16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days
If you're new to cruising and notice sea days on your itinerary, you might wonder what you could possibly do on a day when your ship doesn't stop in a port of call and, instead, stays out in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight.
Rest assured, sea days can be anything but boring. In fact, experienced cruisers often seek itineraries that have several sea days. These special days provide a chance to discover the ship itself as a destination.
On sea days, you have nowhere you have to be, and that's part of the fun. Sleep late, do brunch, spend the day in the spa, learn a new skill, read a book, compete in contests or whiz down a waterslide. It's your choice.
Just don't make these mistakes.
Not taking advantage of activities
When in port, cruise lines keep planned daylight activities to a minimum because most people will be exploring on shore. However, on sea days, they spend a lot of time creating exciting options to appeal to every taste. Your roster might offer as many as 50 activities, including poolside games, trivia contests, special entertainment, sports tournaments and movie showings, among other options.
Related: Cruise activities you don't want to miss on sea days
You might decide your perfect sea day is sitting on deck and reading a book, and you're welcome to do that. But you don't want to hear later that you missed some great activity that has the whole ship talking, which leads to our next point. ...
Not reading the cruise planner
Whether you peruse the printed sheet delivered to your cabin each night that highlights the next day's activities or check the cruise line's app for the schedule, it pays to see what's scheduled and what appeals to you.
Take out a pen and circle activities of interest, or highlight activities on the app on your smartphone. You might be able to set up an alert when it's time for an activity of interest.
Forgetting to make advance reservations for activities
Some popular activities, such as wine tastings and beer crawls, will be teased before the sea day and require advance reservations. You will also want to make reservations if you plan to enjoy the ship's go-kart racetrack, roller coaster, escape room, laser tag, simulated surf machines or other activities that require timed slots to participate. Lots of other people will also reserve these activities for a sea day.
Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?
Missing the jogging/walking track
A sea day is perfect for burning calories while surrounded by ocean views and sea breezes. If you're an early riser, you could have the track all to yourself; many other passengers, knowing they don't have to get up early on a sea day, will have partied heartily the night before and will be sleeping in. Breathe deep, and enjoy the solitude.
Not signing up for classes
Sometimes, you don't know you want to learn a skill until you try it. Look for sea day classes to get your toes wet in new activities like napkin folding, towel animal creating, watercolor painting, jewelry making and cooking.
Skipping the lectures
See who's lecturing, especially if you're on a small or luxury ship. You might learn about the politics of the region you are cruising through from a former ambassador, hear about marine life from a naturalist or marine biologist, or gather tips on local cuisine from a culinary expert. If a famous author, actor or other celebrity is on board, they'll likely make an appearance during a sea day.
Forgetting to book fitness classes
You might imagine spending some of your sea day doing specialty added-fee classes such as spinning, cardio kickboxing or TRX training in the fitness center. But you could be left out in the cold if you don't book these sea day classes early in your cruise. (We recommend booking as soon as you board your ship.)
Related: Do cruise ships have gyms? Here's how to stay fit on a cruise
Forgoing spa appointments
Sea days are the most popular days for the spa, beauty shop and thermal suite, which are outfitted with a sauna, a steam room and other soothing treatments. Many people will be looking to get a massage, manicure or facial since they have time on a sea day to do it. Make reservations for treatments when you first get on the ship.
Pro tip: Conversely, to save money, book your spa treatment on a quieter port day when prices are likely to be discounted.
Ignoring shopping opportunities
On a sea day, you have time to browse. Knowing this, the ship's shops offer sales to lure in customers. An all-time favorite is the $10 pop-up sale, which includes watches and costume jewelry. You might also find pop-up sales with buy-one, get-one deals on T-shirts and other goods near the pool.
Missing the culinary treats
When you're on board for the entire day, you have time to linger over meals. Consider partaking in the served breakfast and lunch in the main dining room rather than quickly grabbing food at the buffet.
Fee-based specialty restaurants are sometimes open for breakfast and lunch, offering an opportunity to sample elevated cuisine, such as Asian, French, Italian or a steakhouse, at a lower price than is charged at dinner. Your ship might also offer special sea day culinary events, such as a brunch buffet or an outdoor barbecue. The chefs like to show off their talents at these not-to-miss occasions.
Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining
Forgetting about afternoon tea
If your ship does it, formal afternoon tea on sea days with live music, scones, tiny sandwiches and pastries is another don't-miss event. Order an accompanying glass of bubbly to elevate your elegant experience even further.
Not hitting the pool early
Many people are on your cruise for fun in the sun, making the pool deck and other sunning areas the popular places to be on sea days. Unless you've reserved a private cabana for the day, be ready early to claim your choice of lounge chair — whether you want to sit near the main pool with its live music, movie showings and fun games led by the cruise staff or are looking for a secluded spot away from the hubbub.
Trying to save lounge chairs by piling them with your towels and other stuff is considered bad etiquette on cruise ships. If you break for lunch or another activity, you should give up your chair.
Related: The 1 thing you should never do on a cruise ship pool deck
Not planning family time
On the first day of your cruise, you should register the kids at the age-appropriate kids and teen clubs, where they will be wowed by activities and entertained by the youth staff, leaving you time to lounge by the pool and do adult activities.
On a sea day, consider a little family competition. Challenge the kids to a game of shuffleboard, miniature golf or table tennis; see who can slide fastest down the racing waterslides; or otherwise indulge in some family bonding time.
Avoiding the casino and bingo
Your ship's casino will be closed on days when the ship is in port, but it will become action-central when you're at sea. Look for special sea day tournaments; poker and Texas Hold 'em are popular. Bingo is another popular sea day activity; get there early to ensure you'll have a seat.
Forgetting to take your seasickness meds
For your sea day, the captain will seek to spend at least a few hours in a sunny and calm spot in the ocean, but the reality is that your ship is also making its way to your next destination. Avoiding some rough patches might not be possible. If you suffer from seasickness, it's best to take your meds.
Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise
Overlooking marine life sightings
On a sea day, have your binoculars ready because you might spot whales and other marine life, given that you're in their territory. This is especially true off the coast of places like Alaska, Iceland, Hawaii, New England and California. Listen to announcements from the bridge that will alert you to sightings.
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