It seems I’m gaining a reputation for being a bit of a cruise junkie.
And I can live with that π .
As far as I’m concerned, you really can’t get more for your holiday dollar than with a cruise.Β One up front fee takes care of your accommodation, travel, food and entertainment. You are waited on hand and foot. And, you only have to unpack once!
But … there are some folk who still aren’t sure, and one of the most commonly cited reasons is “I don’t think I would like being cooped up on a ship with nothing to do”.
Let’s blow that myth out of the water (excuse the pun) right now.
First of all, cruise ships are usually enormous – and even with hundreds of other passengers on board, you definitely won’t feel cooped up.
And nothing to do? Think again!
50 Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
Below I’ve started a list of things to do on a cruise ship (some activities will depend on the cruise line you are sailing with) … although you can do as much, or as little, as you want! Sounds like the perfect holiday to me π .
1 – Go for a swim in one of the (many!) swimming pools.
2 – Play bingo.
3 – Indulge at the ice cream parlour.
4 – Treat yourself to a facial in the beauty salon.
5 – Borrow a book from the library for some holiday reading.
6 – Go to a cooking demonstration.
7 – Do some duty free shopping.
8 – Watch the sun set over the sea.
9 – Take part in a trivia quiz.
10 – Relax in a whirlpool spa.
11 – Meet the entertainers and tour the backstage area.
12 – Have your photo taken by the ship’s photographers – usually available outside the dining room each evening.
13 – Pretend like teenagers and head to the video arcade.
14 – Head to the show lounge for that night’s show.
15 – Enjoy the ambience at one of the bars, listening to live music.
16 – Have a dance lesson (line dancing, tango, salsa …).
17 – Take an art or craft class.
18 – Impress your friends by learning how to make cocktails.
19 – Do the mile long deck walk (and work off some of the food!).
20 – See if you can spot any dolphins or whales in the ocean.
21 – Book a tour or plan what to do, at the ship’s next port of call.
22 – Play putt putt.
23 – Try your hand at karaoke.
24 – Buy some souvenirs from the gift shop.
25 – Watch an outdoor movie on the big screen.
26 – Enter the on board talent contest.
27 – Hobnob with the captain and senior crew members at a cocktail party.
28 – Dance the night away at the nightclub.
29 – Drift away with a dreamy massage.
30 – Play quoits.
31 – Take part in a ping pong tournament.
32 – Go for a moonlight stroll on deck.
33 – Let off some steam in the sauna.
34 – Take a tour of the galley areas.
35 – Enter the limbo contest.
36 – Catch a show by a standup comedian.
37 – Head to the gym for a workout.
38 – Try your luck on the pokies.
39 – Dress up for one of the theme or formal nights.
40 – Shoot some hoops at the basketball court.
41 – Soak up some rays on deck (though make sure you have plenty of sun screen on!).
42 – Play shuffleboard.
43 – Get in touch with your intellectual side at a talk or seminar.
44 – Be mystified by a magic show.
45 – Focus on the now at a yoga session.
46 – Enjoy a high tea one afternoon.
47 – Be amazed by a performance by the acrobatic troupe.
48 – Borrow some cards or board games.
49 – Make sure you take LOTS of pictures so you will always remember your holiday …
50 – And finally – book your next cruise! There are usually great discounts if you book while still on board!
This post was inspired by my recent tour of the amazing Golden Princess, as the guest of Princess Cruises … and has me happily planning my next cruising adventure, so stay tuned for more! Will it be Canada and Alaska? Scandinavia? A European River cruise?
Do you have anything to add to my list of things to do on a cruise ship? And where do you think I should go on my next cruise?!
Liz Posmyk says
Great list!
Janet Camilleri says
I can’t wait to do them all again!
Shauna 'Round the Corner says
I enjoyed the cocktails by the pool! This was such a treat for me because I don’t usually drink them. There were so many different ones to choose from and I really did feel like I was livin’ it up.
Great list Janet x
Janet Camilleri says
I’m like you Shauna, and rarely drink so feel very special when I have a cocktail (or even a mocktail) on a cruise – it’s a real treat!
Pinky Poinker says
Well that was awesome Janet. You’ve convinced me. Maybe a short cruise with no rocky waves!
Janet Camilleri says
LOL these days there are heaps of short cruises to try π
Kathy Marris says
I’m a cruise convert so I need no further convincing. Great list Janet!
Janet Camilleri says
Yup, we are the queens of cruising Kathy! π
jo says
Great list from a cruise connoisseur π Convinced!
Melanie says
Janet, I’m off around New Zealand in October this year for 14 days plus two of my crafty friends and their hubbies are coming along too. Did this cruise last April and I absolutely loved it. It was the best of both worlds, as I love cruising and love NZ. Am planning a big trip to Canada/Alaska in 2018 which will involve some cruising too. I love cruising!
Janet Camilleri says
The NZ cruise is fabulous isn’t it. I’m crossing my fingers we get to go somewhere special for my 50th next year!