Have you ever wondered what are the things to do on a cruise ship? Most of my friends seem sceptical about the idea of what to do on a cruise ship because for them it seems like it’s just being trapped in a floating vessel.
You will find it so difficult to get bored on a cruise even on sea days. Typically there are lots of programmes onboard simultaneously running to make sure all the guests are entertained and well looked after.
I went on board the Royal Princess of Princess Cruises on their British Isles Cruise recently. I was truly amazed by this floating city.
Cruising is a very convenient way of travelling for all ages. Yes, for all ages!
We have to remove the label that cruising is just for oldies! It’s the 21st century and cruising can also be enjoyed by the younger generations.
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This is based on my experience onboard the Royal Princess during our British Isles cruise.
1. Art Auction
For the art lovers on board, there is a whole gallery for the art auctions that you can visit and bid to your heart’s content. The artworks were made by various known artists and are definitely worth a lot of money!
The art gallery staff will help you to arrange the delivery of your purchased artwork. If you are on a budget on your cruise, you can also admire the beauty of the artworks.
Remember, with respect and copyright to the artists, photography is not allowed.
2. Wellness, Spa day and Relaxing

Oh yes, please! Getting pampered and spending a day in the spa is something you ought to do on a sea day.
You won’t regret it! During our British Isles cruise on Royal Princess, we spent our early afternoon in the Lotus Spa.
It was such a relaxing treat to have the Bamboo Whole Body Massage. This is a perfect treat if you are wondering what to do in a sea day on board.

On the top deck of the Royal Princess, you can also relax on the sun loungers and the Sanctuary (for adults only) on your own cabana or sun lounger.

3. Live Bands and Theatre
If you are up for a lively day or evening while onboard or during the sea day, the live bands in the atrium and the West End type theatre shows will surely entertain you.

I was truly amazed by the outstanding performance of the crew of Princess Theatre.
Always check your daily guides to check what’s on during the day.
4. Gym, Sports and Fitness Classes
For the fitness enthusiasts and sporty passengers, the gym and other sports facilities are available onboard and free to use. There are also some fitness classes scheduled throughout the day.

Walking around the ship is also a great exercise while you are onboard.
I managed to clock in more than 10,000 steps by just roaming around the ship during our sea day!
5. Specialty Dining Experience
Make sure to leave some extra space in your belly when you dine in any of the Speciality restaurants onboard.

Specialty dining is not included on your typical onboard meals inclusion and will come with an extra minimal cover charge to dine here.

They are absolutely worth it, even just for an evening or for the whole duration of your cruise.
6. Cinema and Movies Under the Stars
For the movie aficionados onboard the Princess Cruises, The Movies Under the Stars runs blockbuster movies from morning ‘til evening located on the top deck of the ship.

A cinema is also available near the Princess theatre for those who prefer to watch the film indoor.

7. Casino
You can also try your luck in the onboard casino.

The casino is only open once the ship is away from a port or any land (on sea days and while cruising to your next port).
This is a maritime legal requirement.
Playing at the casino is one of the fun things to do on a cruise (and can be expensive too!). Make sure to gamble responsibly!
8. Shopping
If you fancy a little retail therapy onboard, you can also enjoy some tax-free shopping while you are on your cruise.
You can find various precious jewellery, fancy clothes, bags and much more!
As a standard, it is a cashless system while on board so all you have to bring is your cruise card and charge it on your account.
9. Attend various classes and Trivia quiz
Learning is fun when you are at sea.
The sea day itinerary has various available classes throughout the day in various topics and interests ranging from photography, cooking and wine tasting.

Most of them are complimentary and some are with a minimal fee.
If you are also feeling competitive smarty pants, you can also join various trivia quizzes on board.
10. Enjoy the comfort of your own cabin
If none of these things to do on a cruise ship appeals to you, you can also just stay in the comfort of your own cabin.

There are free and paid in-room movies that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own bed or lounge.
Paid wi-fi is also available onboard in case you want to go online.
Just make sure that your mobile device is on aeroplane mode while you are cruising as the maritime internet is so expensive!
Cruising the seven seas and five oceans can be exciting and being on a massive floating city like Royal Princess can double the fun of exploring new destinations without any hassle.
You can read some more interesting and sustainable cruises in the Caribbean.
Read more of our fun Cruise stories and reviews.
Do you also like cruising?
Share us some tips on what activities can you do on a cruise ship!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryazan Tristram
Travel Writer & PhotographerRyazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.
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