on land.
Pier Runner : A passenger who returns to the ship at the last possible moment before departure, often seen running down the pier to avoid being left behind.
Sea Legs : The ability to adjust to the ship’s motion and walk steadily onboard. “Finding your sea legs” means you’ve adapted to the movement and no longer feel unsteady.
Shipfaced : A cheeky term for someone who has enjoyed perhaps a bit too much of the ship’s bar offerings.
Naughty Room: This is where you’ll find your luggage if prohibited items are packed .
One Uppers: Cruisers that brag about the many cruises they’ve taken and their loyalty status.
Shipspotting: Watching and taking photos of cruise ships.

Type of Cruising

These are the most commonly discussed types of cruising within the cruise community .

Mega Ships : Largest cruise ships worldwide, offering extensive amenities and entertainment options for thousands of passengers. Some of them are like theme parks at sea.
Expedition Ships : Designed for adventurous travelers, expedition ships are equipped for exploring remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as polar regions and exotic islands.
River Cruises : Smaller vessels designed for navigating rivers, offering scenic voyages through picturesque landscapes and visits to historic towns and cultural sites along riverbanks.
Luxury Ships : High-end cruise ships offer unparalleled service, amenities, and accommodations, catering to discerning travelers with refined tastes.
Theme Cruise Ships : Specialized ships catering to specific interests or themes, such as culinary cruises, music-themed cruises, or wellness retreats, offering tailored experiences for enthusiasts.
Yacht Cruises : Small, luxurious yachts offering exclusive and customized itineraries to exotic destinations, providing an intimate and upscale sailing experience.

Maritime Jargon and Technical Terms You’ll Most Likely to Hear

Although we may not be on the bridge to use these words, we often hear maritime jargon when the captain speaks and provides a daily update.

Bridge : The ship’s control center or navigation room, where the captain and crew command the vessel.
Berth : Refers to a bed on the ship or the ship’s docking location at port.
Bulkhead : A vertical partition wall within the ship, providing structural support and compartmentalization.
Stern : The back or aft-most part of the exterior of the ship.
Gangplank : A movable bridge passengers and crew use to board or disembark from a ship.
Helm : The ship’s steering apparatus or area from where the ship is navigated.
Mooring : Securing the ship at a dock or berth with ropes or anchors.
Nautical Mile : A measure of distance used in maritime navigation, equivalent to 1.1508 miles or 1.852 kilometers.
Knot : A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour used to measure the speed of a ship.
Quartermaster : A crew member responsible for steering the ship and assisting with its navigation.
Windward : The direction from which the wind is coming. Opposite of leeward.
Logbook : An official record of the bridge, documenting the course of the journey, important events, and operational notes.

Crew Titles on a Cruise Ship

We can’t sail anywhere without the crew that not only keeps everything running and in tip-top shape. They also work hard day and night to ensure we have the best cruise vacation. You will often run into, see, or listen to these key cruise members over the ship’s intercom throughout the cruise. It’s good to add the crew titles to your cruise vocabulary/

Captain : The highest-ranking officer on the ship, responsible for all operations, including navigation and safety. The captain has the final authority on board. The CEO of the cruise ship.
First Officer : Also known as the Chief Mate, this individual is second-in-command and assists the captain in ship navigation and operations.
Staff Captain : Often responsible for safety and security aboard the ship, including overseeing the crew involved in these areas.
Hotel Director : Oversees all hotel services on the ship, including accommodations, dining, and entertainment, ensuring passengers’ comfort and satisfaction.
Cruise Director : Responsible for all onboard entertainment and activities. The cruise director plans and coordinates events and announcements, playing a key role in the cruise experience.
Purser : Handles administrative tasks, including passenger services such as billing and customer inquiries. The Purser’s Desk is the go-to place for guest assistance.
Chief Engineer : The engineering department maintains and operates the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems.
Executive Chef : Heads the culinary team and is responsible for all ship food planning, preparation, and presentation.
Maitre d’Hotel : Oversees the dining room staff, reservations, and seating arrangements, ensuring a high-quality dining experience for passengers.
Cabin Steward or Stateroom Attendant : Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of passenger cabins, providing daily housekeeping services.
Bartender/Bar Staff : Serves drinks and manages the bars on the ship, offering a variety of beverages to passengers.
Deckhands : Perform various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of the ship, including cleaning and minor repairs.

Download a Glossary of Cruise Vocabulary

We created a simple glossary of all the terms mentioned in this post for easy reference. You can download a copy to print or save it.

Quiz: Test Your Cruise Lingo Knowledge

What is the word for getting on a cruise ship.

The word for getting on a cruise ship is “embarkation.”

What are people on a cruise called?

People on a cruise are commonly referred to as “passengers” or “cruisers.” Virgin Voyages likes to call them “sailors.”

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

Plan a Cruise Trip With These Steps
A Cruise Cheat Sheet of Tips
Cruise Jokes and Memes That Will Make You Smile
Motivating Cruise-Related Quotes

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

Ocean Lingo: Glossary of Cruise Ship Terms

By Carnival Cruise Line

If you’re a newbie to cruising culture, take a few minutes to learn the cruise ship lingo. Knowing the language both on board and on shore will make you feel more at ease on your very first cruise . We’ve compiled a list of the most essential terms for you to be familiar with before you step on board.

From knowing the ins and outs of stateroom design to understanding cruise ship nautical terms, you’ll be ready to hit the waves with confidence.

couple standing together at the railing by the funnel onboard a carnival ship

Planning Your Cruise

Crossing: A voyage across the water – in other words, a cruise is a crossing. For example, if you take a cruise to Europe , you can depart from New York and cross to ports of call, including Northern Ireland .
Departure port/embarkation port: Both of these terms refer to the port or location where your cruise begins and ends . Carnival has many departure ports in the United States. For example, you can cruise to the Western Caribbean from the departure port of Mobile, Alabama .
Disembarkation: This is when you leave the ship at the end of your trip.
Embarkation: It’s when you board your cruise ship at the beginning of your trip.
Port of call: A port of call is a destination on your cruise and where you’ll likely be able to enjoy shore excursions. For example, if you take a cruise to Mexico , you can depart from one of three ports in California and visit multiple ports of call in one trip, including Cozumel , Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay .
Shore excursion: A shore excursion is an activity off the ship at a port of call that you can purchase as part of your itinerary. For example, if you cruise to The Bahamas , you can take a shore excursion in Half Moon Cay. You may want to book the educational Stingray Adventure shore excursion there that allows you to interact with the sea creatures.
Tender: Also called a lifeboat, a tender is a small boat that takes you from the ship to shore when the cruise ship anchors in a harbor.

couple riding on a sky lift as part of a shore excursion in the caribbean

Stateroom Speak

Even before booking your cruise , you’ll want to know the types of staterooms that are available to ensure a comfortable trip. Whether you’re cruising solo or with a group, this list helps you choose the right stateroom for your needs.

Balcony stateroom: This room has a small, personal, outdoor balcony. A balcony stateroom is recommended when taking a cruise to Alaska , for example, so you don’t miss any unexpected wildlife or glacier sightings.
Interior stateroom: Located in less active spots on the ship, interior staterooms are comfortable for sleepers who prefer a quiet place to curl up after a day of fun and activities.
Ocean view stateroom: An ocean view stateroom with a porthole or window lets you gaze out at ocean vistas and ports of calls.
Specialty stateroom: This has a thematic setting that caters to families, couples or solo guests. Specialty staterooms include Cloud 9 Spa staterooms located next to the Cloud 9 Spa Family Harbor staterooms are next to the Family Harbor Lounge, a great escape when traveling with kids .
Suite stateroom: Larger rooms that are ideal for family cruises . These suites give everyone in your group ample room to stretch out.

Cruise Ship Terminology

It pays to understand cruise ship terms and definitions so you don’t wander around too much during your vacation. Although, while on board, you’ll never be truly lost. You can find a deck plan of each vessel so you can get to know it before your trip in the comfort of your home. Until then, here’s a crash course in ship architecture.

Bow: The bow is the front of the ship.
Bridge: The bridge is the location from which the captain steers the ship.
Galley: A galley is a ship’s kitchen. On a cruise ship, there are many galleys.
Gangway: The gangway is the ramp or staircase that you’ll use to embark or disembark the ship.
Helm: The helm is the area of the bridge on which the steering wheel is located and used by the crew only .
Hull: The hull is the outside of the ship.
Keel: The keel is the ship’s bottom center.
Leeward: The side of the ship where you’ll feel most sheltered from wind is leeward.
Lido: Lido is an often-used term because it’s the deck where you’ll find the outdoor pools .
Midship: This is the middle of the ship.
Port: The left side of the ship as it’s facing forward is called port. If you have a hard time remembering that, just keep in mind that “left” and “port” both have four letters.
Starboard: The right side of the ship is starboard.
Stern/aft: This is the rear part of a ship closest to the casual dining
Upper deck: The upper deck is typically the area closest to the entertainment , fun and outdoor deck areas.

passengers jamming out at a themed deck party

Dining Discussions

Cruise casual: This is what you can wear most nights at dinner. For men, that includes slacks, khakis, jeans, dress shorts and collared sport shirts. Women wear casual dresses and skirts, pants, capri pants, dressy shorts and dressy jeans.
Cruise elegant: This is the one or two nights on a cruise where it’s suggested you wear evening wear to dinner in the main dining room and some other restaurants. For men, that means dress slacks, dress shirts and sport coats (optional). For women, it’s cocktail dresses, fancier pant suits or skirts. In restaurants, such as the Steakhouse , you will be required to wear tasteful attire.
Formal night: There are two formal, or elegant, nights on longer cruises. Elegant nights mean formal suits and ties or tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women. It’s not required to dress formally, yet formal attire is welcome.
Main seating/late seating: This means there’s an assigned schedule and seating for passengers in the main dining rooms.
Open seating: There’s no fixed schedule and no seating arrangements for dining with open seating.

a chef serving fresh cooked food to a guest at bonsai teppanyaki onboard a carnival ship

Crew Member Chatter

Who wouldn’t want to be a crew member on a cruise to Hawaii ? Here are some of the cheerful faces you’ll meet on board:

Cabin steward: Crew member responsible for the housekeeping of your stateroom.
Captain: Crew member in charge of the cruise ship, responsible for the crew and passenger safety.
Cruise director: Crew member who organizes for the ship’s activities and entertainment and is often the emcee for onboard events.
Maître d’: Crew member responsible for the dining room.
Porter: Crew member on land to help you with your luggage curbside before you embark the ship.
Purser: Crew member in charge of onboard billing and monetary transactions.

a captain giving a christmas toast onboard a carnival ship

Nautical Lingo

Knowing nautical terms in the cruise ship world is important when you’re underway (which means moving through the ocean). You may hear the captain discussing knots with another crew member.

Knot: A unit of speed at which ships travel, which is one nautical mile per hour.
Mooring: A place where a ship is tied, such as the dock when in port.
Wake: The trail of water created at the back (stern) of the ship as it moves forward in the water.

It’s perfectly fine if you forget your cruise-speak and just say “meet me at the room,” instead of stateroom, or “where’s customer service?” instead of asking to see the purser. On a Carnival cruise, you can just be yourself and learn at your leisure. Once you have your first cruise under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned cruiser with insider tips of your own.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.

What to expect.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships.aspx

Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

The fun of a cruise is equal parts what you do on board and what you do on shore. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port. However, the process of choosing and booking tours can be overwhelming for new cruisers.

