11 Things I Look Forward To When I’m Going On A Cruise

There are so many things I look forward to when I have a cruise booked! Whether you are a regular cruiser or planning your first cruise, there are so many exciting things to see and do.

#1 Exploring The Ship

One of my favourite things to do as soon as I get onboard is explore the ship.

I don’t think I have ever been on two ships the same. Ships have different decor and facilities – and the general feel of the ship can vary a lot.

Some, like Cunard, are calm and refined. Others, like Carnival or Virgin, almost have a party atmosphere.

You used to be given a cruise ship map when you got on board to help you find your way around, but now most of that information can be found on the cruise line App.

There are usually cruise ship maps by the stairs or the lift, which is invaluable for people like me who have no sense of direction!

I normally make my way along the decks, one deck at at time, often finding surprises and interesting venues along the way.

I have sailed on sister ships Anthem of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. Spectrum was designed for the Asian market, and I found some very interesting changes to her layout that I hadn’t expected.

Find out more about that in the video below:

#2 A Break From Usual Routine

I am lucky I now work for myself and I don’t have that daily work routine that so many have. I did spend six years in my nine-to-five job in insurance, and then I couldn’t wait to get away for a break from the daily commute.

Just that break from setting the alarm clock every morning and not having that morning commute to work is wonderful.

On a cruise you can do as little or as much as you like – you can have a lie in, sit quietly in a corner and read – or get involved in every activity on the schedule!

The choice is yours – but it will certainly be a break from your normal routine.

#3 Visiting New Places

I love researching and then visiting new places. It’s great to meet different people, hear different languages spoken and see different ways of life.

A cruise is a great way to see multiple places or countries in a week. If you take a standard Western Mediterranean cruise, you can visit France, Spain, Italy and often smaller islands like Malta, Corsica, or Mallorca.

If your holiday/vacation time from work is at a premium, you can make the most out of the days you have by taking a cruise.

#4 Enjoy Live Music

When you go on a cruise, you will find all sorts of live music going on all around the ship.

From cover bands to pianists, guitarists or string quartets, there should be something to suit everyone.

Even on small river cruise ships, they have some sort of live entertainment in their main lounge.

Sometimes, ships get local musicians onboard when docked to perform

Below right, you can see an amazing Oompah Band that was bought onboard the river ship, Tui Skyla, when we were in Germany.

#5 Trivia!

This is a personal favourite of mine. I often take part in Trivia when it is on.

Everyone in the family has different knowledge and strengths – whether it be music, sports, science, TV programs or general knowledge – everyone pays their part!

When I sailed on Spectrum of the Seas in Asia, it was very obvious that different nationalities enjoyed different activities.

The British and American guests would always show up for trivia, whilst the guests from Singapore or China preferred Karaoke!

#6 Theatre Shows

The majority of mainstream cruise lines have a theatre and put on nightly theatre shows.

Whether it is singers, magicians, comedians or full Broadway-style theatre performances, there will be plenty going on to keep you entertained.

I always love going to the theatre in London when I get the opportunity. I don’t look forward to the train journeys up to the theatre – and the journey back home again on the late-night trains.

Its great to see shows onboard, there is journey to be made, all you have to do is get back to your cabin afterwards.

#7 No Cooking Or Meal Planning

I must admit my boyfriend Jono does most of the cooking in our household, but I am involved in the meal planning.

Another lovely thing about cruising is that you never have to worry about what is for dinner! Every member of the family can choose something different – so everybody is happy.

This is one thing my Mum always really enjoyed about taking us on cruises. When we were younger, she liked to have a complete break from meal planning – as I wouldn’t eat one thing and my brother wouldn’t eat another! Keeping everyone happy was always a challenge.

No such worries when you are cruising. You can eat what you like, when you like – within reason!

#8 Swimming and Water Slides

I am not one for spending time in the Spa, but I enjoy swimming in the pool, as long as it isn’t too busy. I might have a quick dip in the hot tubs, too!

If there are water slides on the ship, I am always up for trying them.

It is so much easier and more convenient on a cruise ship to have a quick swim.

Watch me braving a huge waterslide that went out over the side of the ship – and trying lots of other exciting activities too – onboard Norwegian Prima:

#9 Spending Quality Time With Family And Friends

LIke many people, i have a busy life. I travel a lot, have lots of hobbies and like to meet up with friends and family whenever possible.

Sometimes life gets in the way of my plans, but when I go on a cruise with my family or friends, I know we will get to spend some quality time together, without all the everyday stresses of normal life.

We have made some wonderful memories, and when I recently lost a family member, I was very grateful to be able to look back and think of the amazing times we had spent together.

#10 Sail In’s And Sail Aways

I love the excitement of setting sail from a port and getting the journey underway! I also love sailing into a new place and watching the ship dock (If I’m up early enough!)

The views can be just fantastic. I am so lucky to have visited countries like Norway and Alaska or ports like Kotor in Montenegro, which has a 30-kilometer-long fjord that you sail into. Those memories will stay with me forever.

Simple pleasures like waving from the top deck to those people on the quayside make me so happy. I can’t explain it!

#11 Watching The Sunsets

I rarely watch the sunsets at home. I am always too busy getting on with my daily life.

When on a cruise, i really enjoy it. Sources say that watching the sunset can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed, content, and present. 

Apparently, the warm colours of a sunset can evoke feelings of happiness and optimism and trigger the release of dopamine in the brain.

I can’t really comment on that, but cruising certainly makes me happy!

There are lots of reasons why cruising is good for you. To explore others, read this article next:

5 Ways Taking a Cruise Benefits Your Body and Brain!

This is just my list with my own personal preferences, of course. You might enjoy:

• Trying some Spa treatments or using the thermal pools
• Using the fully equipped Gym
• Taking part in game shows or Bingo
• Having a gamble in the Casino
• Relaxing with a few drinks – you don’t have to drive or get yourself home!
• Table sharing and meeting new people
• Go to late-night parties and dressing up for themed events – White Night, 70s Night, Pirate Night, etc

Before You Go

Discover the Secrets to Planning your Perfect Cruise below:

Ready to Set Sail? Discover the Secrets to Planning the Perfect Cruise

Find out why cruises are perfect for nervous first-time travellers in the article below:

Why Cruises Are Perfect for Nervous First-Time Travellers