During most cruises, regardless of destination or duration, you'll encounter sea days. These are the times between ports of call when your ship is navigating the waterways heading to your next destination and it is just you, the ship and your fellow cruisers.
Perhaps understandably, many novice cruisers often fear sea days. They wonder if they'll be bored or feel like they are “stuck on the ship.” Luckily, after sailing the seas for over a decade, we know firsthand that sea days are anything but boring.
Wondering what you will do on your next sea day? Read on for some fun ideas from our recent cruise on Royal Caribbean's revolutionary ship Allure of the Seas.
Here's our guide to a Perfect Sea Day on Allure of the Seas:
A morning spent outdoors
No matter how early you like to wake up, the mornings on Allure of the Seas are the perfect time to get outdoors and experience some of the thrilling attractions found on this megaship.
Start your day off right at Johnny Rockets, located on the Boardwalk, an open area in the back of the ship that has a Coney Island vibe with ocean views. Johnny Rockets serves a complimentary breakfast most sea days, including plenty of classic breakfast favorites. It's worth getting up a little early to grab an outdoor seat and enjoy this hidden gem.
Now you're ready to burn off some calories while while tackling some high-adrenaline experiences. Some options:
- Impress your companion or family by tackling the largest rock climbing wall at sea located just above the Boardwalk
- Take a ride on the 80-foot zipline located on the sports deck
- Practice your surfing skills by trying out one of the two FlowRider surf simulators.
These attractions generally have fewer lines and waiting earlier in the day.
If you're traveling with kids, or maybe not the adventurous type, spend this time taking a few spins on the Boardwalk Carousel, or playing a round of mini-golf. Again, you should have no problems enjoying these activities in the mid- to late mornings of a typical sea day.
How to spend a sunny afternoon on board
As the afternoon approaches, you'll start to see more of your fellow cruisers emerge, but no need to fret because you're already one step ahead of them. It’s your time to take a little break -you’ve earned the rest and relaxation. Secure some lounge chairs on the upper deck. While it might be a little windy, you'll find more available seating and won't have to worry about people crowding around the pool areas.
You're on vacation, right? So grab a cocktail while you relax in the sun (just don’t forget the sunscreen). If you're like us, an hour or two of sun and sipping drinks is all you need to recharge those batteries. Fight the urge to go to the buffet — it will be busy. Instead, enjoy some of the afternoon entertainment.
Catch the belly flop contest or the world’s sexiest man contest. Both are a bit cheeky, but you're on a cruise and you'll never see these people again. If those shows are not your style, you could watch a 3-D movie, attend a mixology class or participate in a casino tournament (both of which will cost extra money).
Before too long, you'll probably want to grab a bite to eat. Go to the Park Café, located in the Central Park neighborhood on deck 8. This quiet refuge has amazing, freshly carved roast beef sandwiches, custom salads and some al fresco seating that will almost make you forget you're on a cruise ship. If you're looking for something different, have a dog (or two) at the Boardwalk Doghouse. These are addictive, just be warned.
Once you have refueled, you may be looking for a refill on your cocktail or some late afternoon activity while your significant other heads off to explore or participate in a dance class. This is your chance to sneak down to the Casino and play a few hands of $6 blackjack or enter a poker tournament. Just make sure to bring your watch — you're going to need to give yourself time to get ready for the evening ahead of you.
A night on the town
Two of your sea days will likely be formal nights (when sailing the Caribbean), and we highly recommend you make them distinctive by dressing up. Even if you are not in full suit and evening gown, dress in your evening best as there will be plenty of special nighttime activities.
Before dinner, pose for a few photos at the numerous portrait studios located throughout the ship, then grab a pre-dinner cocktail. Indulge in a specialty cocktail at the Champagne Bar or take a ride in the Rising Tide Bar, which takes periodic trips up and down three decks from the Promenade to Central Park.
Once you are done with dinner and drinks, it's time to paint this ship red. Enjoy a show in the main theater (currently starring Broadway hit "Mamma Mia"), the Ice Show in Studio B, or a comedian in the comedy club for a night full of laughs.
The entertainment doesn’t stop there. There is sure to be additional night time fun including the GLOW Party, the '70s Disco Party on the Promenade, or the late night shenanigans of the adult game show, the Quest. If that doesn’t interest you, you can always catch live music at multiple venues including Latin dance music in Boleros or the guitarist at the Bow and Stern pub. Regardless of your preferences, there are always options (or excuses) for continuing the fun all night.
Space out your activities
So, still think you'll be bored during a sea day? If anything, you might be wondering how you can fit all of these activities into one day. Luckily, on the Allure of the Seas voyages, you'll have at least two sea days on your cruise, so you can plan each day accordingly and space things out a bit. Royal Caribbean's smart ships are anything but ordinary. Have fun!
