These include Sugar Beach in the Boardwalk area on select Royal ships, Venchi Gelateria and Creperie on MSC's Seaside-class ships and X at the entrance to the buffet on Celebrity Edge. For "I can't believe that's on a ship" tipples, check out Royal Caribbean's Rising Tide Bar and Bionic Bar. The former moves up and down between decks, while a robotic arm prepares your orders at the latter. There's far too much to say about cruise drinks in such a short amount of space, but they're plentiful, with menus often touting fruity cocktails made for days spent lazing in the sun. Depending on how much you plan to consume, an alcohol package could be a smart idea. If you're the volunteer type, vacation is as good a time as any to give back.
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If you're traveling with a group, you might also want to download any apps your cruise line offers. Often, they'll allow you to stay connected with your party while onboard without having to pay for an internet connection. Note that you should always keep your phone in airplane mode when onboard to avoid pricey data roaming charges. Since most of the cruise lines' islands are located in the Bahamas, you're likely to visit them on Bahamas or Caribbean itineraries. While there, you'll generally have free access to a buffet lunch and use of the beach and restroom facilities. Additional dining, activities, amenities, shore excursions and alcohol might be available for a fee.
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Arts and Crafts
Sea days are usually the only time the ship’s casino is open all day. Most ships offer a variety of slots, video poker, and table games. Many ships also offer personal training in their fitness centers. Pack your favorite game or borrow one from your ship’s game room or library.
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Watch a Sunset at Sea
We love playing on the pool deck, but you’ll also find lots of tables in your ship’s lounges to play a game with family and friends. The Lido Deck usually hosts entertainment on sea days—live bands and fun contests add to the party atmosphere. What you do know is that you have a cruise coming up, and although cruise fare and dining and drinks might begin to take up every last cent of your budget, you can't forget about the excursions. As much as there is to do onboard, part of the appeal of cruising is spending time ashore in different ports.
Movie Nights
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. If you're desperate to see what makes it all tick, see if your ship runs behind-the-scenes tours. These can show passengers the inner workings of areas like the galley, the bridge and backstage in the theater.
Shuffle board can be found on the promenade deck and sometimes on the sports deck of the cruise ship. From production shows to guest entertainers, you’ll find tons of things to do in the evening on your cruise. If you are new to a cruise port of call and would like to know what to expect, port lectures can be informative. 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.
Cards are for sale before the games begin and usually cost around $10 each. Ships have spots dedicated to the game, often with multiple tables in a place outside, but with minimal wind so that you can play even when it’s breezy. (Tables are normally located on the pool deck, tucked in a corner.) Just head up and pick up a couple of paddles (which are provided) to play. While there will be tables in the game room, don’t think you are stuck playing there.
Bridge tours are sometimes offered as a loyalty program perk, but more often than not, you will pay a pretty penny to be part of the small group allowed in the ship's navigational quarters. The tour isn't just for engineering nerds; seeing how a vessel of such size is maneuvered along docks and past other ships is an impressive education for any cruiser. Fill a bag with gourmet candy or buy a Coach purse to put it in; Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera and even Tiffany's are other household names you can find at sea. Even if neon bracelets and house music under the stars aren't your thing, deck parties are a good time for anyone -- even families -- to get some air and enjoy a little alfresco nightlife.
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. If you prefer gambling to gaming, you can head to the casino; most, but not all, ships have them. If you're an avid gambler or really want to test your luck, check the daily schedule to see if there's a gambling tournament you'd like to participate it. Meanwhile, select NCL ships are home to Galaxy Pavilion, a virtual-reality room that makes participants feel like they're hang gliding, on safari or walking a tightrope. NCL and Royal Caribbean also include laser tag options for those who enjoy gaming with a more physical component. The good news is that whether you like it quiet and relaxing, or you love to be on the go your entire vacation, there’s something for everyone on a cruise.
You may get a chance to see illusionists, hypnotists, impersonators and more. Each cruise you’ll get a chance to see some very talented and often hilarious comedians. Some cruise lines even often an “adult” show late into the night. Expect at least a couple amazing production shows performed by the cruise ship’s singers and dancers. Did you know that you can get married by the Captain on many cruise ships? Check this out before your cruise, to make all the arrangements.
Indoors, you’ll find enrichment lectures, board games, and cards (bridge is especially popular). Duty-free shopping is always a great pastime, and shops always run special promotions and raffles. There is also a wide variety of demonstrations such as chef-led cooking shows, ice carving, cocktail mixology, and the ubiquitous napkin folding. Participatory activities include art auctions, bingo, trivia, and dance classes.
Enjoy phenomenal vocal artists accompanied by sixteen top tier musicians. Find five unique food stands serving a smorgasbord of options for your crew at AquaDome Market. Level-up special occasions with VIP treatment and your choice of prix menus at Celebration Table. Stop by this all-day window for Japanese street food and sushi rolls in to-go boxes. Mellow out to live Caribbean music in this open-air sanctuary that’s high above ordinary.
I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Do you love knocking back a couple of pints and enjoying your favorite game on TV? Cruise ships have satellite television, and your ship’s sports bar is the place to be on a sea day. 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.
Many voyages schedule nights themed around disco, the 80s or even toga parties. For culinary wizards, many cruise ships make cooking classes available. While Carnival features pizza-, pasta- and sushi-making, Royal Caribbean teaches kids how to decorate cupcakes. Note that Carnival Kitchen is currently only available on the Carnival Panorama and Mardi Gras. Expect to see it on the much anticipated Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.
Many ships also have kid-friendly splash areas and water slides. Get your groove on whenever the mood strikes with a plethora of opportunities to shake your groove thang. (Yes, I said "thang.") Poolside line dancing is a favorite pastime of cruisers, generally in the evenings. If what you're really looking to do is learn how to dance, some ships include lessons in their daily programming. We've seen everything from waltz to tango and even salsa represented. But some cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are putting in self-serve taps.
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