I've taken shore excursions around the world, both ship-run and independent, and spent many days in port wandering on my own. Allow me to take you through the basics of cruise shore excursions, so you can learn to have the most fun no matter what your budget is.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is a cruise shore excursion?

A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they're visiting on their itinerary.

A shore excursion could be a sightseeing bus tour, a guided visit to a museum or historic site, an athletic activity (like a hike, bike ride or snorkel outing), a day at the beach or a cooking or dance class. Shore excursions typically highlight the marquee attractions or culture of the destination you're visiting. Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city.

Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities . Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.

Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers.

Do you have to buy shore excursions on a cruise?

In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it's difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can't speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?

Yes. I use many factors to decide whether to take a ship's tour, book an independent excursion or explore on my own in port. However, if you're a novice traveler, you might want to book ship tours exclusively because they're the simplest, easiest and most convenient options.

The benefits to a cruise line's shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don't need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you've never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned.

Independent tours, on the other hand, can be cheaper than cruise ship tours. I once saved hundreds of dollars organizing a group to go on an overnight, independently operated excursion to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza from Port Said, Egypt; the ship's tours were incredibly marked up. Also, if you have a particular interest, the ship might not offer a tour for the activity or attraction you're excited about.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Some third-party operators will customize a tour for you or your group, so you can spend more time at the places you most want to see. Sometimes these tour groups are also smaller than the large cruise ship tours — which can carry 30 to 60 people in a bus — so you will spend less time waiting for everyone.

Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A map and a guidebook got me where I wanted to go.

How much are shore excursions on a cruise?

Cruise shore excursion prices vary widely depending on the cost of living in the cruise destination, what type of activity is involved and whether it's a full- or half-day tour. Young children often pay a reduced rate for tours.

Looking at Princess Cruises ' shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs $125, while a 2.25-hour tour to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, where you can walk around on the ice for half an hour, costs $420.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don't care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions .

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

What's the best way to book shore excursions?

If you plan to book shore excursions through your cruise line, you have a couple of options of how to book them.

You can book your tours online in advance, or have your travel agent do it for you. This is the best route if there's a ship's tour you absolutely want to take and you don't want to risk its selling out. Book your tours the minute they open for reservations. When my parents traveled on a luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise, they said that waiting until the next morning to book tours meant that some of their choices were sold out.

The downside to booking tours in advance is that some cruise lines require that you pay for the tours in full, rather than putting them on your final cruise bill. It means you're out the money in advance and it can be difficult to use onboard credit to cover the cost of excursions booked online.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Alternatively, you can wait until you're on the ship and book your excursion in person at the shore excursions desk. You'll be able to ask the staff questions about the tours, and the charges will be added to your final cruise bill. However, you do run the risk that a popular tour might be sold out by the time you're ready to book.

The same is true with independent tours. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent. However, in popular cruise ports, there are often representatives waiting at the port or at a tourist office who can book you on same-day tours if space is available.

Is it cheaper to book shore excursions on the ship?

No. Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing.

Do I need to tip on shore excursions?

Whether you're on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you're visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward.

Related: Ultimate guide to tipping on cruise ships

Tipping is a personal matter, and there are no hard and fast rules. I canvassed TPG's cruise team and we agreed that we give roughly $5 to $10 per person for half-day tours and $10 to $20 per person for full-day excursions, adjusted for service and quality. Tip non-guide drivers roughly $2 per person in your party.

You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour.

How do I get the most from my cruise shore excursion?

The key to getting the most from your cruise shore excursion is to know what you want and make sure the tour description matches your expectations. I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don't offer exactly what I want.

For example, if you're considering a bus tour, make sure you understand how much time will be spent sitting on the bus and how much time will be at the destination or attraction, whether you will be looking at or going inside key attractions and whether there's free time to explore. If it's an activity, like snorkeling or a helicopter tour, read up on how much time is spent in transit and prep and how much time you will spend actually doing the activity.

Be sure to note the fitness level required and don't try to take on more than you're able to do. If you struggle with mobility, check to see if there's a lot of walking on uneven ground like cobblestones.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat.

Personally, I find that organized tours are best when the excursion is an activity I can't do on my own (such as kayaking, zip lining or a winery tour); when long distances are involved where I don't want to bother with public transportation or renting a car on a one-day visit; or when the culture is foreign enough that independent exploration would be tricky. Sometimes you also need an expert guide, such as in Pompeii, to know what you're seeing.

Bottom line

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and remember to look at both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. And if you feel like staying on board one day while your ship is docked in a port that doesn't interest you, that's okay, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Destinations

18 Best Activities on a Cruise Ship for All Ages

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: February 16th, 2024

Find a Cruise

No matter what age you are or where in the world you’ve chosen for your adventure at sea, you’ll find a dazzling range of activities on a cruise ship, including pursuits you’d probably never even have imagined would be available.

Croquet on the lawn? A game of pickleball? It’s all waiting to be discovered.

You could, of course, enjoy doing very little, simply relaxing in the sunshine with a favorite cocktail and a book. That’s the joy of cruising; the freedom to spend your days exactly as you wish.

Whatever’s on your wish list, read on to learn more about some of the best activities on a cruise ship.

Lounge by the Pool

Activities on a cruise ship - People lounging by the pool

First and foremost, you’re on vacation, so find yourself a lounge chair, ask your server for your favorite cocktail, sit back, and relax, enjoying the feeling of the sun on your face. All of Celebrity’s ships have beautiful pools, some more than one.

If you’ve had enough sun, or if you’ve chosen a cooler location like Alaska for your vacation, why not head for The Solarium instead? This serene, covered pool area is flooded with natural light and is for adults only*.

The Retreat Sundeck

If you’re staying in The Retreat on Celebrity’s Edge-Series ships, you’ll enjoy a private sun deck and pool, reminiscent of a chic beach club.

*Solarium kid’s hours available from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on select itineraries – Antarctica, Alaska, and the Baltics.

Run on the Jogging Track

Resort Deck

There’s something invigorating about running at sea, breathing in the salty air, surrounded by blue in every direction, or with some exquisite port as a backdrop.

Keep up your running habit during your vacation, or simply power walk around the track that you’ll find on every Celebrity ship.

On Edge-Series ships, the jogging track is particularly special in that it spans two decks, winding around the Rooftop Garden and the terraced pool area.

Read: What Deck Is Best on a Cruise Ship?

Play a Game of Pickleball

Activities on a cruise ship - People playing pickleball

Pickleball, which incorporates elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is fun for all levels of expertise, easy to play, and great for staying fit on a cruise .

Try the world’s fastest-growing sport on board nine Celebrity ships in the open air, surrounded by ocean views.

Play with friends and family, or join events and tournaments organized by the entertainment team. Nets, paddles, and balls are all provided for you.

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Rooftop Terrace

Each of Celebrity’s ships screens outdoor movies on deck, which you can enjoy from a comfortable chair complete with popcorn, ice cream, or your favorite cocktail.

On Millennium-Series ships, head for the Rooftop Terrace to sink back into a lounger and watch the big screen.

Edge-Series ships show movies at the gorgeous Rooftop Garden, a leafy urban playscape with a giant, high-definition screen.

Read: Things to Do Outdoors on a Cruise Ship

Watch Expert Mixologists in Action

Martini Bar

Ready to watch the antics of the finest mixologists in the business? Head for The Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza (on Edge-Series ships) or The Martini Bar & Crush on Celebrity’s other ships, a lively gathering place where the bar surface is frosted with ice.

Watch, astounded, as the bartenders juggle glasses and bottles in a daring, high-energy show. Enjoy the spectacle from a front-row seat while sipping an ice-cold gin or vodka martini.

World Class Bar

Or visit the World Class Bar to watch mixologists prepare adventurous cocktails using fresh and sometimes unexpected ingredients and fine spirits. Who knows? You may even discover your new favorite drink.

Learn About Art

Art Gallery

Each of Celebrity’s ships carries an extraordinary, expertly curated art collection . Read a description of each piece, whether it’s a painting, a statue, or an avant-garde installation. Take yourself on an art tour of the ship to learn more.

Or to acquire a piece of your own, why not head to the onboard gallery to one of the auctions? Relax with a glass of champagne, browse the collection, and bid for anything that catches your eye.

Celebrity’s partnership with Park West, the world’s largest auction house, means that you’ll have access to a vast range of works.

Fly High on the Magic Carpet®

Magic Carpet®

On Celebrity’s Edge-series ships, you’ll notice a tangerine-colored platform cantilevered over the side. Welcome to the innovative Magic Carpet®, which can move up and down, with a different function in each location.

When it’s positioned by Deck 5, the Magic Carpet serves as an al fresco extension to the Raw on 5 restaurant.

Activities on a cruise ship - Magic Carpet

When it’s by the pool deck, the platform is a gorgeous outdoor lounge, with ocean on three sides and comfortable sofas in which you can relax and take in the view.

For the ultimate experience, book Dinner on the Edge, when you’ll dine al fresco at the highest level of the ship for a culinary experience like no other.

Shop for Designer Fashion

If you love retail therapy, you’ll be in heaven on Celebrity’s ships, where there’s a fantastic range of designer labels in the onboard shops .

Discover the sparkling world of Effy, one of the world’s most trusted names in jewelry. Shop for labels including Bulgari, Breitling, and Omega, as well as Tag Heuer and Longines.

Celebrity Beyond shops

Looking for fashion inspiration? You’ll find Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace and D&G by Dolce & Gabbana on board.

Check out the collection of on-trend purses by Coach. Or stock up on your favorite perfume, makeup, and liquor, as well as stylish Celebrity logo wear. Because you’re on a ship, everything is duty free.

Try Your Luck in the Casino

Activities on a cruise ship - People playing at the casino

Immerse yourself in the glamor and buzz of the elegant casinos on board , offering a variety of exciting games from slots to blackjack and roulette.

On every Celebrity ship, the casino has a sophisticated atmosphere, with friendly, highly professional croupiers and action-packed tournaments.

By day, there are occasional classes to help you hone your game and get ready for a glittering evening courting Lady Luck.

Be Dazzled by the Shows

You’ll find state-of-the-art entertainment in the theaters on board, with jaw-dropping acrobatics and world-class singers. High-tech LED backdrops bring every performance to life.

There are cutting-edge shows for every taste, from sultry, late-night productions to song and dance, drama, high-energy rock, and even a touch of Shakespeare.

World-class choreographers and producers, along with a talented, diverse cast on every Celebrity ship means you’ll be wowed by entertainment that’s every bit as dazzling as what you might see on Broadway or London’s West End.

Heading for a show every day really is one of the best activities on a cruise ship and, unlike Broadway or London, it costs nothing.

If you’re on Celebrity Beyond , don’t miss the Elements show, which features the mesmerizing “Air Sculptures” by artist Daniel Wurtzel. Rippling fabric, blown out over the audience, creates its own “dance”, and graceful, hypnotic, visuals.

Fun for Kids

Camp at Sea

If you’re cruising with kids , Camp at Sea is one of the best clubs you’ll find afloat.

The kids’ activities on a cruise ship are catered to four separate age groups to entertain and educate junior cruisers from age three up to cool teens, who have their own Teen Club for video games, sports competitions, and silent discos.

Kids can express their artistic side at the Creation Station, “camp” out at The Lawn Club (on Solstice-Series ships), learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics, try new sports, or even join cooking demos.

Teens, when they’re not hanging out in their adult-free space, can try the range of specialized treatments at The Spa.

