Top 10 Things to Do on a Cruise Sea Day
Sea days are often a welcome break in the middle of a port-heavy itinerary—giving you a chance to unwind, recharge, and explore the full range of onboard activities. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool or staying active with enrichment classes, there’s no shortage of entertainment while sailing between destinations.
Here are the top 10 things to do on a cruise sea day, so you can make the most of every moment at sea.
- Sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed
A sea day is the perfect excuse to skip the alarm and start slow. Order complimentary room service or take advantage of breakfast on your private balcony if you booked a balcony stateroom. Some lines, like Princess Cruises, offer expanded menus in higher-tier cabins.
- Relax by the pool or in the adults-only retreat
Most cruise ships feature multiple pools, hot tubs, and adults-only sun decks (like Royal Caribbean’s Solarium or Carnival’s Serenity area). Arrive early to grab a prime lounge chair, and don’t forget your sunscreen—earn cashback at CVS on sunscreen and essentials using Fluz.
- Indulge in a spa treatment
From massages and facials to thermal suites and hydrotherapy pools, ship spas are fully equipped for a day of pampering. Book treatments early, as sea days often sell out.
- Take a fitness class or hit the gym
Modern ships include state-of-the-art fitness centers and a full calendar of classes—yoga, Pilates, spinning, and even boxing. Morning classes fill up fast, so check your cruise app or daily planner for schedules.
- Join enrichment activities or lectures
Sea days are ideal for onboard learning. Popular offerings include wine tastings, art auctions, destination lectures, and cooking demos. Cruise lines like Holland America even host region-specific culinary presentations.
- Explore the ship’s specialty restaurants
Lunch is often less crowded than dinner, making it a great time to try a specialty venue. Whether you’re craving teppanyaki, Italian, or steakhouse fare, you can save money with Fluz by purchasing restaurant gift cards from brands available onboard or pre-cruise—for instance, Starbucks at sea or Shake Shack if available at port terminals.
- Browse the shops and take advantage of sales
Cruise ships offer duty-free shopping with deals on watches, jewelry, skincare, and apparel. Look for flash sales, raffle giveaways, and exclusive items only sold onboard. Retailers like Effy and TAG Heuer often hold trunk shows or special events on sea days.
- Attend a trivia game or tournament
From Harry Potter trivia to name-that-tune challenges, trivia events are a sea day staple. They’re a great way to meet fellow cruisers and earn small prizes. Larger ships also host card games, bingo, and escape rooms.
- Catch a matinee or afternoon performance
Cruise lines increasingly offer Broadway-caliber entertainment, comedy shows, and magic acts—not just at night. Sea days often feature mid-day performances or movie screenings in onboard theaters. Check the daily planner or app to reserve seats.
- Watch the sunset with a cocktail
There’s nothing quite like the view of an open-ocean sunset. Find a quiet spot on the top deck or your balcony, order a drink, and take in the scenery. Some cruisers opt for a specialty bar experience like Norwegian’s Waterfront or Celebrity’s Sunset Bar.
You can even earn cashback at Carnival by purchasing a Carnival Cruise Lines gift card via Fluz to cover drink packages and bar tabs in advance.
Plan ahead and unwind with intention
Sea days aren’t just filler—they’re a chance to slow down and enjoy the ship itself. By combining relaxation with discovery, you’ll return to port feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.
