Fun Things to Do Onboard | Little Cruise Guide

Fun Things to Do Onboard a Cruise

One of the best parts of cruising is that getting to your destination is part of the vacation. Cruise ships can be packed with things to eat, see, try, and explore—and you don't have to do any of them if you'd rather find a chair and stare at the ocean.

People swimming in a pool on a cruise ship deck

Hang out By the Pool
Trying New Things
Catch a Show

Exploring the Ship
Sea Days

IN THIS GUIDE

What you'll find depends on your ship, but here are some of the ways you can spend your time onboard.

Hang Out by the Pool

Pool decks are a classic part of cruise life. Depending on the ship, you might find multiple pools, hot tubs, splash areas, waterslides, live music, poolside movies, and plenty of places to lounge.

Some ships also have quieter or adults-only pool areas when you want a break from the action.

Try Something You Can't Do at Home

Modern cruise ships have gone well beyond shuffleboard.

Depending on the ship, you might find:

Waterslides and waterparks
Rock climbing
Ropes courses
Mini golf
Go-karts
Surf simulators
Zip lines
Ice skating
Roller skating
Escape rooms
Virtual-reality experiences

You won't find these on every ship—which is one reason it's worth exploring the actual ship before choosing a cruise.

Eat Your Way Around the Ship

Food can easily become an activity of its own.

Beyond the main dining room and buffet, ships may have pizza, burgers, cafés, ice cream, international food, specialty restaurants, bakeries, steakhouses, seafood and late-night snacks.

A sea day is a good excuse to wander around and try something you haven't had yet.

Catch a Show

Cruise entertainment can include theater productions, comedy, live music, game shows, magic, karaoke and themed performances.

Larger ships may offer elaborate productions and entertainment venues you wouldn't necessarily expect to find at sea.

Join the Fun

Check the ship's daily schedule and you'll probably find more happening than you could realistically attend.

Trivia, dance classes, crafts, competitions, demonstrations, deck parties, scavenger hunts and other activities happen throughout the day.

Or skip all of it. That's allowed too.

Find Your Favorite Spot

Not everything onboard needs to be an activity.

Grab a coffee and watch the ocean. Find a quiet outdoor deck. Read on your balcony. Sit near a window. Take a walk around the ship.

Sometimes the simplest part of cruising—having nowhere you need to be—is one of the best parts.

Explore the Ship

Especially on a large ship, exploring can be an activity itself.

Walk around and see what you find. There may be artwork, observation areas, tucked-away lounges, outdoor promenades, unusual staircases, gardens, or spaces you wouldn't discover if you only traveled between your cabin and the pool.

Enjoy a Sea Day

Sea days are your chance to enjoy the ship without having a port schedule to think about.

Sleep late. Have a long breakfast. Try an activity. Eat lunch somewhere new. Take a nap. See a show.

You don't need to fill every hour.

Little Cruise Tip

Before booking, look at what's available on the specific ship, not just the cruise line. Two ships from the same cruise line can offer very different onboard experiences.