For many of us, planning fun in the sun means booking a cruise vacation — and finding what to do! Luckily, there's an assortment of fun cruise ship activities and amenities. Your journey could start with a thrilling cruise ship scavenger hunt, offering a fun and interactive way to explore the ship's amenities. You could then lounge by the pool, participate in a yoga class or attend exciting destination seminars. At night, plan on attending the onboard entertainment shows or simply savoring a delicious meal under the stars. In short, there's no shortage of things to do on a cruise.
Now, if this is your first cruise, don't sweat it. You probably have many cruising questions about what cruise line to choose and cruise ship perks. Fortunately, many ships have amenities that rival your favorite resort, so there are plenty of things to do on a cruise even when the ship isn’t docked in port.
Sure, booking a cruise can feel a bit daunting, but once you know about all these top picks, you'll be ready to set sail in no time with AAA. We’ve pulled plenty of things to do — 39 cruise ideas, in fact — so that you know what to expect. These floating resorts are packed with activities.
1. Enjoy a Spa Treatment
Recognizing that adults want pampering while they cruise, many ships have a spa on board. Get a massage shortly after boarding to shake off the last remnants of real-world stress, or get a facial before you arrive in port for a just-vacationed glow that’ll make all your friends jealous.
Before you go to the spa, call and find out if you need appointments on your ship’s app. Some ships’ spas book up quickly and require you to make an appointment, while others welcome walk-ins. And make sure you take your wallet — most spa treatments are not included even on “all-inclusive” cruises.
2. Participate in a Wellness Activity
While many people skip workouts guilt-free while on vacation, many cruise ships offer exciting wellness activities to keep passengers’ heart rates pumping. Specific offerings vary by ship, but you can find anything from aerobics to Zumba. Most cruise ships have a fitness center where you can work out independently or join a structured class and make a few new friends while you sweat.
Here are a few popular wellness activities you may find onboard:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Rock climbing
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
3. Relax in Yoga or Meditation Sessions
Need help to find your vacation Zen? Participate in a yoga or meditation session. Many cruise lines offer sunrise yoga classes on deck so you can practice your Vinyasa in peace as the sunrises over the horizon. It’s a great way to start your day on the right foot. Cruises can overwhelm some people. There’s a lot of activity and many people on board, so take a midday meditation break to reset and recharge for the rest of your day. Learn to enjoy the benefits of doing nothing.
4. Watch the Sunset
Sunsets on cruise ships are gorgeous whether you’re in the middle of the ocean, cruising down a river or docked in port. Head to the ship’s top deck for gorgeous panoramic views, but don’t get discouraged if they’re crowded — any deck will do! You can also request a table near a window at one of the ship’s restaurants to enjoy your meal in the golden light of sunset.
For the most colorful sunsets, go out on an evening with some cloud cover.
5. People Watch on Deck
Cruise ships are like airports in that there are many people from all walks of life in a confined space. If you just need a break but don’t want to sit in your room, grab a chair on deck somewhere and spend some time people-watching. Watch families play in the pool or check out the fashions (especially in the evening when people get dressed up for dinner). Create stories about who everyone is and why they’re on the ship.
6. Attend a Live Musical Performance
No matter what cruise ship you’re on, there will be some live musical performance every night. Most ships have a live band that plays in the evenings, or you can check out a musical revue performance at one of the restaurants for dinner. Disney Cruise Line ships often have full-blown musical performances daily, just like what you’d see in Disney World or Disneyland.
7. Dance the Night Away
Depending on your cruise ship, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dance. No matter your style — disco, swing, line, salsa or freestyle — your cruise ship probably has a space or time dedicated to it. There may even be opportunities for private lessons or a class with other passengers to help you learn the basics or brush up on your skills before you hit the dance floor.
8. Laugh at a Comedy Show
Head to the ship’s comedy show to get your funny bone tickled after a long relaxation. Some shows may be a one-night-only offering, or in the case of Norwegian Cruise Lines, there may be a dedicated comedy club onboard with a rotating list of performers.
