Will I Get Bored On A Cruise?
I’ve never got bored, but will you? You might be surprised at just how much there is to do on your average cruise.
What is there to do on a cruise?
One of the initial things someone who has never been on a cruise ship will say is “will I be bored”. The honest answer to that depends entirely on your own interests and what you perceive to be “fun”, but certainly if you are the type to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in to what’s on offer, you will always find plenty to do.
Here’s a list of the type of things I get up to on-board:-
Pool Deck – One of my favourite spots for sailaway. Every ship has a pool, some bigger than others. You don’t swim, get in the hot-tub then! The feeling of sipping that Pina Colada while the warm bubbles do their magic is magical. Usually the minute I am on-board any ship I head to the pool. (Read my packing list article about what to keep in your carry-on). Sailaway on the pool deck there may be dance parties, or singing en-masse e.g. if you like singing Hi-Ho Silver Lining or Sweet Caroline (so good, so good!) you will be in your element at Sailaway on P&O.
Often the entertainment in the daytime is centred around the pool deck. You may be encouraged to take part in a scavenger hunt game or ring tossing, or something a bit less physical like a “Guess the Actor” by looking at pictures of a chin! Sometimes at night there may even be a film on a large screen. I have fond memories of watching films under the stars while snuggling under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. Even lying in the sun with the latest blockbuster is better poolside on a ship.
Shows – All ships have evening entertainment in abundance. This could be something on a large scale like a Broadway style production of “Mamma Mia”. Cruise ships also put on their own theatre productions on the lines of a dancing show, a magician, a juggler, a singer. Some Royal Caribbean ships have ice skating shows, and on their Oasis class you will also be treated to their Aquatheatre show which features acrobatic stunts and high dives – which is pretty amazing when you see how far they are diving on a ship that is moving at full steam! Once seen, never forgotten. On MSC the theatre shows are shorter and more international as there will be a variety of nationalities on board, but what they also have that I don’t think I have seen anywhere else is beautiful opera and classical music. MSC also have a “paid” show, which I can describe as a shorter version of Cirque Du Soleil . Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL all have comedy clubs where resident comedians do stand-up in a club-style environment. All ships will have singers dotted around the different bars singing in a style that you would be right in thinking as “cruise singer”. These will mainly sing easy listening type music which is a lovely backdrop when you want to sit and relax and chat to your companions.
Food – I’m not remotely a foodie, but even I can appreciate that you can eat your way around the world on a ship. You can choose from steakhouse, sushi, Mexican, Italian – but if you just want a hot dog or burger that will be there too. I have taken the opportunity to try a lot of new foods on cruises that I would probably never bother with at home. Cruise dining is the ideal place to try something new. Your MDR (main dining room) is of course included in the cost of your trip so you don’t have to worry about paying for something you then find out you don’t like.
Activities – Again each ship will have its own “take” on what activities they offer, but there are lots of areas that cross over that I have seen on every ship I have been on. Wanna Dance? You could take the opportunity to learn some basic steps, enough to be able to get around a floor in a waltz style, you could even learn 4 cha-cha elements, enough for a little routine to perform later on in the nightclub! Is trivia your thing? There will be a quiz some time every day which could be about flags of the world, or Michael Jackson songs, or even theme tunes from TV shows. You can sign up for an art class, or watch a cookery demonstration. Progressive trivia is very popular on cruises. Hint for solos – progressive trivia is a great way to make friends if you have a good general knowledge, or specific knowledge about something others may not know. We did particularly well one time because I was one of the very few Brits on an American heavy ship, and the quiz had British questions as the “harder” ones! You may wish to take part in a game show such as Wheel of Fortune or Deal or No Deal. This is a lot of fun for the more outgoing guest. Playing Wheel of Fortune for example you may end up with having to sing to a few hundred people, or pretend you are a bodybuilder showing off your guns.
Beauty and Wellbeing – I very much enjoy visiting thermal rooms, but the rest of the spa area I tend to swerve. A lot of people will sign up to yoga classes, or get their hair done, or their teeth whitened. There will be a large list of spa services offered like couples massage, facials and manicures, pretty much the same as what you would get at a luxury salon in your home town. It is worth noting, these things are generally more expensive than what you would pay at home. This is for 2 reasons, the main one being they have no competition and they have a more or less captive audience. Some things can be cheaper (especially if they are running an offer) – for example some ships offer botox. I’m not for or against botox, or teeth whitening but I am not sure I would trust strangers doing something invasive like this. Wonder what would happen if something went wrong? Have you had standout treatment on a ship? Let me know in the comments.
All ships have a gym, some better than others. Gyms are always incredibly busy the first day or two, but they soon quieten down as people lose interest!
Casino – My favourite night time hang out. Slots for days, table games like poker and blackjack, roulette and craps (which seems to be very popular with North Americans). I have friends who are professional gamblers who would never go near a cruise ship casino though. Rumours abound of tighter slots, more favourable odds for the house when paying out on table games, shorter opening hours. I can imagine if I was a serious gambler I would be a bit miffed when trying to double up to get my losses back they decided the casino was closing. We’re not in Vegas now Toto! But for someone like me who just wants to play a few hands of blackjack at $10 and gets excited at winning even if its only 6-5, it can be a lot of fun. The casino is a strange place to be on formal night though. You can feel the tension in the air when the James Bond wannabes turn up and take up precious seats at the tables!
Nightlife – Most ships will have a nightclub and you will often find evenings have a “theme”. Guests aren’t told ahead of time what themes there are going to be, so you may see on your Daily Planner that tonight is 70’s night! Don’t think this means you were supposed to dress up like Abba, but the entertainment staff probably will be. There may be a neon night, a School Disco, 90s night, Red night. The one that is always popular on every ship is White Night. The majority of your fellow passengers will be dressed head to toe in white – yes even the men! Lots of ships now have silent discos so you dance to whatever channel you have your headphones set to. Its funny dancing to Beyonce whilst the person opposite you is pulling shapes to YMCA!
Shopping – you can buy all sorts on a ship, from the $10 blowout sale on tshirts, to $$$$ on diamonds and watches. Often times there will be deals on handbags with a large percentage discount – but be careful. The price may have been inflated to afford the reduction and it could also be a bag from 3 seasons ago. Perfume and cigarettes/alcohol can often be a reasonable deal, if it is something you were planning on buying anyway.
Relaxing – find a quiet spot, curl up and read a few chapters or have a siesta.
So, do you still think you would be bored?
Of course you don’t have to do all this, for some a cruise is just relaxing with a book!
