Table Of Content

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. There’s no better way to relax than by some time in the hot tub. 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.
Play shuffleboard
While this is usually in the buffet, there may be a special “make your own pizza” dinner or other planned activity. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships have an interior entertainment area, called the SeaPlex. One of the fun activities is bumper cars, but there are so many others as well.
Port Lecture
Depending on how much you plan to consume, an alcohol package could be a smart idea. As of September 2022, Carnival's "Behind the Fun" tour is paused. When it is offered, however, it is only available for purchase onboard at the shore excursions desk. Pricing ranges from $55-$95/per person, and the minimum age is 8. Although they seem to be fading onboard, art galleries still exist on many ships.
Casino
Games like “Love & Marriage” and “Battle of the Sexes” are often hilarious, because you just never know what the participants will actually say. Sit out on your private balcony or head to the top deck to enjoy the most spectacular view of the stars. Have a romantic dinner for 2 in the main dining room or one of the wonderful specialty restaurants.
Game Shows
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. While it might not replace the traditional bar anytime soon, it is something unique to try on your cruise. So far the items we’ve covered apply to most, if not all cruises. Below, we cover some things to do that are available only on some ships or cruise lines.
Do cruises have mental health care? What passengers should know. - USA TODAY
Do cruises have mental health care? What passengers should know..
Posted: Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. There’s hardly a better place to do some good old-fashioned people watching than on a cruise.
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. 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.
Exciting Shore Excursions
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. What’s nice is that it’s an easy go-to when you have kids as they seem to love to play.

Although most prizes are cruise lined branded swag, some -- including cash and free cruises -- are more than worth the price of admission. Note that most cruise lines partner with Park West, a well-known gallery that can sell you a number of works, even if they aren't necessarily available onboard -- no bidding required. 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.
Most is, but the comedians that perform during the trip can get a little dirtier… and a lot funnier. 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. 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.
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 ship boutiques are open on days at sea, as is the cruise ship casino. Norwegian has a place called the Galaxy Pavilion on some of its newer cruise 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. Even if you aren’t, it’s a fun thing to check out while on the ship. The speedways on these ships feature tracks that twist and turn, and even span multiple decks.
Most cruise ships offer a full-service spa and salon, with a range of treatments from a basic pedicure to luxurious facials and massages (for a fee, of course). Even if you have two left feet, trying a group dance class on a cruise is the perfect activity for a sea day. Your ship will probably offer at least a few classes in ballroom styles, salsa, or even line dancing.