Some ships have adult-only comedy performances, while others may have more family-friendly options. When in doubt, ask a crew member!
9. Lounge by the Pool and Soak Up Some Sun
Even though you’re on a ship in the middle of an ocean or river, it’s not like you can jump off the deck into the water. Instead, spend a day on the Lido Deck, where you can enjoy outdoor recreation, such as pools or hot tubs. While the pool situation varies based on your specific cruise ship, other cruise lines have more than one pool and one of them may be adult-only, so you can get away from kids splashing around playing Marco Polo.
Swim a few laps or dip your toes in the cool water before stretching out on a louge chair with your favorite book or magazine.
10. Be Amazed at a Magic Show
For some family-friendly fun, take in a magic show. Sitting in the cool, dark theater will be a relief after a long day in the sun, and the tricks will bring out a sense of wonder in everyone in your group. Magic shows don’t run every night on a ship, so check the ship’s entertainment schedule.
11. Get on Stage at a Karaoke or Talent Night
While plenty of professional entertainers are on every cruise ship, sometimes it’s also fun to check out the amateurs. Listen to everyone do their best Whitney Houston impression at karaoke, or watch someone showcase their juggling skills at karaoke and talent nights. If you dare, get up and show off your unique skills!
12. Try Your Luck at the Ship’s Casino
Vegas isn’t the only place with gambling! Many mainstream cruise ships that travel international waters have a casino, but they’ll be closed on river cruises or whenever the ship docks in a port. Rules about age depend on the cruise line, but most ships require you to be 18 to gamble.
The cruise ship casino will have a mix of table games and slot machines. Like dryland casinos, you’ll have the chance to win (or lose) money, so make sure to bring some cash. But don’t expect free drinks like you’d get in a land casino unless you are a cruise line member and have earned enough points.
13. Hit the Arcade
Kids and adults will love the chance to hit up the ship’s arcade, a fun option for a rare rainy afternoon or when you need a break from the sun. Play classic arcade games, work on your putt in a round of mini-golf or challenge the family to a friendly game of laser tag.
14. Experience a Themed Dining Night
One of the perks of a cruise is taking advantage of all the unique dining options available. Your cruise ship may have a themed restaurant like Tiana’s Place Restaurant on the Disney Wonder, which serves southern-style food in a restaurant decked out like a French Quarter support club, complete with live jazz and blues music and character visits.
Other ships may offer a themed dining experience at one of its restaurants requiring audience participation, whether dressing up in costume or participating in a murder mystery dinner.
15. Try Some Rare Cuisine
If you’re cruising with kids, it might be tempting to find a place and eat there for every meal if you have picky eaters. But cruising is a great time to expand your palate with new-to-you cuisine. Whether you try every restaurant on the ship or get off in a port city, step outside your comfort zone and try something you couldn’t get at home.
16. Attend a Cooking Demonstration or Class
Many people try to avoid cooking while on vacation, but consider attending a cooking demonstration or class while at sea. Most ships have professional chefs on staff offering cooking classes or even private lessons. You’ll go home with more than just wonderful memories; you can whip up a new dish whenever you want a taste of your trip.
17. Enjoy a Wine Tasting or Mixology Class
If cooking isn’t your forte, consider attending a wine tasting or enrolling in a mixology class with one of the ship’s many bartenders. For those who don’t drink wine, your ship may even offer tastings for other types of alcohol, like beer or scotch. Either way, you’ll learn something new about what you drink while trying new flavors.
18. Eat Breakfast in Bed
A cruise is still a vacation, so it’s OK to take it slow. Instead of jumping out of bed with a jam-packed schedule, take it slow one day with no agenda. Start on the right foot with a luxurious breakfast in bed, and take your time to sip your coffee or mimosa with a good book or your favorite comfort TV show.
