In short
Read the daily programme the evening before and mark two or three things you really want to do. Book the spa, a specialty restaurant or a class early — on sea days they fill up fast. Get to the pool early or find a quieter place: the library, an observation lounge or your balcony. Wear sunscreen even when the wind makes it feel cool.
Plan the day the evening before
- The daily programme appears in the app or in your cabin the evening before. It lists lectures, classes, shows, opening hours and the evening dress code.
- Choose two or three things, not ten. The rest of the day can stay open.
- Book early what has limited places: spa treatments, specialty restaurants, cooking classes, tastings, behind-the-scenes tours. On sea days everyone is on board.
- Check the clocks. On ocean crossings the ship often changes time by one hour at night.
A sample sea day
| Time | Idea |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | Coffee on the open deck or balcony; the decks are almost empty. A walk around the promenade deck. |
| Morning | A late breakfast or brunch, a fitness class, a talk about the next ports. |
| Midday | The pool and the sun — or a quiet lounge with a view if the pool deck is full. |
| Afternoon | A cooking demonstration, a dance class, a quiz, a film, afternoon tea, the spa. |
| Before dinner | Sunset on deck. Often a gala evening falls on a sea day — see the dress code. |
| Evening | Dinner, the main show, music in the bars. |
This is an example. Every ship has its own programme; on large ships there are many more options.
Where to find a quiet spot
- The pool deck is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon. Come early, or go in the late afternoon.
- Quieter places: the library, the observation lounge at the front of the ship, the promenade deck, adults-only areas on some ships, and your own balcony.
- Sun loungers: on many ships it is not allowed to "reserve" a lounger with a towel and leave it for hours; the crew may clear unattended items.
What is usually included — and what costs extra
| Usually included | Often extra |
|---|---|
| Pools, sun decks, the gym, sports courts | Spa treatments, some fitness classes |
| Shows, lectures, most classes and games | Tastings, some workshops, behind-the-scenes tours |
| Main restaurants, buffet, afternoon tea | Specialty restaurants, most drinks, internet |
Each cruise line and fare is different. The daily programme usually marks the activities that cost extra.
Sun, wind and comfort
- The sun at sea is strong, and the wind makes it feel cooler than it is. Use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Drink water regularly, especially in the tropics.
- If the sea is rough, stay in the middle of the ship and look at the horizon. More in our seasickness guide.
- The internet is busier on sea days, when everyone is on board. See internet and phone.
Several sea days in a row
On an ocean crossing there can be five or more sea days in a row. A simple rhythm helps: a walk in the morning, a lecture or class, time to read, a nap, the evening show. Many people say these days are what they remember most. More about crossing the Atlantic and about a day on a cruise in general.
Common questions
Is a sea day boring?
Rarely. The programme is fuller than on port days, and it is the only day you have the whole ship to enjoy. If you want quiet, there is room for that too.
How do I get a sun lounger on a sea day?
Come in the morning or in the late afternoon, or use quieter decks. On many ships leaving a towel to reserve a lounger for hours is not allowed.
Can I see whales or dolphins?
Sometimes, especially on routes in the Atlantic, in the north and off Alaska. Spend time on the open deck and keep binoculars handy.
Are children's clubs open on sea days?
Yes, usually with a fuller programme than on port days. Places can fill up, so it is worth registering early.
Is there a gala evening on a sea day?
Often, yes: many lines plan a gala or theme evening on a sea day, when everyone is on board. The daily programme shows it.
How the club fits in
In the club's search you see how many sea days an itinerary has, so you can choose more ports or more time at sea before you book. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing. More about booking with points.
General information; activities, opening hours and what is included differ by cruise line, ship and fare. Check the daily programme on board. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.