Cruise rates, particularly for Alaska and the Caribbean, are a great value this year. Considering the fact that the cruise fare includes accommodations, meals, several onboard activities and entertainment, if you plan ahead, you can have very little out of pocket expenses.
In December we wrote some tips on how to save while on a cruise. For those of you who have never been on a cruise, we now want to share more details on the different types of onboard activities that are available.
Plenty of things to do on a cruise ship are free, like using the pool, library, game room, basketball courts, fitness center or catching live entertainment…you’ll find everything from Reggae Bands by the pool, to Comedians, Magicians and Broadway style performances throughout your cruise. Children’s programs are free, and the activities cater to several age groups. If you are interested, you can also dance the night away at various lounges, or the night club. Check your daily planner (or “compass” as it is called on many ships,) that is left in your cabin each day, so that you don’t miss out on the activities.
Activities vary by ship and cruise line, but in general here are some of the popular/free activities available while on a cruise:
Onboard parties include:
- Captain’s Welcome Reception
- Sail Away Party
- Dancing Under the Stars Pool Party
- Family Disco Night
- Singles Party / Mix-and-Mingles
- Itinerary-specific parties (e.g., Caribbean Night, Toga Night)
- ’70s, ’80s Theme Party
Games include:
- Scavenger Hunts
- Backgammon / Chess / Scrabble®
- Bridge & other Card GamesContests include:
- Karaoke Superstar
- Name that Lyric Game Show
- Trivia: Music or Movie
- Game Shows (such as the Newlywed Game)
- Guest & Staff Talent Shows
Tournaments include:
- Ping-Pong
- Shuffleboard
- Basketball/Volleyball
- Mini Golf (Select ships)
- Pool Volleyball
Some ships have come up with other unique forms of free entertainment. For example, several Princess ships offer Movies Under the Stars – a 300 sq. ft. screen around the pool. During the day, all sorts of videos and family movies are shown. At night, the chairs are covered with comfortable padding, blankets are provided and fresh popped popcorn…it’s almost like being at a drive-in! Make sure and arrive early, as the seats do fill up. Newer Carnival ships also have an outdoor screen, and some it’s and MSC ships have added it as well.
The Celebrity Solstice, which launched in November, features the first “Hot Glass Show” at sea, where glassblowers from New York’s Corning Museum of Glass give free glassblowing demonstrations. On the same deck right off of the Glass blowing area, the Solstice also has a deck with real grass called the “Lawn Club” where you can play bocce or croquet or putt golf balls for free. The Eclipse (2009) and Equinox (2010) will offering the same activities as the Solstice.
For “Foodies,” Holland America has an excellent Culinary Arts Presentations Center. Each cruise features chefs and experts offering cooking demonstrations. On several cruises throughout the year, famous guest chefs will be onboard. Demonstrations are offered on seas days – usually twice during a 7 day cruise. After the demonstration, which lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, everyone in attendance gets to sample a few of the dishes that were prepared on stage. Many other cruise lines also offer cooking demonstrations, ice carving, napkins folding and more.
Royal Caribbean offers free rock climbing on most of their ships. Newer ships also have free Ice skating shows, and on Freedom Class ships you can try out the Flow Rider, a surf simulator that attracts hundreds of eager surfers and golfers to the aft sports court each day. The sloped, wavelike surface of the FlowRider is perfect for beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers. And for those not brave enough to attempt the FlowRider, the surrounding stadium seating is great for surveying wipeouts.
Needless to say, there is plenty to do on a cruise. Let one of our agents help you find the best value and cruise line for you next vacation.
Contributed by: S. Brages
Making the most of free onboard activities starts with being in the right cabin location. Our advisors’ guide to choosing a cruise cabin ensures you’re ideally positioned for easy access to all the ship’s amenities.