The whole family can join specially tailored excursions that appeal to all ages, from kayaking and cycling to snorkeling in the Bahamas or zip-lining over the forest canopy in Alaska.

Join Games & Quizzes

There’s non-stop entertainment on board a Celebrity ship, not least the enormously popular Deal or No Deal TV game show, where the tension mounts and the stakes are high, with $5,000 cash or a free cruise to be won.

Or perhaps join a Bingo session to try your luck; you’ll find these on every ship. Check your daily program or the Celebrity app , the perfect way to plan your day.

Become a Wine Expert

Cellar Masters

If you love wine, you’ll be thrilled to explore the impressive wine list on Celebrity’s ships, which has won more Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence than any other cruise line.

Lounge on a Living Lawn

The Lawn Club

Did you know that Celebrity’s five Solstice-Series ships each have their own living lawn? The Lawn Club is one of the most relaxing spaces on board.

It’s a beautiful setting for days when you’re sailing through some of the world’s most pristine environments and just want to commune with nature.

Enjoy a picnic lunch, read a book, challenge the family to a game of croquet or boules, listen to jazz, or simply lie back and inhale the aroma of sea air.

Experiment With Glass Blowing

Hot Glass Class

Of all the activities on a cruise ship you might be expecting, a glass-blowing studio is probably the last you’d think of. But Celebrity Equinox, Eclipse, and Solstice each have a hot glass class where you can watch dazzling demos or sign up for a class to create your own masterpiece.

A skilled instructor will show you the basics of glass blowing. By the end of the class, you will have created a flower, a bowl, a vase, a starfish, or another unique piece, which will be wrapped for you to take home.

Invest in Wellness

Thanks to the wonderful spas, wellness programs, and fitness offerings on Celebrity’s ships, you can come home rejuvenated, refreshed, and fitter than you were before your vacation.

Try some of the fitness classes on board, which range from yoga and meditation to high-energy F45 workouts and individual sessions on Peloton bikes.

Head for The Spa and explore the range of treatments, many of them inspired by the destinations in which Celebrity’s ships sail.

SEA Thermal Suite

Unwind in the SEA Thermal Suite (the Persian Garden on Millennium- and Solstice-series ships) and stimulate your senses in multi-sensory showers, saunas, steam and salt rooms, and by relaxing on heated tile loungers.

For an enhanced wellness experience, choose AquaClass® , which gives you all kinds of added amenities as well as unlimited access to this tranquil paradise.

Listen to Live Music

On a Celebrity ship, you’ll find live music at every turn, whether it’s soulful jazz at the Ensemble Lounge or acoustic guitar in the Rooftop Garden on Edge-series ships.

You could be dancing in the sun by the pool one day and grooving to ‘60s psychedelic sounds in The Club the next.

As well as live music, you’ll find fantastic DJ sets in the evenings and will soon realize why the silent discos in Eden on Edge-series ships are so legendary.

Dine Your Way Around the World

Dine your way from Asia to Italy to the USA on a Celebrity ship, where you’ll find superb restaurants for every taste.

Head to the Tuscan Grille for iconic Italian dishes and the tenderest of steaks, or Murano for classy French fare.

Visit Raw on 5 for magnificent seafood displays and exquisite sushi, or the Rooftop Garden Grill for tasty barbecue dishes in the fresh air.

Don’t miss Le Petit Chef , especially if you’re traveling as a family. The tiny animated 3D figures bustling around your plate will enchant you.

Dine in Blu, a restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests, which serves delicious healthy options. Or elevate your experience at The Retreat and dine in the exquisite Luminae at the Retreat, offering the finest in modern global cuisine.

For the ultimate indulgence, if you’re on Celebrity Beyond, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud is the first signature restaurant at sea by the renowned chef, who is also Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador.

Ready to step on board and discover the spectacular range of activities that’s available on a Celebrity cruise? Browse our cruise itineraries and plan your next thrilling escape.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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ONBOARD ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT INCREDIBLE IS ON THE ITINERARY

Whatever thrills you seek, you’ll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean®. Each day and night brings something new to do, see and explore. From the robot mixologists at Bionic Bar® to the FlowRider®* surf simulators, and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, to hit Broadway musicals like Grease. And with the award-winning Adventure Ocean® youth program, kids and teens will have a blast— plus parents can get a little time of their own. The hardest part is deciding where to start.

North Star ®

360-degree views, 365 days a year

Tidal Wave℠

Go airborne on the only boomerang slide at sea

Woman Enjoying the Boardwalk View on the Zipline

See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk® on the Zip Line

FlowRider ®

Score prime waves all day every day on the FlowRider® surf simulator.

Bump up your game at SeaPlex®

Soak up the relaxation and the horizon

Got game? Prove it on one of our interactive Game Shows

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Totally Awesome 90s Street Party

Throwback to the decade that was all that and a bag of chips

Pool Parties

Stay up late for this top deck party

Explorer of the Seas Pool Deck Night Time Outdoor Movie

Outdoor Movie Nights

The poolside screen is huge - and so is the fun

Sports Court

Play 3-on-3 with an ocean view at the Sports Court

Close-Up the Skee Ball on the Boardwalk Arcade

Play the classics and modern faves at the Royal Caribbean® Arcade

Ultimate Abyss℠

Take the plunge on the tallest slide at sea - the Ultimate Abyss℠.

Family fun takes a nostalgic turn on the handcrafted carousel

RipCord ® by iFLY ®

Feel the freedom of freefall on the only skydiving simulator at sea — RipCord® by iFLY®

Trapeze School

Make your circus dreams come true on the flying trapeze

The Perfect Storm℠

Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm℠, the boldest waterslides at sea.

With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash

WN, Wonder of the Seas, family fun at Playscape, daytime, mother and daughter on stairs, one child running, dad watching daughter on ropes, blue colors, octopus statue in right background,

Wonder Playscape℠

A whole new way to explore and discover an underwater-themed world full of fun

Wonder Dunes Mother and Son Enjoying the Mini Golf Course

Enjoy mini golf with maximum fun

Bumper Cars

Buckle up for the only bumper cars at sea at the largest indoor activity space ever to set sail.

Escape the Rubicon

The entire room is a mystery to unravel in Escape the Rubicon

Art Collection

Browse and buy original art from our curated collection

Rock Climbing Wall

Rock out on the Rock Climbing Wall for full-scale adventure

Splashaway Bay℠

An aqua park that's cool, colorful and all kinds of crazy

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and take a spin on the only rinks at sea

Dancer and Singers Performing on the Starwater Show

Extraordinary tech meets top-notch talent and epic imagination at Two70®

Mystery Dinner Theater

Be the detective at Mystery Dinner Theater, an evening of intrigue

Presents and Christmas Decorations around Vintage Car

Let's Celebrate

The only parade where every holiday is celebrated at once

The big shark block party

The Big Shark Block Party makes a big, bold splash with your favorite dance tunes.

Royal Escape Room℠

Decode the mysteries that will set you free and Escape the Room

The vibe is always on at this off-the-grid.

Steel Pan Family Jam™

Groove to your own tropical tunes at the Steel Pan Family Jam.

Once upon a bedtime story

Once Upon a Bedtime Story is the coziest way to end a sun-filled day.

Dance Classes

Show off new moves during Dance Classes with the pros

An appetizer at Chef's Table on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

All Access Tour

You’re the VIP (Very Important Passenger) behind the scenes

Table Tennis

Serve up stiff competition during a table tennis face off

Harmony High

Jump, jive and wail at Harmony High, the most rockin’ show at sea

Scuba Certification

Polish your PADI® skills and get dive certified on your vacation

Performer Dancing with Projection in Two 70

Virtual Concert

Relive original performances in stunning 4K at Two70's Virtual Concert .

Colorful Fantasy Land depicted in poster for the Away We Go Cruise Show by Royal Caribbean

See what happens when you wish upon a star in Away We Go .

Piano Sing-Alongs

Sing along to a chorus of ivory tickling classics at Schooner Bar nightly.

Royal Escape Room℠ - Mission Control: Apollo 18

Decode the mysteries of Mission Control in the latest Royal Escape Room challenge.

Sip, Tour, Brunch

The best days begin with brunch and bubbles.

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Grab a friend and race down The Perfect Storm℠ twin waterslides Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠.

The Greatest 80’s Party Ever!

Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever.

Adventure Ocean ®

The new Adventure Ocean® youth program is designed to ignite the imagination.

Spectrum of the Seas Woman Fencing with Sword

Gear up, grab a foil and get ready for an introduction into the art of fencing.

Think you can get a bullseye? Take your best shot in our archery tournament.

Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception

The Captain invites all guests to a formal night reception held in their honor. It’s a great photo op, so don’t forget your camera.

The Blaster ®

Hang on tight for The Blaster® aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea.

Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City℠

Two clans collide in an icy new glow-inthe-dark laser tag faceoff for control of a mystical frozen city.

Up and Away

Join puppets Mia and Max as they embark on a glow-in-the-dark adventure.

Art Auctions

Bid on bold masterpieces at an action-packed onboard art auction.

The Perfect Storm Woman Going down the Funnel

Swirl through a champagne bowl funnel in Supercell℠, part of The Perfect Storm℠, the boldest waterslides at sea.

Oasis of the Seas Spotlight Karaoke Kids Singing Family Time

Star Moment

Become the star of your own show as you belt out all your favorite tunes, karaoke-style, at Star Moment.

Board Games at the Library and Card Room on Voyager of the Seas

Delve into your favorite card and board games at the Card Room

Royal Escape Room℠ — The Royal Society of Puzzles

Put your smarts to the test to unravel The Royal Society of Puzzles.

Latin Fiesta

Get ready to shake your hips and find your Latin rhythm.

Dancing Under The Stars

Party with us poolside beneath the night sky.

Learn how to speak Spanish onboard a cruise to Cuba

Spanish Classes

Brush up on your Spanish skills in an interactive onboard class.

Girl Sliding down The Riptide on a Sunny Day

Plunge into new thrills on the only headfirst mat racer waterslide at sea, Riptide℠.

Learn how to latin dance onboard a cruise to Cuba

Latin Dance Classes

By the end of this class, you’ll be dancing like the stars.

Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠

Forces collide in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in Battle for Planet Z℠.

70s Disco Party

You’ve scored a one-way ticket to funky-town.

Cupcake Class

Sprinkle on the memories.

ID independence of the seas escape room venue

Royal Escape Room℠: The Observatorium

Have you and your team got what it takes to beat the clock?

Plate of fresh assorted sushi and sashimi rolls.

Sushi Making Class

Turn lunch into a hands-on adventure.

Navigator of the Seas Pool by the Lime and Coconut

Amplified Pool Deck

It’s time to take your pool game to the next level.

Water's Edge

Unrivaled views for you while kids play steps away at Splashaway Bay℠ aquapark.

Larger than life festival

Supersized games go big on bonding at the Larger Than Life Festival.

Thrill Island

The most adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island — only on Icon of the Seas℠.

Swim & Tonic℠

The new Swim & Tonic℠ is your go-to for ice-cold drinks and sun-kissed beats.

Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside℠ — the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood.

Friends Getting Ready for a game of Pickle ball

Get hooked on pickleball, the new trendy sport for everyone.

Lost Dunes℠

Tee off for friendly competition at Lost Dunes℠, the ultimate mini-golf course

Category 6 Waterpark

Brave six record-breaking slides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea.

Hideaway Pool

Hit new heights of bragworthy at the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Absolute Zero℠

See bold feats unleashed at Absolute Zero℠, our biggest ice arena ever.

