Editor’s note: This article offers general travel guidance.
Cruise lines are no doubt happy to make a few extra bucks from their pricier activities and add-ons, and while they are great to indulge in every now and again, it’s easy to overlook the fact that there’s plenty to keep you busy that doesn’t cost a penny.
From deck parties to the fitness center, here’s our guide to activities that don’t involve opening your wallet. Offerings and fees vary by ship and sailing, so check your daily planner for what’s included on yours.
25. Watching the Port Arrival
For those lucky enough to be able to rise before breakfast, watching your ship come into port is well worth getting out of bed for when an early arrival is on the schedule.
You can watch the hustle and bustle of the harbor, including the pilot boats, the tugboats, the cliffs on the coast, and the town. These could be the photos you treasure when you get home.
24. Ship Scavenger Hunts
If your ship offers scavenger hunts or challenges through its app, they can keep your fingers and legs busy during sea days.
Rather than sit and do nothing on a sea day, head around the ship and complete a few challenges. Check the planner for any prizes and whether the activity is included.
23. Sail-Away From a Quiet Deck
While the pool deck is going to be a hive of activity, it’s worth remembering that there are quieter corners to be found on the ship too.
Try heading up a couple of decks for a better view of the harbor as you sail away, or finding an empty corner on one of the side decks. The views can be just as stunning away from the roar of the pool and the throng of fellow cruisers.
22. Morning Promenade Walks
Head out onto the decks before your fellow cruisers descend for breakfast, breathe in that salty air and soak up a lovely walk around the deck.
Not only is it nice to find a quieter corner on the ship and escape the crowds, it’s a chance to get some fresh air and sneak in a bit of exercise while you’re cruising.
21. Pool Games You Did Not Plan to Join
Watching people enjoy a game or two by the pool can be just as entertaining as jumping in yourself.
If you’re not a fan of a dip, you can still enjoy watching from the sidelines.
20. Community Puzzle Tables
If your ship has a table dedicated to giant jigsaw puzzles, it can be a great way to meet new people on sea days.
It’s also a chance to escape your room during gray days at sea.
19. Karaoke Nights
We may not all have the vocal cords to perform in front of an audience, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a trip to the karaoke lounge.
Especially when we’re lucky enough to stumble across some truly talented singers along the way.
18. Open Meetups
Be sure to scan the daily planner for meetup groups on your ship, from card players to solo travelers and from knitters to veterans.
There can be plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded passengers on your ship. It’s a good opportunity to meet people who are into the same things.
17. Self-Guided Art Walks
While you may not want to shell out to take home a piece of art, many ships feature plenty of artwork dotted around the ship.
From the stairwells to the elevators to the corridors, there’s no shortage of art to enjoy during your voyage.
16. Sunset From the Walking Track
Sunsets are another thing that doesn’t cost a penny but can create some great memories.
It’s easy to overlook a cruise ship’s fantastic sunsets, but it’s well worth escaping the hustle and bustle of the bar, heading up to an upper-deck railing and watching the sky change colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
15. Main Theater Shows
From musicals to comedy, most cruises include theater shows during your stay.
Keep an eye on the app to see which shows are included and whether you need a reservation.
14. Trivia and Game Shows
Many ships hold trivia in one of their lounges on sea days. It’s a nice, casual bit of entertainment.
You’ll often see the same teams vying for the top spot night after night. Plus, who can resist a chance to shine when it comes to movie quotes?!
13. Deck Parties
Sail-away parties and other regular deck parties are generally included and are a great way to soak up the atmosphere and inject some excitement and energy into your cruise.
White night, themed musical acts, ’70s nights… they’re usually very entertaining and a great opportunity to dance, sing, or just enjoy a show.
12. Dance Classes
If you’re looking for some structure, many ships offer beginner lessons in various forms of dance: salsa, ballroom, line dancing, and more.
Dance lessons may be offered during themed nights as well. It’s a great way to meet people, but check which lessons are included; specialty classes can cost extra.
11. Fitness Center Time
If you’re looking for a little more action during the day, most cruise lines include access to the fitness center at no additional charge. Specialty fitness classes may cost extra.
