16 things you shouldn’t leave a cruise ship without doing at least once
Big cruise ships are designed to be a hive of activity choices. Of course you have plans to explore beaches and other attractions at the ports of call and will want to allocate time just to relax on the ship. But when you read the daily onboard activities roster you will find yourself checking off more options than you can possibly do in a week – including the choices for dining and entertainment.
To help you narrow all of that down, here are 16 things on our must-do list for cruise vacationers.
Order a special cocktail (or mocktail)
To some cruisers, the quintessential cruise experience is lounging on deck, admiring the sea with a frosty drink in hand. Discounted drinks of the day – a Bahama Mama, frozen strawberry daiquiri or Pina Colada – serve that purpose. But don’t miss the surprises created by your ship’s great bartenders, sometimes even by master mixologists advising your cruise line. The drinks don’t have to be loaded. On Carnival Cruise Line’s 5,280-passenger Mardi Gras, head to the Fortune Teller bar for a Crystal Ball. With or without tequila, the drink arrives topped with an eerie, smoky orb. It’s Instagram-worthy.
Eat with gusto
Everyone worries they will gain several pounds on a cruise vacation. We say: Worry about that when you get home. A cruise is a chance to try something new – and even, perhaps, to pig out. In the main dining room, you can order as many courses as you like. If you can’t choose which appetizer or main course to have, order a couple – nobody will hover over you making sure you eat every morsel. And don’t deny yourself that juicy hamburger by the pool for lunch (or veggie or turkey burger, if you are so inclined).
Splurge on a meal at a specialty restaurant
More elevated cuisine is available at specialty restaurants labeled Italian, French, Asian, steakhouse, Brazilian, seafood and other higher-end choices. These venues are where the ship’s chefs try to impress – especially since in most cases you are paying a special fee (either a set fee or a la carte prices) for the experience. Satisfy your craving for antipasti, fettuccine alfredo, and cannoli; escargot, duck a l’orange and chocolate mousse; or a Caesar salad made tableside, accompanied by a great aged steak, truffle fries and a big slice of New York-style cheesecake.
Show off your smarts at trivia
Trivia is a competitive sport on most ships, so be prepared for both fun and intense competition. You’ll join a team, typically from two to eight people, and close bonding will ensue – trivia being a great way to meet your fellow passengers. The 20 or so questions in standard trivia contests will test general knowledge. Your ship may also have themed trivia contests focusing on music, movies and the like. On Disney Cruise Line ships you can play Disney trivia. Your prize should you win? Think a key chain or other small ship logo item.
Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line
Watch pool contests
Whether you want to participate or not, around the pool on big ships guests go wild in contests led by the entertainment team. It’s fun to watch. We’re not talking feats of brain power here but rather who has the hairiest chest, the knobbiest knees or can do the best belly flop. It’s all about a laugh.
Attend a nighttime deck party
There’s something entrancing about being out in the open sea, under the stars, at a big party with music and dancing. If costumes are recommended, go for it to be more a part of the in crowd. On Virgin Voyages, don’t miss the Scarlet Lady party, where everyone is encouraged to wear red in honor of a sea goddess octopus. On Disney ships, Pirates In The Caribbean is an event the whole family can get into – dress in pirate garb and speak like a pirate while you enjoy character appearances and fireworks.
Related: Our take on Virgin Voyages' first ship
Visit the aft pool or bar at sunset
Aft pools and open-air aft bars on cruise ships always feel like a secret spot, given that they are far away from the crowds at the main pools. Don’t let anyone else know: Keep the party intimate at one of the best views over the sea. At sunset, when everyone else is getting ready for dinner, go for a dip in the pool or order up a drink, then watch nature’s free show and the ship’s wake while pretending you are on your own private yacht.
Go out on a limb
Even if you are not normally an adventuresome type, big cruise ships are packed with bragworthy attractions. Consider this your opportunity to try something new. Hit the ropes course on Carnival ships and you can walk a plank that extends off the ship (while wearing a safety harness) for a take-home photo op. On Mardi Gras, ride the BOLT, the world’s first at-sea rollercoaster for additional bragging rights. Go-cart racing is a must-do on the latest Norwegian Cruise Line ships. On Royal Caribbean, rock-climbing walls, simulated surfing machines, indoor skydiving setups and ziplines all deliver thrills.
Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on cruise ships
Go down a slide
Zipping down a crazy waterslide is another cruise ship adventure. The thrill here is both speed and getting wet. The cruise lines say you will catch amazing sea views during the slide – but this won’t happen if you’re shrieking and have your eyes closed. Slides on MSC Cruises' MSC Seashore combine a virtual reality element. Norwegian has really fast racing slides. If you prefer to stay dry, on Royal Caribbean’s latest Oasis-class ships try The Ultimate Abyss, which drops you down 10 decks at about nine miles per hour.
Order room service
For a little bit of luxury, go for a romantic breakfast in bed or while admiring the sea from your balcony. On most ships, room service continental breakfast is on the house; if you want eggs and pancakes, you may have to pay a small fee. It’s worth it for the opportunity to dine in your PJs. Especially on a luxury ship, consider ordering other treats in your cabin. On Seabourn, you can have complimentary caviar delivered whenever you like. On Crystal Cruises, if you’re in a penthouse-category suite or higher, have your butler bring a tray of extraordinary Nobu sushi.
Catch up on movies
Between room service and free (and for-a-fee) movies on the cabin TV, you may have a hard time convincing your teenager to leave your cabin. If you are a big movie fan, this may be an issue for you, too. We say, go for it. And don’t underestimate the allure of outdoor movies on the big poolside screen, such as Princess Cruises’ Movies Under the Stars. It’s the cruise equivalent of a drive-in movie, popcorn included.
Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises
Run (or walk) the jogging track
Oceanview gyms on cruise ships tend to offer the latest and greatest aerobic and strength equipment, but nothing beats a run or walk in the ocean breezes. Hit your ship’s padded, upper deck jogging track to get in your miles. The best tracks are away from the crowds and some even have specific lanes for running and walking. Among the best are the two-deck tracks with inclines on Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships.
Related: Our take on Celebrity's new Celebrity Apex
Get dressed up
Get your hair blown out at your ship’s beauty salon and dress to the nines for the ship’s formal night or any other night just for fun – it’s never is a bad thing to be the glamorous one at the table. If you’re traveling with the kids, a cruise may be your best shot at a great formal family portrait, with everyone dressed up, relaxed and (hopefully) smiling for a ship photographer.
Go dancing
Get your arms around the one you love – or someone new. Cruise ships provide lots of opportunities for dancing. On Cunard Line ocean liners, waltz in a real ballroom to a live orchestra. On Royal Caribbean ships, show off your salsa moves at Boleros. On Holland America ships, rock out at the Rolling Stone Rock Room (where we once saw a couple slow dance to Jimi Hendrix) or B.B. Kings Blues Club, where practically everyone in the audience hits the dance floor. Join a conga line at the weekly Deck BBQ party on Windstar Cruises' small ships. In shipboard discos, the party goes late into the night.
Hear a lecture
Yeah, we know, you didn’t come on a cruise to go to school. But especially on cerebral ships such as those operated by Viking, you miss something if you don’t take time to learn from the carefully selected experts on board. You may learn about a region’s political situation from a former ambassador or diplomat, hear about the area's food culture from a culinary expert or learn Hollywood secrets from a famous actress. Among those currently booked for ship speaking engagements are famed novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux on Silversea Cruises and Tim Rice, the acclaimed musical lyricist (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King”), on Seabourn.
Go for a walk at night
A quintessential cruise ship experience is spending a little time in a quiet, dark area on the open deck on a cloudless night. Once most of the passengers are busy inside, you may feel like you are the only one on the ship as you admire the water and the star-filled sky. Breathe in the fresh air, think about sailors of yore and feel at one with the sea.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- What to pack for your first cruise
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.