Mellow out to live Caribbean music in this open-air sanctuary that’s high above ordinary.

Chill Island℠

Sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn at Chill Island℠.

Awe is inspired on a grand new scale at the shimmering AquaDome℠.

Crown's Edge℠

Dare to conquer the Crown’s Edge℠, a test of bravery like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Royal Bay℠ Pool

This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea — with over 40,000 gallons of water.

The Cove℠ Pool

The ultimate infinity pool for serene ocean views with sun-drenched action always close by.

Adrenaline Peak℠

Test your bravery. Rock climb to the top of Adrenaline Peak for unmatched views.

DISCOVER ALL NEW ICONIC THRILLS & CHILLS

Only on icon of the seas.

Dining Room

Go on a flavorful globetrotting journey at The Dining Room— serving mouthwatering international dishes for every meal.

It’s grub time anytime at Pier 7 with beachside bites, all-day brunch and chill vibes

Surfside Eatery℠

Whatever your little ones are into right now, the expansive Surfside Eatery buffet has it on deck — steps away from all the action.

Pearl Café℠

Pearl Café offers toasted sandwiches, ready-made salads, and sweet treats with a show.

Izumi in the Park℠

Stop by this all-day window for Japanese street food and sushi rolls in to-go boxes.

Celebration Table

Level-up special occasions with VIP treatment and your choice of prix menus at Celebration Table.

AquaDome Market

Find five unique food stands serving a smorgasbord of options for your crew at AquaDome Market.

Basecamp is your family’s headquarters to refuel between adventures onboard. Walk up to any window for delicious provisions or head to the bar for drinks.

Surfside Bites℠

Refuel on the run between adventures at Surfside Bites, your quick stop for sweet and salty noshes and tasty twists on classics.

Empire Supper Club℠

Treat yourself to a lavish night of luxury with premium American cuisine at Empire Supper Club

The Wizard of Oz

Our biggest cast and orchestra ever in the Broadway hit musical, The Wizard of Oz — only on Icon of the Seas℠.

Showband! Live. Music. Now.

Enjoy phenomenal vocal artists accompanied by sixteen top tier musicians.

Suite Neighborhood

It’s time you discover just how suite life can be at the Suite Neighborhood.

The Hideaway

Once you’ve uncovered The Hideaway, your sea days will never be the same.

The Grove Suite Sun Deck

Discover your own private slice of paradise.

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CASINO ROYALE

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CRUISE NIGHTLIFE

Try it with your, #adventuresquad.

Drenched Days

Family Time

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27 Awesome Things To Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

Best Things to Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

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What to Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

If you’re a new cruiser, you might be wondering what to do on a cruise, and if you’ll be bored on cruise sea days. In my experience, many people who are cruising for the first time are wary of “too many” sea days, and usually more interested in the cruise ports .

Of course, this is completely understandable. Cruising is a great way to visit and see a variety of destinations , all in one trip.

However, sea days are one the best parts of cruising! Since most modern cruise ships have resort-like amenities and some pretty cool activities , there is zero chance that you’ll be bored.

Cruise sea days are amazing for relaxing and fun activities

What to Expect on Cruise Sea Days

Cruises have a combination of days in ports of call and days at sea. On sea days, you can do as much or as little as you want. Typically, there are more activities available on the ship than on port days, so these are great days to keep busy if you like.

Many casual restaurants will be open for lunch. This includes the main dining room, which will have a casual sit down lunch menu available. Many cruisers who enjoy a more leisurely pace on sea days enjoy this.

Cruise ship boutiques are open on days at sea, as is the cruise ship casino.

Planning Your Days at Sea

Top Things to Do on a Cruise on a Sea Day - Adult Pool

You can plan what to do on sea days by looking at your cruise planner, often available in paper form or on a cruise line app. You’ll see the various cruise activities, as well as opening and closing hours.

Research your Cruise Ship

It’s also a good idea to do your research your ships before you book your cruise, to see what cruise ship activities are offered.

Some cruise ships have water slides, zip lines, skating rinks, and even race cars. These are great for people who want a more active type of cruise experience.

However, other cruise lines have a quieter environment, and will have fun activities that favor relaxing and rejuvenating.

Cruise Tip: Consider talking with a travel agent for help to decide which cruise ship and cruise line is best for you.

Things To Do on a Cruise During the Day

1. relax by the pool.

Best things to do on a cruise day - pool

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise or other hot weather destination, you’ll probably spend some time by the pool. What’s great about this is that most cruise ships have at least 2-4 swimming pools, and several hot tubs.

Each pool area will have a different atmosphere and vibe. If you enjoy music, you can find one where a reggae band or DJ plays. If you want a quiet space to read and relax, the adult pool areas are perfect.

Choose the pool vibe you like best, and enjoy!

Cruise tip: On busy ships, get to the pool deck early to find a chair in the best locations.

2. Ziplines, Ropes Courses and Surfing Pools

Some of today’s cruise ships offer amazing, theme park like activities. If you cruise with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines or MSC Cruises, you’ll find some of the most exciting things to do on a cruise!

The newest ships from these family friendly cruise lines cater to those who want an active vacation. If you are concerned about being bored on a cruise, no need to worry!

What exciting things can you do on a cruise?

Surfing pool
Ifly by RipCord Diving Simulator
Ice Skating Rink
Water slides
Ropes course

Read next: 15 Coolest Things to do on a Cruise Ship

27 Awesome Things to do a Cruise Sea Day

3. Pool Games

If you enjoy some fun and games, join or watch the pool volleyball games and other antics.

Belly flop, sexy legs contest and more, is what you can find by the main pool on some cruise ships. Other games may be hosted by the cruise activities staff by the pool, and if you love some fun in the sun, you’ll want to check that out.

4. Fitness Classes

things to do on a cruise - fitness class

Join a fitness class or work out at the gym . I really use my cruise planner for this.

The fitness center will often have some awesome fitness classes, which require you to sign up in advance. So, I head to the gym and put my name down for the classes I really want to attend.

I actually like to pick one activity that I may not have tried before, as it’s a great chance to try out something new, without the commitment. Some examples are Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, Stretching, yoga, spinning and more.

Please note that some activities are included on your cruise , and others have a small fee.

5. Walk a Mile

One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is to walk or jog on the jogging track. There’s something about going for a morning walk and seeing ocean all around you. You get to breathe the fresh sea air, which I love first thing in the morning.

If you’ve been indulging in the wonderful cruise food and drinks, a little movement goes a long way as well to help avoid weight gain on a cruise .

6. Learn Something New

Things to do on a Cruise - cruise daily planner

They say we learn something new every day, and this really can be true on a cruise. If you’ve been wanting to learn origami, napkin folding, or water color painting, classes like this, and more, will be offered.

This is great if you don’t want to spend your days outside in the sun or even if it rains on a cruise . There really are a lot of activities going on inside of the cruise ship as well!

One of the things we like to do is check out some of the speakers. There may be special guests on board, like authors or well known personalities, that will be giving a very interesting lecture.

There was even an astronaut on our last Celebrity Cruise. It was pretty cool!

7. Cruise Port Talk

If you’re visiting a destination for the first time, consider going to the cruise port lecture, which is often held in the ship theater or a lounge. You’ll get some tips about the best places to see as well as information about the cruise port.

We found this especially helpful on our Mediterranean cruise , as it helped us to get orientated and know what to expect, as well as choose shore excursions .

8. Art Auction

The art auction is something that people either love or hate on a cruise . However, if you haven’t attended one yet, don’t knock it until you try it.

This is one of my favorite things to do when it rains on a cruise , which is actually how we first discovered it.

However, you don’t need to wait for rain. Since we found this activity a few cruises ago, we go on sunny days too and use it as an excuse to get out of the heat for a bit.

Some people are avid collectors and really enjoy it. Other people go for the free champagne at the Champagne Art Auction (only on some days). Even if you don’t plan to buy, it’s still a great way to learn about the artists that are featured and their style.

Cruise Tip: Attend the champagne art auction and enjoy some free sparkling wine with your art talk.

27 Sea Day Activities that aren't boring

9. A Bridge or Galley Tour

If you’re interested in cruise ship facts and the work that goes on behind the scenes, you’ll love the behind-the-scenes tours available on a cruise. There are usually free galley tours , where you can see how the food is prepared for thousands of cruise passengers at a time.

Other tours include a backstage tour where you can meet the singers and dancers, and even a cruise ship bridge tour. The bridge tour is very popular, so make sure to sign up as soon as possible if you’d like to participate. This has an additional fee on most cruise lines.

Read more: What to Do on a Cruise Immediately After Boarding

10. Get a Massage

Why not book a massage or other treatment at the spa on a sea day during your cruise? Consider a couples massage or a week long pass at the thermal spa. Whether you’re in need of some self-care or looking for a romantic activity on a couples cruise , cruise ship spas are know to be amazing!

Cruise Tip: Your cruise ship will often have promotions if you sign up on embarkation day . It’s a smart and easy way to save money on your cruise .

Recommended: 10 Romantic Things for Couples to Do on a Cruise Vacation

11. Kid’s Camp

Cruises are amazing family vacations, and most cruise lines have kid’s clubs where your children can do activities and hang out with new friends.

If you’re cruising with kids , make sure to choose a cruise line that has activities that your children will enjoy. This way, you have a perfect vacation for both the adults and kids.

Are you cruising with kids ? Encourage them to attend the kids club where they will make friends and participate in fun activities.

A cruise is a perfect place to have a balanced family vacation, where there can be kid time, adult time, and family time all within the same holiday.

Cruise tip: Register and visit the kid’s camp during open house on the first day of your cruise . They’ll be more comfortable and more likely to want to attend activities later in the cruise.

12. Traditional Cruise Games (shuffleboard, table tennis & mini-golf)

Cruises offer some simple and fun things to do as well. Play a game of miniature golf, table tennis or shuffle board. These traditional fun activities are fun for cruisers of every age!

Bingo remains one of the most popular and well-attended cruise activities! I’m not a Bingo player, but wow, there are enthusiastic BINGO players on-board.

There are great prizes, including winning a free cruise. So, if you’re a BINGO lover, make sure to attend.

14. Karaoke, Flash Mobs & Choirs

If you have a singing or dancing talent, keep an eye on your cruise planner for the ship’s choir, flash dance mobs and kareoke competitions. Princess Cruises even has The Voice of the Ocean game show, where cruise passengers participate in a high production singing competition.

15. Game Shows & Trivia

Cruise ships will have interesting trivia activities as well as fun game show style audience participation games. From XBox challenges to the Dating Game, there will be something fun to do on your cruise vacation.

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16. Cruise Food

Is eating cruise food really a cruise activity? I think so!

On sea days, you’re not in rush to get off the cruise ship, so treat yourself to one of the alternative dining options. You can have a lunch in the Main Dining Room, go to a specialty restaurant or even head over to one of the included restaurants like Princess Cruises Alfredo’s .

Don’t forget the soft ice cream, afternoon tea, poolside grill, taco bar and more!

Related post: How NOT to Gain Weight on a Cruise (and still eat and drink)

17. Duty Free Shopping

What to do during the day on a cruise - cruise shopping sales

While on a cruise, there are many opportunities to shop and get a great deal. Cruise ship shopping is duty-free , so while you should still check pricing back home, we’ve found truly amazing deals on watches, jewelry and perfumes.

In addition to the on board shops, you’ll often see pop-up sales of 10$ items, beachwear, costume jewelry and more.