19. Take a Guided Tour of a Port
Whenever your cruise ship docks, take a guided tour of the port. You’ll learn about local history and culture without worrying about getting lost in an unfamiliar place. It’s a great way to get a quick rundown before you explore the port on your own.
20. Soak Up Local Culture on a Guided Excursion
Many ships offer excursions as part of your ticket, or you may add an excursion to your trip for a fee. Possible excursions include: a tour of local cuisine, an outing to a local cultural attraction or a day trip to the beach. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s a chance your cruise line will be able to set it up for you, whether through them or a travel agency they’re familiar with in the port.
21. Get an Adrenaline Rush
If being on a ship is starting to feel boring, leave for some adrenaline-producing activities when you’re in port! Many ports recognize that passengers want to escape the cruise ship, and they cater to thrill-seekers with activities like zip lining or rock climbing. Talk to your travel guide or explore the ship’s app to find out all available options.
22. Snorkel With Aquatic Wildlife
Whenever you’re in port, you may be able to do something you can’t do on a cruise ship — get in the ocean. Many places offer you a chance to snorkel with their native aquatic wildlife so you can swim with dolphins or explore a beautiful reef ecosystem. It’s a nice change from the ship’s pool, and you’ll be able to create some fantastic memories
23. Discover Local History
Trade helped establish many port cities as commercial centers of the area, which means they’re full of historical landmarks and museums where you can learn a lot about local history. Your ship’s app or travel agent can help you find these local gems, where you can take a guided tour with a local guide or a self-paced tour to help you get everything you can from the experience.
24. Enjoy Authentic Flavors
Sure, most cruise lines boast about their food, but when you have a chance to get authentic cuisine in a port, you should take it. Explore a local market, buy some local fruit to snack on and eat local street food. Just be careful if you have any allergies — learn the words for the foods you’re allergic to to communicate with local vendors.
25. Stay Active in the Onboard Gym
If you want to stay active while on your cruise, the ship’s onboard gym is the place to do it. Gyms vary by cruise ship, but you can expect to find whatever you might find in a hotel fitness center:
- Treadmills
- Stationary bikes
- Ellipticals
- Free weights
- Mats
- Resistance training machines
Some cruise ships may also offer classes or have a running track if you want to get your steps in without fighting the crowds on deck.
26. Take Part in Water Sports
Depending on your ship, you may be able to participate in some water sports during your cruise. Some have organized pool activities like volleyball or take advantage of wakeboarding or surfing pools, or you can simply compete with friends in the lap pool or the diving board.
Some ships have retractable platforms that allow you to access windsurfing, paddleboarding or kayaking straight from the ship. The vessels with this feature often restrict its use to when anchored so you aren’t overwhelmed by the ship’s wake.
27. Join a Group Fitness Challenge
Find like-minded fitness buffs on board with a group fitness challenge. These are popular on weight-loss and fitness cruises, but you may find them on mainstream cruises. They’ll vary based on the nature of the challenge, but you can track time spent in the gym or classes, steps taken (you’ll take a lot while you’re on board!) or pounds lost.
If there isn’t a formal fitness challenge on your ship, create your own with your travel party.
28. Soothe Your Muscles
With all the walking and physical activity, your muscles may tire. Soothe them with some time in a relaxing sauna, steam room or hot tub. Some ships may charge a small fee to use a sauna or steam room, and they may be co-ed or limited by gender. Many also have age restrictions, so check your ship’s policy before letting your teen hit the steam room.
29. Enroll Kids in a Supervised Kids’ Club
Family-friendly cruise lines often offer a supervised kids’ club. You can drop your kids off with the staff, who will keep them entertained while you and your partner get a spa treatment or enjoy a romantic dinner. These clubs may offer kids a chance to play with one another or have organized activities like games, arts and crafts or movies.
If traveling with kids, look for a cruise line with age-specific kids’ clubs so that activities are age-appropriate.
