The sea day is one of cruising’s little luxuries between port days. A chance to relamex and unwind or hit the gym and burn off some calories before your next big shoreside adventure. Love them or loathe them, they feature on almost every cruise itinerary and I have to say that I personally love a sea day.
You Never Know What You’re Going to See!
Sea days can be just as exciting as port days, you just never know what you are going to come across as you sail through the ocean. In 2010 I was minding my own business, soaking up the sun when all of a sudden a submarine surfaced alongside us – it was nothing short of awesome! I mean, you don’t get that when you’re lying on the beach in Mallorca, do you?! I’ve also seen dolphins, whales, flying fish, seals and a selection of curious vessels. Yes, I love a sea day, they are a treasured part of my cruise experience and the fact you are away from the rest of the world has such a calming effect.
An Opportunity to Relax and Explore the Ship
I tend to spend my sea days soaking up the sun, if it is shining, of course! Occasionally, I will move to forage for food or to have a walk around the ship. I sometimes find I can’t sit still for long, so in that sense bigger ships have a great benefit – I have more places to walk! If the weather is on the grim side, I tend to just go with the flow. I may read a book, play cards, sit and listen to my iPod all day, it really just depends on my mood. I know sea days with bad weather can be a little tedious for some people, they just don’t know what to do with themselves, but I always manage to fill my time in one way or another.
Sea days are also a great opportunity, especially if travelling on a large vessel, to explore your new floating home. Ships like Oasis of the Seas, Norwegian Getaway and Carnival Sunshine all need that extra section of your time so they can show you what they are made of.
The Perfect Time for “Me Time”
Parents, this is where your relaxation time also kicks in. You don’t have to drag the kids out of bed readyfor a first thing shore excursion, instead you can enjoy a leisurely awakening and a calm several moments of washing and dressing before seeing them on their way to the kids club. Yes, now you can finally have some YOU time. The kids clubs onboard are fantastic and they can be in there from sunrise until long after sunset. It really does allow for the perfect opportunity for that spa visit you have been looking forward to or to find a sun lounger and just read a book in peace for a few hours. Whatever you decide to do, make the most of it!
On my next cruise, I have 3 days at sea, the port of Funchal and then another 5 days at sea before reaching the Caribbean. I suppose for anyone that doesn’t like sea days it’s the worst cruise possible, but for me, it really is perfect. We have the same on the way back, but with a stop at The Azores instead of Madeira. The outward crossing is always more exciting than the one taking us back home, but it does mean I can fully relax and recharge on the way there and on the way back, always a bonus!
Happy Sailing!
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Image Credits: Damian Gadal, Prayitno