Cruise tip: Take a chance and fill out a raffle ticket and you just may win something at the cruise shops. My mother won a pair of stunning Crown of Light diamond earrings when we did a large family cruise for their 50th anniversary .

Related post: 50 Most Recommended Amazon Cruise Essentials

18. Have a Cocktail

There’s something about sitting back on a lounge chair with a frozen cocktail in hand that just says “I’m on a cruise”. If you’ve got a drink package, you might want to do some bar hopping and find out which are the best drinks on the cruise ship!

Cruises will often have a Drink of the Day, which is also a great way to try out some new cocktails or mocktails.

Princess Plus: What’s Included and Is it Worth it?

Celebrity Cruises Always Included (what is included)

Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Package – Is it Worth it?

19. Go Dancing

Whether it’s the Harlem Shuffle or the Cha Cha Slide, line dancing by the pool is just one of the fun things to do on a cruise. I love it, but if you don’t, you may enjoy some people watching instead.

Other opportunities to dance include participating in dance lessons in one of the clubs or atrium. Whether it’s ballroom, salsa or hip hop, your cruise ship will likely have something fun to learn and try.

27 Awesome Things to Do on a Sea Day (both active and quiet activities)

20. Take Photos & Memories

Cruise ships are great places to take photos. You can get a photo with the cruise ship’s wake in the background or take a family photo on the elegant staircase in the ship’s atrium.

You can also take single photos or book a session with the ship’s photographer. This is especially nice for family cruises . Photos really are a keepsake that helps to keep precious memories alive in years to come.

This inspirational cruise travel quote by Katie Thurmes says it best “We take photographs as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone” .

21. DIY Cruise Ship Art Tour

Check out the cruise ship’s artwork and themed venues. Cruise ships have really interesting paintings, photography and sculptures displayed around the ship, including on passenger decks, in stairways and in different bars and lounges.

On a sea day, why not get some steps in and walk around the ship and admire all the incredible works of art on board.

22. Book Your Next Cruise

If this is your first cruise , you may be surprised to hear that booking your next cruise on board is a great hack to save money . Just head over to the Future Cruise Consultant desk and have a chat about your next cruise possibilities.

You can put down a deposit on a future cruise, or even work with your travel agent when you get back home to finalize details.

23. Wine Tasting

During your cruise, you may want to enjoy a wine-tasting event. For a small charge, you can have a mini-course in wine-tasting while you sip and savor. For those that prefer scotch, rum or other types of alcohol, you may find those tasting workshops as well.

We’ve done a couple of wine-tasting events on past cruises, and enjoyed what we learned.

The casino is pretty popular on sea days, with those that would rather stay out of the sun, having some fun in there. Whether you’re a serious player, or like to have fun at the slots, the casino is THE PLACE TO BE.

25. See a Show

Cruise ships have the best shows! Truly, the entertainment is incredible and well worth it.

If you’re a mega cruise ship, they’ll usually have several show times to accommodate all their guests. You can check your cruise planner, or in some cases you can even book your shows online before your cruise.

Related post: What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation

26. Catch a Movie

Cruise ships will show movies in the theater, lounges and even on a big screen outdoors. There’s nothing like seeing a movie under the stars, with some popcorn, while at sea!

On a cruise over the Christmas holidays , there were several classic Holiday movies playing all week – such fun!

27. Relax & Enjoy

hang out and watch the ocean on a cruise

While this post was about all the best things to do on a cruise, especially on sea days, it’s sometimes great to do nothing at all. The simple things might just be the times you really enjoy.

What else can you do on a cruise?

I could probably list 27 more cruise ship activities, but here are just a few simple and fun things to add:

Read a book
play a board game with friends
have a cocktail
make new friends
take a nap in the sun
hang out in the hot tub.

No matter what you choose to do, remember that you’re on a cruise to explore, relax, have fun, recharge and reconnect with those you love. Enjoy every minute!

Video: What to Do on Cruise Sea Days

Take a look at our YoTube video all about what to do on a cruise during sea days. You’ll see actual videos from a cruise ship with tons of great cruise activities to enjoy!

Recap: 27 Fun Things to do a Cruise Sea Day

Sea days can be some of the best days, and with so much to do on a cruise! Whether you like to be active, or find something quieter to do, there are tons of awesome cruise activities to keep your entertained.

What are your top things to do on a cruise? If you’re cruising for the first time, please feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you’ve found this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it on Facebook or save it for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top of the post). Thank you!

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10 Comments

Miniature golf!

Great one! That’s such a classic and always fun!! Thanks for sharing this.

I like on board driving range. Wack 100 or so golf balls in an hour. Work on your game.

Great idea Russell!

Thanks for the great idea!

Wow- sounds like a cross between a planet fitness and a retirement community. Gonna be a long 5 days.

Lol, I literally laughed out loud. Every cruise ship has different things to do, or you can also relax. I hope that the cruise ship you’ll be taking has the activities or amenities that you’ll enjoy (and it will be better than you think).

Thanks for your comment!

Just had my Alaska cruise canceled. Found out I have prostate cancer. (Found early) Make sure you have your husband Frank has his checked. Go Dr. May 11 to see all test results and get an action plan. Maybe book on in November. Just wanted to reread your post. My favorite thing to do is afternoon time with my wife. Thanks for what you do. Even though we have never meet, I consider you my friend. Take care of yourself and those who you love.

Hi Russell,

Firstly, so glad for you that this was found early. Right now, your health is where your focus needs to be, but you have cruises to look forward to soon after. I’ll also let Frank know and appreciate you sharing.

Take care and keep in touch and let me know how you are doing!! Ilana

Thank you for ^This^. I am hoping to talk my other half into dancing lessons, though he and I are both hoping for cooking demonstrations.

That’s a lot of fun! Almost everyone who joins is a “beginner” or at least not an expert, so this is a great way to learn and enjoy. The cooking ones I’m sure will be awesome.

Cruise Line Types- Figuring out what the different categories mean

Cruise line types.

Crystal Cruises ship, the Crystal Syymphony, falls into the Ultra-Luxury category. Image courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

One of the key elements of a happy cruise is finding the line that’s right for your particular needs. The cruise lines fall into various categories, and to help you navigate the waters (so to speak) of choosing one, we’ve created a guide to what these categories mean. Bear in mind, cruise lines can fall into more than one category, Luxury Expedition, for example, but these descriptions should help to steer you in the right direction. See which lines fall into these categories, and what amenities they offer, by visiting our All-Inclusive Chart.

CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES

The contemporary cruise lines offer a variety of cruise schedules and itineraries that are perfect for younger adults and family cruises. These are the lines with the largest ships, the most onboard entertainment options, and the widest variety of amenities. This great array of options allows you to choose the type of vacation experience you want once you are on board the ship.

Lines that fall into this category are:

Aida Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Costa Cruise Lines
Celestyal Cruises
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
P & O Cruises
P & O Cruises Australia
Star Cruises
Your Cuba Cruise

These lines are well suited for:

Families with young children
Families with teenagers
Family reunions and multi-generational families
20- and 30-somethings looking for light adventure and various sports activities
40- and 50-somethings looking for a couple’s vacation
Travelers looking for a wide array of activities
Seniors looking for new friends
Solo travelers
Couples looking for romantic getaways
Destination weddings
Adventure travelers looking for high thrills

UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES

These lines offer all the benefits of the contemporary cruise lines, but take things a step futher, with finer amenities and a more upscale environment.

MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Royal Caribbean International (RCI)

PREMIUM CRUISE LINES

Premium cruise lines tend to be large, but not mega-type ships, though they offer similar voyages, plus voyages to exotic locales. Due to the size of these ships, they do not dock in the heart of the town or village like the ultra-premium lines. These lines cater to travelers seeking luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining, excellent service, extensive activities, and enrichment opportunities. The onboard experience is sophisticated and the service above average. These lines will have enhanced spa and wine options. They tend to cater to more mature and discerning passengers who are seeking a sophisticated level of service, ship amenities, and accommodations at somewhat higher prices. These lines also offer children’s programs for all ages.

Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Those seeking both classic and modern luxury, contemporary and conservative design, and dining experiences in which the atmosphere is as important as the food and wine.
Families wishing to travel with young children where the environment is a little more subdued.
Families who are looking for an educational experience for the family

ULTRA-PREMIUM CRUISE LINES

The ultra-premium cruise lines tend to have smaller ships and offer voyages to popular ports, and unique itineraries featuring smaller, less-traveled destinations. They primarily cater to discerning passengers who are seeking a sophisticated level of service, ship amenities, and accommodations at upscale prices. Some lines may offer numerous included amenities. These lines are generally priced higher than the premium cruise lines.

Azamara Club Cruises
Cunard Line
Oceania Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Seasoned travelers
Adults who are destination-oriented and enjoy the finer things in life
Travelers looking for a boutique experience with a destination immersion.
Travelers who find the small touches make all the difference—from the service to the food to the ships themselves.
Adults seeking a “country club casual” experience with very upscale surroundings and amenities

ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISE LINES

These are high end cruises, both in price and in amenities. They are designed for those who desire the finer things in life and have the budget for luxury. These cruise lines specialize in service and will cater to the traveler’s every desire.

Crystal Cruises
Hapag Lloyd Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
Sea Cloud Cruises
SeaDream Yacht Club
Adults looking for a small ship and boutique type of experience
Cruisers seeking a destination immersion
Travelers seeking an over-the-top experience with ultra-luxury everything
Cruises seeking an international atmosphere
Travelers seeking a large ship with high-end amenities
Cruisers with a great deal of knowledge about the fine arts and cuisine, and are experts in matters of taste
Travelers looking for exceptional service and a level of comfort and style rare in today’s world

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

Small ships fill a niche for cruisers that are looking for more in-depth exploration of the regions they visit. They can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, and exotic itineraries are the standard. Most river cruise ships and almost all of the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.

Blount Small Ship Adventures
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Captain Cook Cruises
Great Lakes Cruise Company
Hebridean Island Cruises
Pearl Seas Cruises
Saga Holidays, Ltd.
Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruises
Tauck Small Ship Cruising
Voyages to Antiquity
Adults looking for a sophisticated, intimate small ship experience
Travelers seeking an educational experience and a vacation filled with history, and culture
Seasoned travelers and, adults who are destination-oriented
Those seeking to meet experts in their field who have a vast knowledge of the cities visited
Those who enjoy traveling and enjoying the company of conversation with noteworthy academic experts

RIVER CRUISES

Unlike ocean cruises, rivers provide easy access to city centers. Passengers sail directly into the heart of every destination and dock in the middle of town, then walk right off the ship and move easily into whatever city or town you are visiting. You spend less time getting there and more time being there. A river cruise allows for a more intimate experience as well. Because most of these ships accommodate only 30 to 200 guests, it is easier to meet your traveling companions. You can share a drink with the couple you met on the day’s tour or dine with interesting passengers in an open-seating restaurant. Another benefit: you can also forget about waiting in long lines to embark, debark, or have a meal. These river cruises are immensely popular and keep growing. Many lines have begun adding amenities previously restricted to ocean cruise lines, such as French balconies attached to the rooms.

U.S. River Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines
American Queen Steamboat Co.

