Sea days are those times on a cruise when the ship is your whole world.
Some people love them, some people hate them. I have to say that at first I wasn’t a fan, but I gradually learned how to use them to their full potential.
The secret in this case is to get organized and make the most of everything you can do on a large cruise ship.
I’ve put together a list of tricks to make the most of a sea day, and I think everyone should know them. Let’s dive right in.
Beat the Crowds
The first piece of advice I want to give you is to get up early.
I know you’re on vacation, but unfortunately large cruise ships are often crowded, and on sailing days it will be very difficult to find a free deck chair if you get up too late.
I also believe that waking up at sunrise on a cruise is something everyone should experience at least once.
There’s something magical about strolling the deck as the sun peeks over the ocean, coffee in hand, with hardly anyone else around.
You might even spot dolphins, you can enjoy a virtually empty hot tub, and of course, you’ll snag prime poolside loungers before the “chair hogs” arrive.
Room Service Breakfast
If getting up early isn’t part of your plans, consider skipping the morning chaos and enjoying breakfast in bed or on your balcony.
Many cruise lines still offer a complimentary continental breakfast via room service, so you can enjoy coffee and pastries in your pajamas while admiring the open sea.
PRO TIP: Many of you will already know this, but I would like to remind you that on many cruise lines, room service breakfast must be requested the night before.
Weather-Wise Planning
One of the worst feelings is waking up on a sea day to unexpected rain or chilly winds because you didn’t check the forecast.
Take a peek at the weather the evening before, because if it’s going to be rainy or cold, that will greatly impact your plans.
I know, rain on a sailing day is one of the worst things that can happen on a cruise, but there are still some interesting activities to do. I’ll show you some of them below.
Look for a Better Lunch
I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to notice it yet, but on sea days, the buffet can feel like a madhouse at noon.
I always recommend heading to alternative spots for a more relaxing lunch. Almost all cruise ships open their main dining room for a sit-down lunch on sea days, so you can enjoy a multi-course meal with full service and no buffet mayhem.
If you’re craving something different, consider a specialty restaurant if it’s open; many charge much less at lunchtime than at dinner for a similar menu.
PRO CRUISER: Remember to throw on a cover-up over your swimwear. It is forbidden to eat at the restaurant wearing only swimwear.
Explore the Ship and Find Its Secrets
A day at sea is perfect for discovering areas of the ship you might otherwise miss.
It’s a good moment to wander the decks you haven’t visited yet. On bigger ships, you never know when you’ll stumble on a hidden lounge, a quiet nook with ocean views, or a fun play zone for the kids.
Modern cruise ships are huge, and it’s easy to overlook something. Many passengers, after spending a week on board, say they still didn’t manage to see everything.
You probably won’t be able to access all 5 hidden places on cruise ships, but it’s still worth a try.
Join the Onboard Fun
As I was saying earlier, even if the weather is not good, cruise lines pack the sea these days with unique activities that you can join.
It could be a cooking demo, a dance class, a poolside game, or even a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship.
Check the daily schedule (or the cruise line’s app) over your morning coffee and pick out a couple of activities that sound fun.
During my many cruises, I’ve met the Captain to learn how the ship works during a special talk, I’ve joined numerous trivia contests, attended a wine tasting, and even tried different crafts workshops.
The point is, sea days are your chance to try something new on board, so try stepping out of your comfort zone and just let yourself go.
Maximize Your Drink Perks
If you purchased a drink package (or have some free drinks), a sea day is the perfect time to enjoy it to the fullest.
You can start off with a mimosa or specialty coffee at breakfast, sample a tropical mocktail by the pool in the afternoon, and maybe try that cocktail you’ve been eyeing at the bar.
Also, don’t forget that many packages include more than alcohol. Depending on the cruise line, you can get smoothies, specialty lattes, fresh-squeezed juices, sodas, and bottled water.
A sea day is the perfect time to make the most of your package and get your money’s worth, especially now that they’ve become so expensive.
ALSO READ: 10 Drink Package Mistakes You Should Never Make on a Cruise
Treat Yourself to a Midday Break
Another thing that I want to underline is that sea days don’t have to be go-go-go.
It’s okay to kick back for a while, you are on vacation, after all! If you’re feeling a bit drained, listen to your body and sneak in a power nap or some quiet downtime with a book.
I usually have two strategies. If I can find a free deck chair in a quiet and peaceful spot, I rest there.
Otherwise, I just curl up in my cabin and enjoy a guilt-free nap. You’ll thank yourself when you’re refreshed and ready for more fun instead of dozing off at 8 PM.
Avoid the Spa Rush (Book on Port Days)
It’s tempting to schedule a massage or any other service on sea day, but here’s a secret: the spa will almost certainly cost less and be less crowded on a port day.
Everyone else has time on a sea day, so the spa tends to get overbooked (and those relaxation rooms can feel oddly busy). I
Instead, consider saving your spa treat for a day when most passengers are ashore. Many cruise lines offer port-day specials on spa treatments, meaning you can get nice massages at a discount with no waiting around.
Check the other 17 tips and tricks to save money on a cruise.
After Sunset
Another thing I’ve learned with time is that some of the best sea day moments happen in the evening.
First, make time to watch the sunset over the open ocean – at sea, there won’t be any buildings or land blocking your view, and the sky often puts on a spectacular show.
It’s the perfect chance for a photo or simply a peaceful moment that reminds you why you love cruising.
And remember that after sunset, cruise ships come alive at night with live music, comedy shows, karaoke, and Broadway-style productions. Often, the big production show or a themed party is scheduled on a sea day night.
Unlike port days, you’re not worn out from excursions, so you can dance, laugh, and mingle to your heart’s content. Have a look at the themed party you’ll find on the major cruise lines:
