10 reasons why you’ll love cruise days at sea

Cruises are packed with on shore excursions but what is there to do on "sea days"? The options for entertainment, activities and relaxation are endless...

by Lesley Bellew

Saga Cruises' guests have got sea days down to a fine art – they know there's no need to get up early for excursions so they start the day in a leisurely style.

For many, it's the perfect treat to order room service for breakfast on the balcony. It can feel divinely decadent eating croissants and drinking coffee as the sun rises over a sparkling ocean – the ultimate way to start the day.

Other guests like to kickstart a sea day with a fitness class or gym session and perhaps a swim before breakfast, either in the warming hydrotherapy pool or doing a few lengths of The Lido pool.

It's also wonderful to breathe in the sea air when joining a group walk around the Promenade Deck (Deck 6), where four laps equal one mile, or simply stroll at your own pace either listening to the sea or music on your headphones.

Making friends is easy during a sea day with plenty of fun and banter during deck quoits, shuffleboard or carpet bowls. A table tennis tournament or "killer darts" can also bring out guests' sporting instinct.

The daily programme, Today, is delivered to your cabin each evening and is jam-packed with activities on sea days so it's worth studying. However, it is almost impossible to do everything on offer, especially when there's breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to work round, so choose wisely.

Cruise lover Gillian Webb, a former model and sculptor, particularly enjoys sea days, saying "I really like using the hydrotherapy pool – and it's free, unlike some other cruise lines".

She adds: "I have met some lovely people at art sessions and creative writing classes during days at sea. I enjoy doing water colours – it's great fun with tutors who are very encouraging and positive."

Of course, if you just want to laze by the pool with a good book all day the choice is yours – here's a taster of the activities to consider as your ship sails across the ocean to your next port of call. There's something for every side of you:

The dancer in you will love...

...sessions in the Britannia Lounge with dance hosts ready to take you for a spin across the dancefloor. From beginners to advanced dancers the classes are open to everyone. There's no pressure, just a relaxed atmosphere to learn a new dance or sharpen skills with one-to-one tuition.

In the evenings, there's always dancing in the Britannia Lounge where you can practise your new steps.

The wildlife spotter will love...

...getting up early to look for whales, dolphins and sea birds from the ship. Take your binoculars (there is a pair in every cabin) and meet like-minded guests. Members of the wildlife charity ORCA are often onboard and help guests identify their sightings and they keep a record during the cruise which ORCA collates for important research and study purposes.

The craft makers will love...

...sessions learning all sorts of new skills. Actor Julie Peasgood's specialist Supercrafters team bring all kinds of materials for everything from felting to mosaic-making classes (check your itinerary before booking to see which experts are included on your sailing).

Best of all you will have a keepsake to take home from your cruise and maybe inspiration to start a new hobby. The sessions are popular, so be sure to book your class as soon as you board.

The arty ones will love...

...discovering a hidden talent or improving your technique in water colours as you capture destinations you have visited from the ship. An experienced art tutor will offer both inspiration and guidance and your bespoke pictures can become treasured mementos of your cruise.

Bring your own paints and brushes if you wish - no-fly cruises have no luggage limit - or you can buy materials from your art tutor.

Spa addicts will love...

...the gorgeous and free-to-use spas on the Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. The hydrotherapy pool is luxuriously warm and you can dry off on heated loungers which adds to the relaxation. Dip in out of the sauna and dry room for more health-giving benefits.

Treatments in the spa are chargeable but on sea days guests often treat themselves to a facial, massage or a new hairstyle in the salon. Manicures and pedicures are also popular, particularly before a formal night when everyone puts on their finery.

Music fans will love...

...that there is music everywhere on Saga Cruises' ships. A pianist plays during Afternoon Tea and during pre-dinner drinks where the gentle background music is the perfect accompaniment.

In the evenings, the house band and singers bring the Britannia Lounge alive and there are cabaret nights, often with guest musicians and singers. In The Playhouse, West End-style musicals and shows add to the entertainment.

Lifelong learners will love...

...the fascinating speakers on Saga Cruises' ships. The people sharing an insight into their fascinating worlds range from diplomats to former members of MI5, television celebrities to journalists, alongside experts in the fields of science, history and wildlife.

On a sea day it's rewarding (and educational) to hear their intriguing "behind the scenes" stories of intrigue.

Foodies will love...

...the entertaining and informative cookery demonstrations, put on by the ships' chefs and sometimes celebrity chefs, covering everything from healthy meals to chocolate-making. Presentations are chatty and informative with step-by-step tuition plus top tips from the experts.

TV chef Phil Vickery, who devises many of Saga Cruises' ships' menus, is regularly onboard so it's always worth checking when he is sailing.

Wine lovers can learn...

...secrets from the visiting wine experts. Saga Cruises prides itself on serving excellent wines from English sparkling wine to the signature Côte des Roses rosé which is served in the La Vie en Rose specialty restaurant. Visiting wine experts always keen to impart their knowledge so join a wine tasting during a sea day to sample local varieties, learn about the grapes, wine-making processes and the best pairings.

Competitive players will love...

...the chance to flex their gaming instincts. Get a team together or join a group for some friendly competition at the pub-style quizzes in the ship's lounges or bars. Test your knowledge – you'll probably be surprised how much you know. In the Games Room, you will always find fellow guests ready to play bridge, poker or chess. For more fun, pick up a board game from the Library. After all, who can resist a game of Scrabble on the high seas?

Find out more about ocean cruises with Saga.