15 Cruise Sea Day Mistakes Cruisers (Almost) Always Regret

While it may not be possible to completely mess up a sea day, there are some common cruise sea day mistakes to avoid! These cruise sea day day tips will ensure that you don't miss out on one of the best parts of your cruise vacation!

First time cruisers often worry that they may be bored on sea days on a cruise ship. This probably won't be the case! However, there are some cruise do's and don'ts to help you make the most of each day of your cruise holiday.

Cruise passengers should avoid some of these things. From wasting time on cruise sea days to missing our on cruise dining, these cruise tips & tricks will be helpful as you plan your cruise travels.

Great for first time cruisers as well as cruise veterans - Carnival cruisers, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line and more!

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🛳 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER 🛳

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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.

ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!

Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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Some of the video B-Roll footage courtesy of RCCL, Princess Cruises and HAL
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Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[reginawalters]

I love both sea and Port days. My favorite itinerary is first day at sea, then back to back to back Port days, then end with one or two sea days. That first day at sea gets me in vacation mode. That last sea day helps me relax.

[matthewferrick]

I first noticed this when I wasva Marine on a Navy ship and I still love it. Not everyone takes the time to watch the sun rise in the East and set in the West while at sea. It's a view not a lot of people get to see. If you've never done it, it's a must do.

[donbarron]

Love staying on the ship during port days. So many Caribbean ports are similar.

[drlilith]

While I've always loved cruising as a way of visiting interesting ports, we took our first transatlantic cruise this summer, and I'm now in love with sea days! Six sea days in a row was the ultimate in relaxation.

[dr.braxygilkeycruises]

I enjoy getting out and seeing a bit of the different countries in Port, but my favorite thing in the world is the sea days! I love staring at the water, breathing in the super fresh air, taking walks, sitting on my balcony or in the library reading. It is so soothing. Also, I'm a solo cruiser, so when I go to breakfast, I'll usually have a book with me. I sit near a big window, read, look outside at the rushing water, eat my food, and enjoy being alive. One other thing I love about sea days, particularly on Carnival, is that they serve the eggs benedict with smoked salmon ONLY on sea days. On Port Days, you can only get it with that nasty round "bacon" that I don't like.

[lorenajones]

Thank you for your videos. I'm considering going on a cruise for the first time to celebrate my 70th birthday. This past year has been rough having lost several close friends and family members. My youngest daughter suggested taking a cruise. I've been watching youtube videos and find yours to be the most informative and fun. They are fantastic for non-travelers! I wouldn't even know what to pack if it wasn't for your amazing videos. The nearest port from me is eight miles down the road, and yes it never crossed my mind to take a cruise until now.

[davidkolarik-yjup]

Early day at ports. Return early to ship. More relaxing after all hustle and bustle on sea days.

[Michael-Bennett]

One thing I love about some of the older NCL cruise ships is the promenade deck that goes all the way around the ship. Great for an evening stroll.

[marlenejames]

Even though port days are the best, my husband and I love sea days so that we can just do what we want when we want with no rush and stress. We love to walk the ship and stop and check out everything that is happening. Thanks Elana! Your videos are super informative and fun to watch. God bless!

[meddyven]

Illana, you mentioned those who stay out on deck too long and get sun burned. If you should get a little too red, even with sunscreen, get some hot black tea. Soak it in a wash cloth. Let it cool, then place it over burned areas. The tea draws out the heat, and relieves rhe pain faster.

[crazydariver]

I wear a UV long sleeve surfing top on days at sea. And a hat. And sunglasses. Just the pool reflection can mess your eyes up for hours

[krysab]

As a Brit, afternoon tea is an institution - beats the mid-afternoon slump with a cuppa tea and a cream scone!

[kathleenperez]

Would love to cruise w no ports, it’s the best just being at sea 😊

[MrHardhatharry]

Sea days are, for us, the most relaxing, most fun and the best days for enjoying dining. Port days always seem rushed for us.

[badseedgirl]

Afternoon tea is my absolute favorite time on the ship. Love, love, love it!

[DVJ-]

THANK YOU, Ilana!

My wife and I just got back from our very first cruise. (It was on Celebrity).

We purchased your ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER months ago and studied numerous of your YouTube vids.

It made our time so much better, due to: practicality, efficiency, and avoiding rookie mistakes.

Cheers!

[AlienFrequency]

I’d go on a cruise that was ONLY sea days. Port days are kinda tiring for me, essentially if I have to drag myself out of bed at like 7am, while I’m VACATION!

[CruisingEngineer]

I really miss the paper cruise planner on the turned-down bed with chocolates when we returned to our stateroom at the end of the day. That is when I planned for the next day (sea day). Moving is very important. We walk several laps around the track after every meal (and always take the stairs).

[corinnecowper]

We're going on our very first cruise in March 2024 around the top of Australia. I can't wait to take photos of the tropical sunrise and sunset knowing from previous trips to the tropics how dramatic they can be. The other tips you've given are very useful - thank you.

[Jon_T]

I really love sea days. There is something super relaxing about being at sea and watching the wake behind the ship. When I look at booking cruises, I have a list of ships I want to be on, and then pick the time that works. The itinerary almost becomes the third consideration, as I try to fit in multiple "shorter" cruises in a calendar year and one, week or longer cruise. Those shorter cruises call on the same close ports, so I am not missing anything by staying on the ship. If the cruise has a lot of sea days, I'll try and save some extra money for a suite, so I can enjoy the less crowded areas during busy sea days.