30. Send Teens to the Teen Lounge
Traveling with teens is tough — you want them to have a good time and understand that it may require some independence, but they aren’t ready to be fully independent. Onboard teen lounges and teen clubs are the perfect way to ensure everyone has a good time.
Many cruise ships have specific areas reserved for teens with gaming systems, arcades, movies and more. Some even convert teen spaces into teens-only nightclubs so they can dance with their new friends and enjoy the music they love while still being chaperoned.
31. Have a Family Game Night
Use your time on the cruise ship to get closer as a family with a family game night. Bring your own favorite board game from home, or check them out from the cruise ship’s library, or play games in the ship’s game room. If board games aren’t your style, the ship may offer tournaments for popular gaming systems in their arcade.
32. Take a Photography or Painting Workshop
Some cruise lines offer various art workshops covering various art media. Spectacular views on board may inspire you to get in touch with your inner artist, so learn how to take better photos or paint a sunset so you can bring them home with you as more than just memories.
If you are an artist, there are art immersion cruises you can book that include onboard art experts who will teach you throughout the cruise.
33. Challenge Yourself at Trivia Night
Trivia sessions are a daily occurrence on modern cruise ships, and they can be based on a specific theme (such as sports trivia) or general knowledge. They’re a great way to bond with your friends or make new friends by teaming up with other passengers to improve your team.
Be warned — trivia is a serious business on a cruise ship. Everyone is welcome, but some people take trivia contests very seriously, scheduling their days around them.
34. Explore the Ship on a Scavenger Hunt
One of the best things to do when you first settle in is to tour the ship so you know where everything is. You could just walk around decks with a ship map, but it’s more fun if you turn it into a game.
Before you board, print off a free ship scavenger hunt from the internet or see if the ship’s app has a predesigned one. Then divide into teams and start exploring!
35. Get Crafty
If you enjoy crafting, bring your cross-stitch threads or knitting needles to fill your spare time (just make sure you pack them appropriately in your luggage if you are traveling on a plane). If you aren’t crafty yet, many cruise ships offer craft activities ranging from scrapbooking to jewelry-making as part of their programming.
36. Learn a Language
Cruise ships often offer you a chance to learn a language on board so you can talk to locals when you disembark while the ship is in port. Languages taught on board may be limited to languages spoken wherever you travel, but you can always lounge by the pool with your favorite language app and learn any language you want!
37. Celebrate Your Honeymoon or Anniversary
Many cruise lines cater to couples, offering adults-only cruise options and specializing in romance.
If you’re celebrating your anniversary or honeymoon onboard the ship, let your travel agent know when you book the trip. They can communicate that during the booking process to get you a few extras, like Champagne on arrival to your stateroom or flower petals on your bed. You can also look for couples-only activities on the ship’s app.
38. Arrange a Romantic Dinner
If you’re traveling with your partner, reserve one night for a special romantic dinner. Book a reservation at a nice restaurant or sushi bar, request a table with a view, get dressed up and send the kids to a kids or teen club for the evening. Enjoy your favorite beverages and delicious "grown-up" food that doesn’t include chicken nuggets and fries, and dance the night away.
39. Schedule a Professional Photography Session
In most families, one person takes all the photos, so when you get home, you don’t have a shot of the entire family. Fortunately, cruise ships often come with a professional photographer so you can capture the whole family. Like Disney World, many professional photographers are set up at key points on the ship to take your photo for free, and you’ll only pay if you decide to purchase a print.
Some cruise lines also allow you to book a session with a professional photographer, which can involve taking photos in front of a backdrop in an onboard studio, on the ship’s deck or on dry land when the ship docks in port.
Book Your Cruise With AAA
Planning a cruise on your own can be overwhelming, especially with all the fun things to do on a cruise. Visit your local AAA Travel Agent today or book online with our AAA cruise partners to take advantage of members-only pricing.