Sunday, March 31, 2024

Onboard Activities Dive Into Fun Onboard Activities

activities on a cruise liner

As well, gyms on cruise ships are usually spacious with plenty of room. If you have kids (or you’re a kid at heart), don’t miss spending some time in the arcade on the ship. They feature games ranging from air hockey to racing to shooting genres, and you can play them all with a swipe of your keycard. All the major cruise ships have a spa where you can get tons of different treatments.

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Once Upon a Bedtime Story is the cosiest way to end a sun-filled day. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state.

activities on a cruise liner

Family Time

If you love wine, you’ll be thrilled to explore the impressive wine list on Celebrity’s ships, which has won more Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence than any other cruise line. If you’re cruising with kids, Camp at Sea is one of the best clubs you’ll find afloat. If you love retail therapy, you’ll be in heaven on Celebrity’s ships, where there’s a fantastic range of designer labels in the onboard shops. Whatever’s on your wish list, read on to learn more about some of the best activities on a cruise ship. If you love to race, you already know some ships have go-kart tracks. Some ships, including those from Norwegian and MSC have F1 simulators.

Indoor Swimming Pool

Most is, but the comedians that perform during the trip can get a little dirtier… and a lot funnier. Even if you aren’t in the market for anything, going window-shopping is a fun thing to do on a cruise. One thing to note is that cruise lines will often have sales in their stores. If there is something you like, give it some time during your trip to see if it goes on sale before you buy. This waterpark features tons of features that will soak any kid who plays. It also has a reserved area for kids who aren’t yet potty-trained so that they can enjoy as well (typically kids not yet potty-trained aren’t allowed in pools or water features for health reasons).

On some of their ships the interior staterooms have been fitted with virtual balconies, which are 80 inch high definition screens that virtually cover the entire wall from the floor to the ceiling. And you're never left in doubt as to how long it'll be until yours is in your hands. Electronic displays around the bar shows who's in the queue and which order is being prepared. Since being founded in Montreal in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has become one of the most renowned live performance companies in the world. The experience feels like a roller coaster, even though it's a boat ride.

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With the Prima Class of ships, Norwegian Cruise Line has brought some truly never-before-seen activities onboard their ships that are sure to excite even the most experienced cruisers. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget.

Audience Participation Gameshows

After free falling for about two stories, guests then make their way over two gravity-defying loops before finishing the waterslide. One of my most favorite things about Norwegian Cruise Line is their commitment to bringing their passengers closer to the sea. Grab a friend and race down The Perfect Storm℠ twin water slides Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠. This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea – with over 40,000 gallons of water.

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The marquees on more modern ships bill ice shows with choreographed drones (Royal Caribbean), Broadway shows like Six and Kinky Boots (NCL) or Hairspray and Mamma Mia! If film is your forte, you'll be spoiled for choice when you sail. Most lines' ships have sizeable in-cabin libraries on demand, some free and some for a cost. Want to get close to your favorite musical legend, fitness guru or actor? Theme cruises have been popping up like crazy, and they attract people from special interest groups who might not cruise otherwise. On select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Princess ships, passengers can sign up to try their luck beating various escape rooms.

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. But the most important thing is to remember that your time is your own on vacation. Spend it how you want without worrying about if you’re making the “most” of your trip.

Run from event to event with your daily planner in hand like a checklist, spend the day in the spa relaxing your cares away or retreat from the world in the privacy of your stateroom. My husband and I love a great jazz bar, so we’re both super excited to visit Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues onboard Icon of the Seas. An addition to the ship’s lush and romantic Central Park® neighborhood, this swanky, intimate hangout is the perfect spot for a nightcap paired with some mood-setting ballads and jam sessions. The cocktails here are on point, and the vibe is on par with what you’ll find at legendary clubs in New York City and my own home city, Chicago. Passengers are able to ride either two or one at a time on the more family friendly water slide. However, it is important to note that all water slides have a height requirement guests must meet in order to experience, as well a weight threshold.

activities on a cruise liner

It’s relaxing to play and a fun way to get a little competition while on the ship. Best of all, it’s free to play; sticks and discs are normally kept right by the boards on the ship. If you are a family going on a cruise, your kids will probably want to go check out the dedicated kids area on the ship. The ship hosts regular tournaments between guests, which are divided into those for advanced climbers and novices across different age groups. They host speed runs and challenges and most challenging advanced climber sessions for those who really want to test their abilities.

This performance centers around extremely talented singers, actors, and dancers. While watching other passengers experience the Ocean Loops slide, I noticed not everyone actually made it over the loops! This made me quite nervous before I tried out the slide for the first time myself. However, the helpful crew member operating the water slide instructed me to keep my hands and arms crossed over my chest and my feet crossed at the ankles.