Contemporary River Cruise Lines

AFC Vacations
CroisiEurope
Farah Nile Cruises
Imperial River Cruises
President Cruises (China)
Vantage Travel

Upscale Contemporary River Cruise Lines

Amras Cruises
Emerald Waterways
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
Value World Tours, Inc.
World Quest Cruises
YMT Vacations

Premium River Cruise Lines

Amadeus Cruises
Avalon Waterways Haimark Line-Luxury Coastal Expeditions
Pandaw River Cruises
Sonesta Cruise Collection
Tauck River Cruising

Luxury River Cruise Lines

AmaWaterways
A-ROSA Cruises
Crystal River Cruises
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Viking River Cruises
Those seeking an immersion experience of the regions they visit, in wine, food, and culture.

LUXURY HOTEL BARGES

The hotel barge became popular in the 1960s, and has now grown into a very large network of hundreds operating on the rivers and canals of France, Belgium, Germany, Scotland, and the UK. These luxury hotel barges vary greatly in size, configuration, scale and quality of accommodations, and standard and amount of catering. The largest barges take twenty-four guests, the smallest just four. All hotel barges have a high staff-to-guest ratio, but the smaller barges typically provide more personal attention and perhaps comfort. You can expect to get to know the other travelers well due to the intimate environment. These luxury hotel barges are wonderful for chartering and having your own private vacation.

Abercrombie and Kent
Afloat in France
European Waterways
France Cruises
French Country Waterways
The Barge Company
Destination-oriented travelers
Travelers who enjoy the finer things in life and are looking for a small ship or boutique type of experience.
Travelers seeking an immersion in small towns and villages

EXPEDITION CRUISE LINES

Expedition cruise lines typically attract adventure and unusual thrills seekers. These lines have very unique and exotic destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and Greenland. Expedition cruises tend to focus on very isolated scenery or wildlife up- close and personal. On an expedition line, you will experience undergo a multitude of new experiences: new cultures, new foods, and new smells, as all of your senses are awakened as and you commune with nature. The amenities range from simple accommodations to ultra-luxury environments.

Adventure Smith Explorations
Alaskan Dream Cruises
Fantasy Cruises
G Adventures
Hurtigruten
Lindblad Expeditions
Poseidon Expeditions
Sanctuary Retreats
Semester at Sea
Un-Cruise Adventures
Travelers seeking eco- friendly expeditions
Those seeking remote scenery and wildlife viewing
Those who may be willing to forego luxurious amenities in exchange for remote locations with exotic birds and animals.
Travelers seeking a small ship experience with high impact adventure
Travelers looking for a small ship experience
Those looking for expedition and unique cruises off the beaten track

LINES WITH SAILING VESSELS AND YACHTS

This segment of the cruise industry is unusual, offering a different type of experience and ship. Seasoned travelers as well as budget- conscious travelers will have an interest in these lines. These typically smaller cruise lines offer immersion experiences in at various destinations. Some are yachts, sail-assisted ships, and dual-purpose cargo/passenger ships. All generally are regarded as the “”specialty lines.”

Bora Bora Cruises
Festiva Sailing Vacations
Island Windjammers
North Star Cruises Australia
Star Clippers
Travelers seeking an educational experience and a vacation filled with history and culture
Highly educated travelers looking for an historically rich vacation
Those who enjoy an educational type of vacation

We would love to have you subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!

What Is Cruise Tourism Definition?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting for this unique way of traveling. But what exactly is cruise tourism? In this article, we will take a closer look at the definition of cruise tourism and what makes it such a special type of travel experience.

What Is Cruise Tourism?

Cruise tourism refers to the act of traveling on a cruise ship for leisure purposes. This type of travel involves passengers embarking on a ship that typically travels along a pre-determined route, stopping at various ports along the way to allow passengers to explore different destinations. Cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities and activities onboard, making them almost like floating resorts.

Types of Cruise Tourism

There are different types of cruise tourism that cater to different interests and preferences. Some cruises focus on luxury travel, offering high-end amenities such as gourmet dining options, spa services, and exclusive shore excursions. Other cruises may be more family-oriented, with activities designed for children and teenagers.

Luxury Cruises: These cruises offer the ultimate in luxury travel experiences with high-end amenities such as fine dining, spa services, private balconies, and exclusive shore excursions.
River Cruises: River cruises take passengers along scenic rivers around the world. These boats are usually smaller than ocean-going vessels but still offer excellent amenities and personalized service.
Expedition Cruises: Expedition cruises take passengers to remote locations such as Antarctica or the Arctic Circle. These ships are often smaller and more rugged than traditional ocean liners and offer unique adventure experiences.

The Benefits Of Cruise Tourism

One of the biggest benefits of cruise tourism is the ability to visit multiple destinations without having to worry about transportation or accommodations. Passengers can simply relax on the ship and enjoy the journey while the ship takes them from one port to another. Additionally, many cruises offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and onboard entertainment, making it easy for passengers to budget their vacation expenses.

Cruise Tourism And The Environment

While cruise tourism is a popular and enjoyable way to travel, it is important to consider the impact that these ships have on the environment. Cruise ships are known to produce a significant amount of pollution and waste, including sewage, air emissions, and garbage. However, many cruise lines are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices such as using cleaner fuels and reducing plastic waste.

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Cruise Tourism

The cruise industry is a modern phenomenon but it rooted from the early years of the 19th century. As travel by ship was the only means to travel overseas. The Duke of Bridgewater was initiated to start water transport services from Manchester to London in 1772. His boat was used to carry passengers as well as goods.

In 1815 steamboats were developed and used to carry passengers and goods. To launch first cruise ship the credit goes to the king Charles IV of Sweden when he started his personal cruise ship in 1821 . In 1824 the first commercial cruise ship was started under the flag of Ireland. Gradually, steamship excursions became so famous and it resulted in the introduction of modern age cruise lines.

In 1938 the Peninsular and Orient steam was launched first long distance steamship services from India to the Far East. This company is still operating and has a good grasp of the cruise market. The Cunard ship company followed the P&O company and began regular services to the American Continent in 1840.

During the 2nd half of the 19th century, Britain dominated the cruise industry. However, this dominance has decreased in the later century with the advent of the substantial emigrant from Europe and the steady growth of US visitors to Europe.

Thomas Cook (the father of travel agency business ) stimulated the British tourists to visit North America. In 1866 he succeeds to operate first steamship excursion tour to the USA.

In the modern age, UK started first transatlantic lines ‘Titanic’ in 192 which was sold to the Newfound-land Islands in 1913. Second important cruise line ‘Queen marry’ was started in 1934 . It had 2000 passengers capacity along with 1100 crew members. It offered every facility for passengers such as comfort, safety, and entertainment. It was considered one of the great ocean liners.

In 1938 another larger sister ship Queen Elizabeth was launched by the same company. During the Second World War, these ships were used to carry British troops but after the war, their main business was to carry passengers across the Atlantic.

The year 1958 was the turning point in the steamship travel, as commercial jet aircraft has ended the dominance of steamship. By 1970’s steamship travel was only a curiosity. Due to less demand, high fuel prices and long duration of the journey all these resulted in the closing of many cruise company. Even many ship companies went bankrupt.

During 1980’s some large ships were converted into luxury liners, offering holidays to travelers who have money and time. Many cruise lines have taken the place of scheduled liner services.

The cruise industry is currently the fastest growing segment in the world tourism market and all tour operators now include cruises in their tour package.

Definitions of Cruise Tourism

The cruise tourism is an increasingly important part of the employment structure of advanced industrial nations as well as developing economies. Many of the cruise industries key players have made a significant contribution to the economic growth and development of the nation such as Star Cruises, Holland and American line Deluxe cruises. Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and so forth.

Cruise tourism provides and offers food, beverage, accommodation, recreational, casino, shopping, and other services to the tourist. It is like an informal industry which makes an arrangement of various services i.e., cruise packages and combines these with air travel to attract the potential customer.

The cruise package includes a plenty of facilities designed to meet the specific requirement of passengers – such as accommodation, food, beverage, deck games, swimming pool, yoga classes, quiet lounges, sheltered dock, library, casino, disco films.

Many cruises include special interest themes – like astronomy, yoga, meditation, sequence dancing, classical music and many more.

Cruise Tour Package

A cruise tour package may be defined as a systematically planned return journey with entertainment and recreational facilities on board, and shore excursion. In other words, the cruise package is a pleasure an all-inclusive trip by boat or ship for specific days, to specific days, to specific destinations, and with a set price.

Cruises packages may be designed and planned for an individual group, families, FITs, business executives, honeymooners, and special interest tourists. Of course, these cruise packages are designed for cruise passengers. However, these could not be segregated from air travel and land arrangement.

Types of Cruise Tour Packages

If we see the cruise packages offered and marketed by tour operators and travel agencies , we find similar as well as more ingredients in cruise packages such as port handling charges, airport taxes, visa processing charges and so forth. Therefore, the elements or components of a cruise package may vary from tour company to company, destination to destination and from region to region.

On the basis of above discussion actual cruise industry environment the following main cruise packages are offered by cruise liners:

Incentive Cruise Packages
Group Packages
Family Packages
Business Cruise Package
Honeymooners Package
Special Interest Cruise Package
Fly Cruise Package

Types of Cruise

Since the introduction of the first cruise in 1821, numbers of cruises came in the cruise industry. Some of them are still operating in the industry while others which were not attracting clients discarded from the industry. Thus, the following typology is based on sales, marketing and working conditions of the cruises:

Volume Cruise

As the name indicates, volume cruises concentrate on volume turnover. That is why these are called mass market cruises. 65 percent of all cruises are volume/mass market cruises. These cruises are very popular in the Caribbean sea, Asia Pacific and South East Asia.

In such cruises, accommodation and other services are comparable to the star hotel. Generally, these cruises emphasized two things i.e. Turnover and short-term passenger itinerary. These are further divided into three sub-categorized:

Short term cruises – Normally two to five days.
Standard cruises – For one-week duration.
Large cruises – Duration is from the week to two weeks.

Premium Cruises

Premium cruises are the second largest segment of cruise industry accounting for mere than 40 percent of all cruise revenues. The duration of this cruise varies from one week to three months.

Due to this, these are known as upscale cruises. Their product and services are equivalent to its class resort, and hotel. Royal cruise, Star Cruises, Princess Cruises, Panama Canal Cruises are offering premium cruise service.

Luxury Cruises

Luxury cruises occupied a meager percentage of the cruise market. It may be due to its high-quality product and services and it focuses on long-haul itineraries for exotic destinations. These cruises are meant for elite people. The duration of itinerary may range from 6 months to 12 months.

In spite of high prices, these cruises are more popular among the tourists and honeymooners. Luxury cruises are operated by the Royal Caribbean cruises, Crystal Cruises, and Star cruises etc.

Specialty Cruises

These cruises are launched to cater the demands of specific interest passengers, such as newly married couple, whale watching, oceanography, scuba diving. The quality of products and services is comparatively low as other cruises. The duration of these cruises is very less but depending on the package.

Presently, there is more than 150 cruise ship with 90,000 cabins world over . The largest cruise lines is Royal Caribbean cruises liner (RCCL) with nine ships and have a capacity of 15,000 births. The Star Cruises is the 2nd largest cruise lines having five ships with 7000 births capacity. Followed by Deluxe cruise lines, Crystal Cruises, Radisson seven seas cruises, Seabourn cruises, Silversea cruise and princes cruises etc.

Significance of Cruise Industry For Tourism

The tourism industry in many countries of the world has been profoundly helped by the cruise sector to shape the tourism product and to satisfy the sophisticated travelers.

The relationship between the cruise industry and tourism industry is, therefore, a highly complex subject involving a mixture of socio-economic factors, technological factors, market pressures, government policies, management attitude ad tourist expectations.

