What to Do on a Cruise Ship When You’re Not Really Into Cruise Activities

Cruises appeal to travelers for a wide range of reasons. They’re family-friendly spaces, they allow you to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking repeatedly, and they have an endless array of activities that encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, meet fellow passengers, and generally enjoy yourself.

The only problem? Not all of these activities are appealing to cruise-goers. Sitting around listening to other people attempt to sing on a karaoke night sounds like a recipe for a headache, and the notion of joining a conga line may just make your entire being cringe.

Thankfully, cruises have far more than organized activities to offer passengers—you just have to know where to look. Luckily for you, this list will bring to your attention all the entertainment options to keep you busy while at sea without the pressure of group or cliché cruise activities. Let’s get started with a tried-and-true way to enjoy yourself: a spa day.

Relax With a Spa Day

It’s hard to go wrong with a quiet, luxurious day at the spa, and most cruise ships deliver all the spa amenities you need for rest. You could treat yourself to a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure, or simply spend your day hopping in and out of the hot tub, sauna, and steam room. If you’re traveling with friends, this could be an enjoyable way to spend the day together, and if you’re with your partner, it could be a relaxing way to reconnect with one another.

Lounge by the Pool

Another recipe for an enjoyable outing is lounging by the pool. Whether you love the feel of the sun on your skin or prefer to stay in the shade, a poolside day is an excellent way to enjoy a pressure-free day of pure relaxation. If the day gets too warm, take a quick lap in the pool, and to keep yourself entertained, bring along a book, magazine, or listen to a playlist of your favorite artists.

Try Your Luck at the Onboard Casino

Many cruise ships embrace the excitement and thrill of gambling with a casino that offers player favorites, including table games like poker and blackjack, and slot machines. Of course, if your social battery is running low, you could always opt for a gambling experience from the comfort of your room. The online casino experience in New Zealand, as just one example, allows you to enjoy the excitement of a slot or table game without the need to be around others. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to browse through games without wandering from machine to machine in a physical gaming space.

Visit the Shore Excursions Desk

One of the best parts of a cruise is the opportunity to visit new destinations at each port of call. Before reaching the first port, be sure to visit the shore excursions desk to see which stops your cruise ship will be making so you can plan your excursions. The desk will let you know when and where the ship will dock, and they’ll offer tourist information to make the most of your day on land. Some cruises will even host seminars about where they will be docking so that you can learn more about the destination.

Visit the Amusement Park Attractions

Cruise ships take onboard entertainment seriously, including activities and attractions that will get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. These can vary from roller coasters and waterslides to go-karting and zip-lining. With so much variety, you’ll likely find something that will grab your attention and keep you entertained.

Head to the Game Room for Friendly Competition and Fun

For those looking for something less extreme than a gravity-defying roller coaster, the onboard game room may be more appealing. Here you’ll find classic arcade games, board games, and card games, depending on your ship. It’s the perfect place to go with your travel companions for friendly competition.

Work Out at the Fitness Center

Cruise ships, like hotels, offer passengers a fitness center where they can keep up with their fitness goals even while they’re on holiday. Plus, when people are on vacation, they tend to indulge in food and drink more than usual, and cruises with their all-you-can-eat buffets certainly don’t help that. Making time to hit the weight room or cardio room can help you combat that overindulgence guilt.

Take a Quiet Moment (or Two) at the Library

While many ships advertise their most thrilling and relaxing amenities, they also offer unexpected quiet retreats like libraries. For those who want to step away from the excitement of other ship activities, these serve as the perfect space to find some peace and quiet, and to get lost in a book or two.

Walk Through the Ship’s Galleries

Another unexpected space you can find on cruise ships is an art gallery. For art enthusiasts, these are intriguing places to walk through for a refreshing dose of creativity and culture. If you see something you love, many onboard galleries also host art auctions. Bidding on a piece might earn you a unique souvenir.

Check Out Live Entertainment

Instead of listening to fellow passengers attempt karaoke, you could check out one of the professional shows. Cruise ships offer a wide variety of live entertainment for their passengers, including music, plays, Broadway shows, acrobatics, and comedy nights. You’ll more than likely find a live show that suits your preferences for an enjoyable night out in the public spaces of the ship.

Double-Check the Ship Activities List—There Could Be a Hidden Gem

Last but not least, review the full list of ship activities. While some may sound painful, others may be exactly what you need to enjoy yourself. It never hurts to check if there’s a hidden gem that you’ll love—be it wine tasting, dance classes, or anything in between. If all else fails, bring along your favorite hobbies from home.