These days there are usually two formal nights on a 7-day cruise and one formal night on shorter trips. It’s may not be on your specific cruise, but some ships offer karaoke times where you can go listen to others sing their favorite songs… or try your own favorite tune. What’s nice is that it’s an easy go-to when you have kids as they seem to love to play. It’s also an easy-going activity and only takes about minutes to play a round. So when you’re bored or have a few minutes to kill before dinner, you can get a round in as easy entertainment.

It also includes opening hours for the spa, casino, restaurants, shops, and bars. You’ll also find details on the scheduled ports of call, shopping promotions, evening dress code, and nautical information such as distance traveled and sunrise and sunset times. Children registered with the onboard kids' club will receive their own daily activities schedule. Keep in mind that these are just some of the many onboard experiences I’m most looking forward to onboard Icon of the Seas.

But some cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are putting in self-serve taps. You swipe your card, pour your beer, and you are charged by the ounce. You don’t have to wait on a bartender for a beer, and it’s also among the cheapest options on the ships. What we find is that often not only are the spots kid-free, but they are just less crowded in general.

27 Awesome Things To Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

activities on a cruise liner

Many spas also offer services for men (like old-fashioned shaves, facials, and manis/pedis) and teens (including mother-daughter packages). Furthermore, medi-spa treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and even botox are available onboard. Look for spa specials on embarkation day and port days, as those are the least busy times. Appointments can also be booked online (sometimes at a reduced rate) before you leave home. Expect prices to be comparable to the high-end spas you find at home. These days, cruise ships of all sizes feature a fitness center and spa onboard.

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They also provide Bose noise canceling headsets to allow for easy communication between the guests and crew. With cruises available that travel to the Antarctic and Arctic regions, a facility like this really gives travelers a vantage point that until now has been virtually impossible. Origami, napkin folding, water color painting, cake decorating… the list goes on and on. While you’re on a cruise, you can sign up to learn new and interesting skills. Learn to make one of your favorite cruise ship dishes by attending a cooking demonstration.

Drenched Days

activities on a cruise liner

From the moment you board the the ship, you’ll see the ship’s photographers out to take souvenir photos for your cruise. As well, they are prominent on formal night when many people are dressed up for the evening. 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.

Board Games

As it's fitted to the top deck, the coaster offers 360 degree views across the ship and the ocean. And to make it even more exciting, riders are able to control the speed of their cars themselves. Roller coasters were once something that you only see in an amusement park, but recently they seemingly started to appear almost everywhere, from backyards to the tops of tower blocks.

Something to note is that each cruise line and cruise ship is different, a bit like resorts. Choose wisely before you book so that you have the perfect cruise ship for the type of vacation you like best. Every Norwegian Cruise Line ship will have something onboard that every guest will enjoy! It might take some research and planning, but with a little forethought, I think everyone is capable of having a great cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Traditional Cruise Games (shuffleboard, table tennis & mini-golf)

Sing along to a chorus of ivory tickling classics at Schooner Bar nightly. Ice cream is one of life's simplest yet most indulgent pleasures. The best part is that it's available for free, in the form of self-serve self-serve, on just about every single ship. And, if you prefer something a bit less organized, go clubbing instead. Just about every ship has a disco where you can cut a rug into the wee hours of the morning. Normally, these tours come with a fee, and it's not always cheap.

Also, you can’t buy bottles in these stores to enjoy on your cruise. They will be packaged and delivered to you at the end of the trip. Every ship will have a store onboard that sells items normally subject to these fees like alcohol and cigarettes. Take advantage to stock up on what you might be missing back home and save a few bucks while you’re at it.

If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation.

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A few are even indoors like those found on some ships of Crystal, Uniworld and Emerald. Lines with outdoor pools or hot tubs on some ships include AmaWaterways, Tauck and Scenic. Since most modern cruise ships have resort-like amenities and some pretty cool activities, there is zero chance that you’ll be bored. On many cruise ships, you’ll be able to participate or watch pool games and antics. Water volleyball, sexy leg contests, belly flop contests and more may just on schedule at the main pool. Keep in mind that different cruise lines offer different activities and a different experience.

But, even if you didn't cart the entire New York Times Bestseller List with you on your trip, most ships have libraries, from which you can rent a variety of titles. For outdoor viewing, you can find poolside flicks on Royal Caribbean's, Costa's and Disney's massive outdoor screens, as well as Movies Under the Stars on Princess and Dive-In Movies on Carnival. Carnival also pioneered the first IMAX theater on a ship, and 4D cinemas are part of the lineup on some Carnival, Costa and MSC sailings. If you simply miss sitting in your backyard, head up to Celebrity's Lawn Club, found on the line's Solstice-class ships.

It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. The coastal mountains and fjords of Norway do have the majesty of scale that you'll find in Alaska, though the snowcapped peaks that form the background of all of your Alaska photos might be missing. It's hard to avoid history in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Greek, Roman and Byzantine historic sites are a huge draw. Look for itineraries that sail south to Israel to make this a bucket-list history cruise.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway. You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Bingo remains one of the most popular and well-attended cruise activities!

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