The following points can be perceived pivotal for the significance of the cruise industry:

Evolving cruise as a vacation option.
Realizing the competitiveness.
Development in MICE destinations.
Image Conscious.
Increasing the size of the cruise market.
Alliances and Networking.
Shifting tourist demands.
Re-structuring ownership.
Labor flexibility and Employment.
Boom-bust cycles and tourism.

Process for Development of Cruise Tour Package

The development of air transportation and improvement in their technology in so far as safety, speed economy, and comfort are concerned to have admittedly hurt the cruise industry. However, steamship travel remains as today’s transportation of pleasure, relaxation, and comforts with service comparable to country’s best hotels and resorts.

The cruise industry is now a resort or hotel activities that must be promoted as floating hotel/resort, not for just vacation at sea but a romantic interlude, wedding anniversary, mind-dazzling, nightlife, resort cruise, and a pleasure of meeting new people.

Many thousands of rupees are spent annually by the cruise companies to promote their products and services directly or, through the tour operators and travel agents but a crucial question remains unanswered. What should be included in the cruise package? How it is to be marketed? What will be the core ingredients? In many cases, tour operators failed to find the right mix of cruise package for their clients.

Standard Components of Cruise Tour Package

Cruise packages are developed to all clients such as honeymooners, nature lovers, students, adventurers, fitness/health conscious, sport minded, music lovers, special interests and education professional etc. Thus, a cruise company has to consider a wide spectrum of market demands.

Therefore, the components of a cruise package will vary from client to client and company to company. However, the following main components or ingredients can be drawn from the cruise packages offered by the most cruise companies and tour operators:

Air travel or land arrangements.
Cruise segments Accommodation Food and beverage Entertainment and recreation Deck games Swimming pool Health clubs Casino Films Music-dances Entertainment facilities for children Quite lounges Sheltered decks
Special Interest Theme Cricket Bridge Astronomy
Education Library
Other activities

Process of Cruise Tour Package Development

Developing cruises trips/tours, working with some other players; formulating effective marketing, managing and determining cost and price are the activities that are not easy to handle for the cruise company. However, if the manager approaches in a planned and systematic way, tour designing will become a simple, and easy task.

Cruise Tour Itinerary

A well-planned cruise tour itinerary identifies embarkation points, ports of calls, types of cabin, cruise facilities, meal services, shore excursions, tipping, and other services. Gradually, the cruise itinerary combined with air travel and land arrangement to make it more attractive and effective.

However, individuals needs cannot be overlooked. Thus, in developing cruise tour itinerary, tour planners/cruise planners normally considered the market forces, cruise industry environment, and cruise reference tools. Moreover, a cruise planner keeps in mind the following facts while designing cruise itinerary:

Name of the Cruise
Sailing date
Destinations
Port of Embarkation
Port of Termination
Client choice client budget
Legal formalities

Types of Cruise Tour Itineraries

Cruise tour itineraries are broadly categorized in the following types:

Short duration itineraries
Medium-haul – Short and long duration itineraries (7 night, 10 nights and above)
Long haul – Medium duration itineraries (7 months)
Transatlantic and Round the world itineraries ( 6 to 12 months)

Cruise tour itineraries are not limited only to sea but river cruise itineraries can be developed. The main rivers of the cruise are Amazon, Mississippi, Yangtze Kiang, Hung He, Nile, and the Rhine, etc.

Determination of Cruise Tour Package Coast and Price

Determination of cost and price of a cruise tour is one of the most difficult tasks of a cruise manager/planner. What should be the exact cost? What should be the right margin? These are the two important question which a tour planner has to face. Total price must be perceived by the passenger to be reasonable.

The cruise planner must ensure about the cost. Thus, before determination of the cost of a cruise package tour planner considers the following factors:

Length of Tour
Types of accommodation
Type and quality of facilities
Position of cabin
Density of ship
Date of travel
Govt. Policy
Competitive forces
Seasonality

A typical cruise package includes accommodation cost, meal cost, recreational and entertainment cost, activities for children and teenagers, port taxes, shore excursion cost, and airfare may also be a part of total cost. Thus, at first glance, it may seem an expensive package, but we must understand the cost represents not only the accommodation, Food, and transportation but also entertainment together with other services and opportunities to visit a foreign port.

Cruise prices vary among cruise companies, depending on various factors and quality of product and services. More importantly, price depends on the selection of itinerary and standard of qualities. In cruise, segment price is not the main criteria but the quality of services is important.

Thus, a cruise package must create value for money to repeat clients. Generally, cruise companies adopt a mix of pricing strategies such as:

Cost-oriented pricing
Market-oriented pricing
Product line pricing
Competitive or seasonal pricing

Cruise Tour Sales and Marketing

The selling of cruise tour ticket is substantially different from the selling of airline ticket. One of the most important features relating to this is that the airline industry is well organized and regulated as compared to the cruise industry. Today, selling cruises are becoming more easier and profitable than ever.

Due to competition, the cruise companies are offering more discounts and other promotional incentives to the passengers. Besides 15 percent commission, more incentives are offered to the tour operators or travel agencies by the cruise companies.

There is a minimum procedure involved in selling and booking cruise package. Like other means of transportation, cruise liner issue the ticket, and provide other information through cruise brochure such as accommodation, entertainment, travel insurance, foreign currency, travel tips, and so forth.

Thus, successful selling and booking steamship cruise requires knowledge of both passengers and cruise on which client will have the product services, comforts, and entertainment. Tour operators need certain information to book a cruise package about the client such as:

Name of clients
Duration of tour
Date of sailing
Cabin choice
Meal option
Entertainment and Recreational activities
Address with e-mail and telephone no
Other information which is mere relevant

After obtaining required information, tour operator negotiates with cruise lines/companies. He has various options – i.e. to select a cruise for any age group. A long cruise “ Round the World ” takes long-range planning while shorter cruise can be booked with 3 to 5 days or shorter notice.

Tour operators or a travel agency follow a well defined and designed procedure for booking a cruise. The process may vary from company to company and point to point, but it includes all most following steps:

Cruise Ticketing

Preparation and issue of cruise ticket is the last step in the process of cruise reservation. The cruise ticketing is mostly done by the cruise companies or by the tour operators/travel agencies who are authorized to hold stock and issue the ticket.

A cruise ticket is a legal contract between the cruise line and passenger, entitling him/her or groups, at a stated price, to travel and avail cruise facilities specified – i.e. cruise products or services during a set time. Thus, the acceptance of cruise ticket means acceptance of those terms and conditions which contained in the passage contract ticket.

A cruise ticket document includes or conditions the following items:

Staterooms, inside, outside
Food and Beverage
Dining room seating
Sports deck
Entertainment
Social life
Children’s corner
Teenager rooms
Port of cell
Date of issue
Agent validation No.
Address of tour operator

A passenger who misplaces his/her ticket may be denied the right to board, to use cruise products or services, and even maybe denied a refund.

What Is an Expedition Cruise (and Why You Should Consider One)

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: September 14, 2020 - Last updated: June 26, 2023

What Is an Expedition Cruise (and Why You Should Consider One)

Expedition cruises are voyages to far-flung areas with a focus on the nature, history, and culture of the destinations they visit.

If you’ve been on a cruise before, you know that the floating city that is a cruise ship can be a destination in itself. But expedition cruises feature smaller, more intimate ships with fewer bells and whistles. You won’t find waterslides or magic shows, flashy nightclubs or noisy casinos. Instead, you’ll enjoy fascinating seminars and lively discussions with subject experts, your expedition team, and your fellow adventurers.

Maybe you think that cruises just aren’t your style? I hear you! Even though I now write exclusively about cruises and cruise destinations, for decades I was adamant that I’d never set foot on a cruise ship . Whatever you think about cruising, there are just some places on our planet that are best seen by ship, because they’re almost impossible to reach in any other way.

Or, perhaps you’re looking for a real adventure, but you still want to retreat to the comfort and amenities of a cozy ship each evening? An expedition cruise might be just the vacation you’ve been looking for! Here’s what you need to know about expedition cruises and how to find out if you should try one.

Where do expedition cruises sail?

Expedition cruises, sometimes called adventure cruises, generally sail in remote areas known for wildlife and natural beauty. Although many adventure cruises visit out-of-the-way destinations where large cruise ships can’t go, others take a more in-depth look at areas near more traditional cruise destinations.

Some of the most popular expedition cruises sail in Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon, and Canada’s Northwest Passage. Other adventure cruise destinations include Papua New Guinea, the Sea of Cortez, the Arctic and the North Pole, Iceland, and the Norwegian fjords.

Adventure cruises in Africa, especially along the western coast of the continent and in Egypt, have been gaining in popularity in recent years.

Do you have to bring your own gear or equipment on an expedition cruise?

Although expedition cruisers should pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and expected activities, many cruise lines do allow guests to borrow or rent some gear, such as waterproof boots or wetsuits. Other cruise lines actually provide each guest their own set of cold-weather gear (like parkas and snow pants) as part of the cruise fare.

Cruise lines will have activity-based gear for passengers to use, like kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel or SCUBA gear, depending on the climate and activities at the destination.

Some ships include watercraft like wave runners, underwater scooters, even small submarines! Any specialized gear you’ll need to enjoy these water sports will be on the ship.

Be sure to check with your cruise line before you pack to see what’s available on board and what you need to purchase before you travel. Most expedition cruise companies will provide you with a detailed packing list a few months before you sail. Take their recommendations seriously, because you might not have any opportunity to buy items you didn’t pack once you’re aboard the ship.

How are expedition cruise ships different from traditional ships?

Expedition cruise ships are often much smaller than the average cruise ship, and some are purpose-built to sail in the particular conditions of the destination. Many have reinforced hulls to protect the ships from ice on Arctic and Antarctic cruises. These ships also have shallower drafts than regular cruise ships, so they can access smaller inlets and shallow harbors.

Most adventure cruise ships have a passenger capacity of under 500, and many are much smaller than that. Because of these ships’ smaller size, they can travel to many locations that most ocean-going cruise ships can’t reach.

Depending on the destination, expedition cruise ships often can drop anchor when and where the conditions are right—there’s no need for the ship to wait until it reaches a port. Passengers take semi-rigid skiffs, or Zodiacs, from the ship to explore the area, get up close to marine life, or head to shore.

Learn more: What Is a Zodiac Boat on an Expedition Cruise?

What can passengers expect to do each day on an expedition cruise?

Expedition cruises operate all over the world, so activities on a cruise in Alaska’s Northern Passages are going to look a lot different than a cruise in the Galápagos or one around the west coast of Africa.

But generally, your daily activities will be led by your Expedition Team Leader and his or her guides. Where traditional cruises have a Cruise Director who oversees the entertainment staff, expedition cruises have an expedition team in charge of your activities, safety, and of course your enjoyment of the cruise.

Most expedition cruises will give you a choice of daily activities, and they usually have options based on your fitness level or preferences. You might choose a kayak tour to discover secluded coves, an off-trail hike with stops to learn about the native flora, or a snorkel or SCUBA trip to peer at colorful fish and corals.

Or, maybe you’ll pick a trek across the top of a glacier, a Zodiac ride to get closer than you ever thought you could to whales and dolphins in their natural habitats, or a day visiting penguins in a glacier garden.

On some expedition cruises, the focus might be more on culture and history. Some adventure cruises can get you to archeological sites that traditional cruise ships just can’t visit. Or maybe they drop anchor just offshore of a remote island with a culinary tradition you’d never be able to experience otherwise.

