Do cruises really have long, boring days at sea?

Unless you have a very rare cruise schedule, you will probably have at least one day at sea, without a single stop at any island or port. Actually, there are many hours in between those daily ports, as well. So, since you're then stuck on the ship, what in the world are you going to do?

Of course, the cruise lines know all to well that they need something to keep their passengers busy when they're not eating or sleeping. They have developed their own versions of entertainment, and entertaining venues and activities on board.

The newest ships have exciting things which are unique to their own lines in many cases. Rock climbing seems to be getting more and more popular on the ships, and when you reach the top of the wall, you get a view over the scenery higher and better than anyone else on the entire ship, including the captain!

One of the most unusual things I've ever came across on just a couple of the newest ships are actual ice skating rinks. Right on board. Even in the Caribbean in the summer! You would be very, very, very hard-pressed to find a single ice skating rink on any of the tropical Caribbean islands. Think of the excitement and interest you can stir up as you go from ice skating over the water to a tropical island beach and back to the cold of the ice rink in just a few hours. Of course, with an ice rink, the ships also have ice skating performances.

I've mentioned this in my last blog on the dining options, but it bears pointing out that 24-hour pizzerias are also new to many ships and cruise lines.

For the less adventurous, most cruise ships also have an art gallery (with pieces for sale), library, card rooms, pools and whirlpools, cigar lounge, bars and lounges, movie theater, meeting rooms, piano bar, a sports court, sports bar, champagne bar, sunbathing, cocktail lounge, wine bar, and a jogging track.

Still, that is not enough for some people, and the kids don't usually enjoy so many adult-directed venues. So, the cruise lines usually have reserved spaces for ONLY children. Teens can visit the teen-only disco and social areas, as well as the arcade. And younger kids "get stuck with" a wild and crazy adventure pool and private swimming area and recreations and activities just for them and their age group! Don't worry about leaving your precious little Sally with them. She will be taken good care of by the well-trained childcare staff. Some cruise lines even give the parents beepers just in case. And, if mommy and daddy want to spend some time alone at night, after the adventure park is closed, there are great sitting services which are rather reasonably-priced and can extend to as late as 1:00am. Actually, some cruise lines even have special pajama parties just for the kids which last rather late as well.

And, just what would mommy and daddy be doing while Sally is playing with her new friends in the adventure park part of the ship? Adults have their own solarium set aside for just adults so they can sunbathe, relax, swim, and rest up for a great night on the town, well, actually, it's an adult-only night club. In the middle of the ship is also a special adult-only area. The casino. With Las Vegas rules and lessons for those of us who aren't all that familiar with the games. There are also late-night performances such as comics who have more adult-oriented shows.

And, if you actually want to spend time together with the kids and the "old people," why not check out some more really exciting things to do on the ship? Everything from miniature golf and golf simulators to waver runners and the water park and water slide. From nightly entertainment by way of Broadway shows and musicals and comedy skits, to smaller event karaoke and games and prizes.

As if that isn't enough, here is a list of even MORE things to do while on board:
1. an entire street of shops and duty-free stores
2. a well-equipped gym with classes, saunas, and a tremendous view, and a personal trainer
3. inline skating track
4. self-leveling pool tables
5. boxing ring
6. flower arranging
7. spa and salon services such as hairdresser, massage, facial, manicure, pedicure
8. trampoline
9. wireless internet

And you're worried about not having enough to do while at sea? I think you will get disappointed that you have to get off the ship because you didn't have enough time to do everything! And those annoying stops at those tropical islands! What an interruption while you're having the time of your life on board!

Oh, one more thing, just be aware that, although most things on board are free, some things do come for a cost. Such as sitting services, personal training, bars, casino, salon and spa services, and other such things. Always ask if you are not sure, just to avoid any sudden shocks when you get off the ship at the end of your VERY busy cruise!

To experience the whole new world and live the cruise ship dream, book your cruise today at:
http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp