Tips for Staying Entertained on Your Next Cruise

Maybe you've already purchased tickets for your next cruise, or perhaps you're still deciding where you want to go or for how long.

22:50 01 October 2020

For many, cruises are more about the journey than the destination, so the time you have on board must be fun, relaxing, and entertaining for you to get your money's worth. This list will help you decide what kind of entertainment you're looking for from a cruise ship, and will help you narrow down your choices for your next cruise.

 

1. Knowing What You Want

 

Maybe you're someone who prefers "doing" over "watching". You're more interested in being a part of the action than being passively entertained. If so, you'll want a cruise ship that offers interactive games, like this Bahamas cruise from Miami, where you can participate in "Deal or No Deal" and win up to $5,000, or even win your trip for free.

 

Many ships will have games like shuffleboard or table tennis, but if you have kids along, you may want to look for a cruise that carries kid-specific activities, like arcades or zip lines. Some cruises will offer family-friendly options, while others cater towards adults, so it's important that you do your research to pick a cruise that will keep everyone happy.

 

Whether you prefer intimate concerts or grand opera house performances, there are cruise ships that can cater to whatever variety of artistic performance you desire. Everything from acrobatics to Shakespeare productions can be found on cruise ships, so don't limit yourself when looking for the perfect one. You can even catch the latest Broadway shows, or stand up comedy, and there are great options for kids as well, such as Disney On Ice.

 

2. Budgeting For the Trip

 

This may be a trip you've saved up for and anticipate spending quite a bit on, so you may not think a budget will be necessary, but the sheer volume of meals, drinks and activities will have you over spending in no time. Having a game plan for what you want to spend your budget on will help you to make better choices and not break the bank on a two week trip. Things like alcoholic beverages, poker nights, and massages can quickly rack up your bill, so limit such expenses for a few times during the trip, and save the rest for necessities.

 

3. Bringing The Right Stuff

 

Packing for a cruise can be a challenge if you don't know what exactly to expect, but if you've done your research, you'll have a better idea of what entertainment you'll be participating in. If you chose the more interactive route, you might want more active wear, and pack a pair of sneakers in your limited space. Nights at Broadway shows or jazz concerts will mean more semi-formal wear, so save space for lightweight dress clothes.

 

Choose clothing in a specific color scheme so you can mix and match as you go without packing a new outfit for each day, and consider using space-saving accessories to dress up a casual outfit rather than trying to bring your evening gowns. It can be challenging to limit your outfits when you're anticipating a lot of different activities, but you'll be relieved when you don't have to check multiple bags at the airport or lug heavy cases on board with you.

 

4. Getting to Know the Ship

 

One of the most important aspects to enjoying your cruise is making sure that you know where all the wonderful entertainment is taking place, and when. Having an itinerary will assist with that, but it's also a good idea to take a tour of the ship your first day aboard and familiarize yourself with the many decks and rooms aboard.

 

Planning for your enjoyment can be a little overwhelming, particularly if it's your first cruise, but you'll be glad you did. Make a game plan for what you want to do each day aboard, and you'll be able to make the most of the trip without being overwhelmed by options.