If your cruise happens to include some nice scenery, enjoy your run with a great view.
10. Poolside Movies
If your cruise includes a late-night outdoor movie, make the most of it. Movie nights on deck are always fun too.
Grab a blanket if one is available, bring your own snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Check whether snacks are included or sold separately. Popcorn optional. Read more: cruise extras that sound better than they are.
9. Port Talks
While some may consider port talks boring, many are quite helpful and entertaining. They may tell you what you need to know about the port, like whether there’s a shuttle or you have to use tenders.
You might also hear about the layout of the town, touristy versus local areas, currency, and local attractions. Just tune out when they start talking about excursions or the duty-free shop. Read more: shore excursion mistakes.
8. Live Music in Lounges
Smaller shows are easy to overlook alongside the big, flashy, over-the-top productions. A good jazz trio, a solo artist, or a piano bar show can make for a great evening.
If you’re looking for a laid-back evening of entertainment, go see the jazz trio. Look for included lounge performances, and remember that drinks can cost extra. Read more: cruise ship rookie mistakes.
7. Kids and Teen Clubs
Many people overlook the youth programs included on cruise ships. They can be a great option to entertain the kids during the day, allow parents some R&R time, or provide a chance for the kids to make friends.
Spaces can fill up, so check registration on the first day. Confirm age brackets and what’s included; nursery care, babysitting, and some late-night sessions may cost extra. Read more: things to double-check pre-cruise checks.
6. Sports Courts and Mini Golf
Sports decks are an enjoyable way for families to spend time together while cruising. Whether it’s basketball, ping-pong or a game of mini golf, they can be a hive of activity during sea days.
Mini golf, shuffleboard, pickleball, and other games are typically offered for no additional charge where available. Just avoid them during hot or windy conditions. Read more: Caribbean booking mistakes.
5. Cooking or Craft Demonstrations
Cooking demonstrations, napkin folding classes, and behind-the-scenes talks can be educational and interesting. Look for the included events on your daily schedule; hands-on classes and tours may carry a fee.
While some of these may sound boring, they can be entertaining and funny. They’re worth a look when there’s nothing else you feel like doing. Read more: things to double-check pre-cruise checks.
4. Library and Card Room Time
Cruise ships are busy, rowdy places. Finding quiet can be difficult, but there are a few options. Observation lounges can be a good place to escape the craziness of the pool deck if you’re looking for a quieter area to play cards, a board game, or just relax.
Libraries are another option, although they’re not always easy to locate. For the keenest of readers, find the library if your ship has one and bury yourself in a few novels during your voyage. Read more: older travelers making big-trip checks early.
3. Captain’s Talk or Guest Lectures
Depending on the itinerary, there may be talks that would be entertaining or educational. Destination talks, history talks, naturalist talks… there can be plenty to choose from.
Captain’s talks and Q&A sessions may appear on the daily schedule too. Look for the included sessions that cover topics you’re interested in. Read more: older travelers making big-trip checks early.
2. Sunrise and Sail-Away Views
For a relaxing activity, take advantage of the great views. Find a nice, quiet spot on deck away from the pool if you don’t like crowds and noise, relax, and just watch the ship in action.
Nothing beats watching a sunrise at sea, a sail-away from port, or your ship making its way through scenic locations. It costs nothing and can provide great memories.
1. The Daily Planner You Actually Read
Each evening, grab your daily schedule and circle events you’d be interested in participating in the following day. Yes, there are a lot of ads for the shops, excursions, special drinks, art auctions, spa packages, and other things you can pay for, but buried among the ads are some great ideas for things you can do at no additional charge.
Take five minutes each night to review the schedule and circle items that interest you. That way you’ll be less likely to overlook the events that can be enjoyed at no additional cost. You may be pleasantly surprised. Read more: shore excursion mistakes.
Comments
The opinions and views expressed in the comments section are solely those of the individual users and do not represent or reflect the opinions, views, or positions of HumbleTrail. HumbleTrail does not endorse, support, or verify the accuracy of any user-generated content.
By posting a comment you agree to receive related emails from HumbleTrail in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
