Life on board a cruise ship is a totally unique experience, and there’s so much you can do to enjoy fun and enriching days at sea. From the best cruise ship entertainment to the most relaxing spa treatments, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of activities and facilities available on board.
If you’re wondering what to do on a cruise ship, this Bolsover Cruise Club guide covers everything you need to know about life on board, from settling in to your room and exploring the ship to making the most of your days at sea.
Once you have checked in and completed the embarkation process, you will be introduced to a number of key aspects of life on board a cruise ship. This will include your on board account, with which you will make all on board purchases throughout your cruise and pay for gratuities (service charges for the crew).
Also important are safety procedures, primarily the muster drill. Absolutely nothing to be concerned about; this drill simply informs guests about what procedures they must follow and where they need to go during an emergency situation.
Stepping into your room or cabin is one of the best parts about your first day on board. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options, including inside staterooms, oceanview and balcony cabins. Settling into your new home away from home is all about unpacking and becoming familiar with your facilities.
Many cruise lines provide room service, allowing guests to order meals and drinks directly to their cabins. From breakfast in bed to an evening cocktail on your private balcony, room service brings a touch of luxury to each day of your cruise.
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Once you’re settled in, it’s time to start thinking about what to do on your cruise ship. While some guests may prefer to take each day as it comes, there are plenty of options available to help guests organise their itinerary.
Many cruise lines publish a daily programme in the form of a newsletter, outlining what events and activities are available each day. This makes planning days at sea really easy. Additionally, each cruise ship has staff available to provide information about available shore excursions and assist with the booking process.
From the smell of coffee in the morning to a freshly prepared evening meal, dining on a cruise ship is all about quality and variety of flavour. Cruise lines offer dining and drinks packages that let guests personalise their experience and pay for exactly what they like.
Throughout your cruise, you can enjoy dishes from every kind of dining venue, from speciality Italian restaurants like Royal Caribbean’s Giovanni’s Table to casual lunch spots like Celebrity Cruises’ Spa Cafe. Guests who select comprehensive drinks packages can also enjoy craft cocktails and extensive wine lists from a host of inviting onboard lounges.
Between port stops, days at sea are made special thanks to the diversity of facilities on your cruise ship. Whatever your preferred activity, there are organised events and recreational spaces available to make sailing the open seas a blissful experience.
On board shopping provides much-needed retail therapy, while fitness and spa centres make taking care of your health and wellbeing fun and accessible. Sunbeds and swimming pools provide the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, and cruise lines like MSC Cruises provide kids’ clubs to ensure every age group can enjoy a holiday to remember.
After sunset, life on board a cruise ship changes gear. Starting with entertainment, cruise lines offer unique productions and shows to capture the imagination, from bold Broadway-style musicals to daring acrobatic displays. These shows are typically included in the cruise fare, making spectacular evenings open to all.
For adults, evenings are further enriched by sophisticated bars and lounges, where they can revel in crafted cocktails and relaxing interiors. Some ships also provide onboard casinos for nights of play and socialising.
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From the cities of the Mediterranean to the island harbours of the Caribbean, each stop on your itinerary will offer a unique range of activities and excursions to enjoy, delving into local history, cuisine and culture.
If the port in question is small, difficult for larger ships to access or particularly busy, cruise lines will provide tender services. This involves transferring guests from the ship to the port using a series of smaller boats.
Life on board a cruise can be non-stop action, so here are a few extra things we think are essential to know:
Lost Property: If you lose anything on board, cruise ships typically have a lost-and-found department where items can be recovered. If you realise you have lost something after disembarking, you will need to contact your cruise line and provide key details, such as the ship you have sailed on and your booking reference.
Medical Centres: Almost all modern cruise ships feature a full-service medical centre and dedicated doctors and nurses. They will typically be equipped with facilities such as ECG machines, nebulisers, oxygen and X-ray machines.
Medication: For guest safety, we recommend keeping your medication on your person, along with your prescription. Most ports allow passengers to bring medications into the country (though we advise checking), and passengers whose medications require refrigeration can request refrigeration facilities at the time of booking.
Age Restrictions: Most cruise lines require passengers to be at least 18 to sail alone, and toddlers must be at least 6 months old to accompany their parents on board. The legal age to drink and gamble can vary, with many cruise lines requiring passengers to be either 18 or 21 years of age.
Smoking Policies: While rules on smoking can vary between cruise lines, smoking in cabins and on balconies is generally not permitted. Cruise ships will provide information about where smoking is permitted on board.
Yes, many cruise lines now offer multiple meetings and receptions on board. Any meetings due to take place can be advertised in the ship’s daily newspaper, with information on meeting type, venue and time.
Many cruise lines offer onboard enrichment programmes, so be sure to check the details of the activities available on your booked cruise. Enrichment-orientated programmes can include activities ranging from guest lectures to culinary tours led by industry-leading chefs.
Yes, spa treatments are not typically included and will require a fee. For more information about the spa facilities and treatments available on board, we recommend checking the details of your booking.
Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.