Whatever expedition cruise you pick, after a hearty breakfast (and maybe early-morning yoga, which I swear by to loosen up your muscles for the day ahead of you), you’ll meet up with your guide and the other guests in your group. Unlike the huge tour groups you usually encounter on cruises, groups on an expedition cruise are smaller and more intimate.

You’ll spend your day exploring and learning with an experienced guide. You’ll find like-minded, curious shipmates from around the world who also chose this kind of cruise for the same reason you did—to have a learning experience you can only have by getting up-close-and-personal with a destination.

What activities and entertainment are available onboard expedition cruise ships?

Activities and entertainment aboard expedition cruise ships are a bit different than on regular cruise ships! Instead of production shows, karaoke, nightclubs, and casinos, you’ll find that the focus is on enrichment. You’ll get to know the wildlife, terrain, and even the culture and history of your destination through expert lectures and educational films.

Mindfulness and relaxation is often a focus, with optional yoga or Pilates classes. Some luxury expedition ships also offer spa services, like facials and massage, for an additional fee.

Since adventure cruise ships have a smaller passenger count, you’ll probably get to know more of your fellow cruisers than you would on a larger ship. Evening cocktail hours and leisurely dinners are the preferred way to unwind after a day of adventure with your new friends.

Expedition ships have a restaurant or two, a lounge or bar, and some feature hot tubs or even a small pool. Although I love the nightlife on regular cruises, I’ve found that I don’t miss it on an expedition cruise. After a full day of adventure in the fresh air, I tend to hit the sack early and sleep like a log!

How much do expedition cruises cost?

Expedition cruises are often more expensive than traditional cruises. Prices vary by cruise line, destination, and whether or not you’re cruising at the peak of the season. Of course, stateroom category is also a major factor in the price you’ll pay for any cruise.

For a basic expedition cruise, expect to pay from about $3000 per person at the very low end, up to $10,000 or more. On cruise lines that offer a luxury or ultra-luxury experience, prices range from about $7000 to $30,000 and up.

Daily activities and excursions generally are included in your cruise fare, but some cruise lines also offer upgraded activities, such as helicopter tours, at an additional charge.

Airfare and hotel for before and after your cruise are generally not included, although some of the luxury cruise lines do include these costs in your fare.

Are expedition cruises for everyone?

Unlike traditional cruises, expedition cruising is focused on active adventures in port. Although some activities are less strenuous, such as a nature walk, beachcombing, or cultural education, a moderate level of physical fitness and mobility is needed to participate in many, if not all, of the daily activities.

Many smaller expedition ships don’t have elevators, so they may not be accessible for those with mobility challenges. Climbing into zodiacs or skiffs, and sitting on their inflatable sides to get to shore can also be difficult for the less-mobile or anyone with balance issues.

People who want to cruise with children might want to try more traditional cruise experiences until the kids are old enough for an expedition cruise. Some adventure cruise operators allow older children, but many are adults-only. Or, if your extended family or friends want to join, consider a charter! Some small-ship expedition cruise companies (like UnCruise Adventures ) offer family-friendly charters.

You’ll also need to consider your “cruise personality” before you book an expedition cruise. Is lounging by the pool all day with a cold drink your favorite part of cruising? Or maybe it’s dancing the night away and then sleeping in until lunch? When you’re in port, do you really only like shopping or relaxing on the beach? If so, you might want to stick with traditional cruises.

On expedition cruises, each day is very active, and you’ll generally have to get up pretty early to join the day’s adventures. Although there’s some downtime each day, it’s a very different experience than on the average cruise ship.

Depending on your destination, there may not be many shopping opportunities at all on your cruise. Many places you stop will only be inhabited by critters!

Do you prefer doing your own thing when you cruise, planning your own activities in port? Or do you enjoy choosing from a wide range of shore excursions to suit your particular preferences?

Expedition cruises often only have 1-3 activity choices per port, especially if it’s an uninhabited area. Of course, you can always stay on the ship if you really don’t like the options. But, as most expedition cruises offer excursions as part of the cruise fare, you’ll be missing out on adventures that you paid for.

What cruise lines offer expedition cruises?

There’s a wide variety of companies offering expedition cruises around the world, with accommodations ranging from basic cabins to all-suite ships with butler service. Some traditional cruise lines have one or more expedition ships as part of their fleet, and some specialize in only adventure cruises. A few expedition-focused tour companies also charter ships to offer specialty expedition cruises.

Cruise lines offering basic and premium expedition cruises:

Celebrity Cruises (Galápagos Islands)
Hurtigruten (Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, North America, Central America, South America)
Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic (North America, South America, Europe, Asia & Pacific, Antarctica, Arctic, Russian Far East, Egypt, Ocean Crossing)
Quark Expeditions (Greenland, Canadian High Arctic, Arctic Islands, North Pole, Russian High Arctic, Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia)
UnCruise Adventures (Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Pacific Northwest, Costa Rica & Panama, Galápagos Islands, Hawaiian Islands and the Sea of Cortez)
Zegrahm Expeditions (Africa’s West Coast, Mediterranean, Maldives, Australia, Ireland & Scotland, Black Sea, Suez Canal, Antarctica)

Cruise lines offering luxury and ultra-luxury expedition cruises:

Abercrombie & Kent (Antarctica, Japan, Greek Islands, Baltic, Arctic, Iceland & Norway, Northeast Passage, Australia)
Atlas Ocean Voyages (Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Holy Land & Eastern Mediterranean, Transatlantic & Caribbean, South America, Antarctica)
Crystal Expedition Cruises (Alaska, Africa’s West Coast, UK, Panama, South America)
Ponant Expeditions (Arctic, Alaska, Antarctica, Central America, South America, Africa & Indian Ocean, Oceania & Pacific Islands)
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours (Arctic, Iceland, Norwegian Fjords, Scotland & Scandinavia)
Seabourn Expedition Cruises (Arctic, Amazon, Antarctica)
Silversea Expeditions (Africa & Indian Ocean, US West Coast, Antarctica, Arctic & Greenland, Australia & New Zealand, Galápagos Islands, South Pacific Islands, South America)
Viking Expeditions (Antarctica, the Arctic, Great Lakes & Canada, Galápagos Islands, Grand Journeys)

You might also like: Which Cruise Lines Are All-Inclusive?

Have you ever taken an expedition cruise? I’d love to hear what you thought of your experience. Let me know in the comments below!

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What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag.

Sunday 4th of October 2020

Expedition cruises are an adventurous ride and that’s what I like about them. Would love to go on one in Antarctica or Galapagos island.

Monday 5th of October 2020

Aradhana, I love the adventure, too! Hope you're able to do an expedition cruise in both places :D

Joseph Benson

Saturday 3rd of October 2020

That looks super cool! I love the photographs from up north, that looks so cool to be able to see the wildlife in their own habitat from so close.

Joe, that's one of my favorite parts of an expedition cruise, getting so close to wildlife in their own environment! If you take one, be prepared to want to constantly take photos of everything :D

Carol Colborn

Friday 2nd of October 2020

I would love to go on an expedition cruise, most especially to Antarctica!

Hi Carol, doesn't a cruise to Antarctica sound like a blast? Expedition cruises are such a great combination of adventure travel and the comfort of traveling by ship. I bet you'll love it!

Carrie Ann - I absolutely love reading your articles on cruising/cruises. I have not done one yet for I fear of the waters (silly, I know)but the more I read, I am much encouraged to try one soon. I like the idea that cruiselines offer the option to include gear when on expedition. Thank you so much for sharing your insights.

Hi Georgina, thank you! I was like you before I started cruising. I was scared I'd trip and fall overboard (which I now know is pretty much impossible unless you do something nutty like climb on your balcony railing)! You should check out my story to see just how scared I was. You might really like an expedition cruise because the ships are usually smaller and often stay closer to land.

This sounds like my kind of cruise! We really hope to be booking one in the near future, and this is much more appealing than the more touristic type. Thanks for sharing :)

Matt, you're right, expedition cruising is so different than regular cruising. It's perfect for people who don't feel like doing the typical tourist attractions! I hope you have a great time on your cruise!

COMMENTS

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This refers to a back to back cruise, meaning one cruise and then another cruise one after the other. Some cruisers may even do a B2B2B (3 cruises in a row) 80. GTY. The abbreviation for a guarantee cabin (see above in cruise lingo glossary) 81. FCC. Future Cruise Credit - when booking a future cruise onboard. 82. T.A. A TA is short for ...
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It's a very fun scavenger hunt that can get a bit inappropriate for kids. 66. The Solarium. Most cruise ships have an adult only Solarium or pool area. If you're looking for a quiet place away from kids or even louder pool games and activities. this is the place to be. 67. Night Club.
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What to Do on a Cruise? 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship

Create Your Own Bar Crawl Across the Ship

Take Part in the Poolside Competitions (Or Just Watch for Laughs!)

Find “Your” Spot on the Ship

Stock Up Your Liquor Cabinet With Duty-Free Shopping

Try Out a Specialty Restaurant for Different Flavors

Take Advantage of the Kid’s Area

Try Your Hand at Shuffleboard

Work on Your Tan

Hit the Hot Tub

Take a Dip in the Pool

Try Your Luck in the Casino

Get Your Mile in on the Jogging Track

Relax on Your Balcony

Pamper Yourself at the Ship’s Spa

Watch a Movie on the Pool Deck Under the Stars

Enjoy Some Live Music Around the Ship

Let the Kids Splash at the Waterpark

Spend Some Time (and Money) in the Arcade

Grab a Bite to Eat… Around the Clock

Watch the Game in the Middle of the Ocean

Take in the Evening Entertainment

Get Your Workout in While Setting Sail

Catch Up on Netflix

Order Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or a Midnight Snack from Room Service

Book an Excursion For Your Day in Port

Enjoy Some Quiet Time in the Library

Play a Board Game or Some Cards

Get Online to Send a Selfie Home

Learn a New Game in the Casino

Play in a Slot Tournament on the Ship

Bid on a New Piece of Art

Play a Round of Putt-Putt

Go Shopping… In the Middle of the Ocean

Grab an Ice Cream Cone by the Pool

Play Ping-Pong to See Who Is Better

Score Big in a Blackjack Tournament

Hit the Comedy Show For Belly Laughs

Belt Out a Tune During Karaoke

Buy Your Next Cruise

Dress to the Nines for Formal Night

Test Your Brain with Daily Trivia

Meet the Ship’s Captain

Try Your Luck at Bingo (And Possibly Win Some Dough)

Dance All Evening (’80s, White Parties, Disco Themes)

Try to Win a Sports Tournament

Get Away From the Kids in the Adults-Only Area

Get a Professional Photo Taken

Try Your Luck With Scratch-Off Tickets

Get Romantic With the Ocean Air

Take a Nap!

Do Some Major People Watching

Try New Foods

Ship-Specific Things to Do on a Cruise

Get Racing in a Go-Kart

Ride on a Roller Coaster

Practice Surfing on a Standing Wave

Ride a Zipline… Across the Ship

Take a Turn on a Waterslide

Go Ice Skating at Sea

Have Some Fun in Bumper Cars

Take a Class You’ve Always Wanted to Learn

Listen to The Beatles Play (Or at Least a Cover of Them)

Pour Your Own Beer

Get Your Drink Made by a Robot

See How Fast You Are on an F1 Simulator

Jump 10 Feet in the Air with the Sky Pad

Get a Taste of Virtual Reality

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