10 reasons you will never be bored on board

by Lesley Bellew

One of the most common questions first-time cruise guests ask is ‘Will I be bored?’. The answer is a simple ‘No’ as there is never enough time to join in all of the activities.

With a daily programme of entertainment from early morning until late at night, there is always a host of talks, classes, craft sessions, theatre shows and deck games to enjoy between days ashore from Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure.

To fit in as much as possible, savvy guests read their ‘Today’ daily programme to plan ahead. It is delivered to the cabin every evening and can also be viewed on the cabin TV.

It is also wise to check where all of the venues are on your ship, so once you have settled into your cabin, take a leisurely walk around the decks to find the Britannia Lounge, Playhouse Theatre, The Spa, The Lido, The Fitness Centre and The Chart Room.

On the Main Deck is The Living Room, a double height, welcoming space with a bar and comfortable sofas, but importantly, tucked behind is the reception desk where the staff are able to help with any questions you may have, such as bookings for classes. So whether you love to dabble in watercolours or learn a new craft, listen to an expert speaker or join a dance class you will be all set to do as much, or as little, as you wish during your cruise.

Of course, there is no extra charge for activities on Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure (which have almost the same layout) so you can listen to as many talks, join classes, listen to music and watch as many shows as you want.

Factor in fitness

Keeping up a fitness routine or starting a wellness regime is easy on Saga ships. In The Fitness Centre, experts can help with the hi-tech equipment if required and while you are exercising you can look out to sea to spot any passing wildlife. Classes such as Pilates, yoga and meditation are run on a first-come, first-served basis so it is best to visit The Fitness Centre early in the cruise to check out the schedule.

Walk a mile with sea views

The double-width Promenade Deck (Deck 6) wraps right around the ship and if you do four laps you will have walked a mile while enjoying the views and taking in the sea air. Go at your own speed or join an organised early morning walk with one of the fitness team and other guests.

Get in the swim

The Lido on Deck 12 is the main outdoor pool and leisure area with hot tubs and sun loungers. After a swim you can stretch out in the sunshine and enjoy a drink brought to you by the crew who will soon get to know your favourite tipple. Here you can also order fish and chips, a hot dog or an ice cream, so you really will feel as if you are by the seaside!

Health and beauty

When Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure were being designed, regular guests were asked what they would like to see in the new ships. They requested a spacious, light-filled luxury spa and the result, on both ships, is a beautiful sanctuary to unwind after busy days ashore.

The Spa and thermal suites are truly sumptuous with a free-to-use hydrotherapy pool, heated stone loungers, a steam room and infrared sauna.

Spa treatments are not included in the cruise fare but for a treat you can book Elemis facials, massages and therapies. There is no hard sell, so you can simply enjoy a perfectly relaxed pampering.

Before Formal Nights, where guests dress up for dinner and the evening’s entertainment, The Salon (within The Spa) is particularly popular for hairdressing and manicure and pedicure appointments.

That’s entertainment

There are usually two performances each evening in The Playhouse theatre, from West End-style shows to cabaret or concerts. On sea days, The Playhouse matinees include chef demonstrations, celebrity guests and knowledgeable speakers who take to the stage of the 444-seat theatre.

Get dancing

Dance hosts lead classes for all levels, so whether you are a beginner or an experienced ballroom dancer, you can take a whirl around the floor in a class that suits your style. These sessions tend to take place during in the day in the Britannia Lounge where you can practise new steps ready for the evening, when bands and singers put on nightly performances.

As well as ballroom dancing there is plenty of disco music so you can put on your boogie shoes and enjoy rock and roll, sounds of the sixties, soul, Tamla Motown and modern-day classics.

The Britannia Lounge is a spectacular double-height venue with 270-degree views, plenty of seating and a bar, so it is a fabulous venue to socialise.

Start new hobbies or indulge your passions

Why not join one of the art and craft sessions? The Supercrafters, who are on board once or twice a year, are a team of specialists under the leadership of actor and crafter Julie Peasgood. They deliver workshops including stained glass, needle felting, aluminium art, mosaics, seaglass jewellery, lino printing, découpage and leatherwork.

I am always thrilled when guests tell me our themed workshops really elevate their cruise.

Julie Peasgood

Experienced art teachers also regularly offer watercolour painting. If you have your own paints, bring them along as there is no luggage limit on no-fly cruises. Cooking classes are also popular, from chocolate-making to healthy eating demonstrations, sometimes by celebrity chefs.

Check which classes will be held on board before booking your cruise.

Art appreciation

Artwork by Julia McKenzie from Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure are floating art galleries. The walls are lined with bespoke art by British artists specially commissioned to create new pieces of work. Each ship is adorned with around 1,500 works by 40-plus artists who followed themes of the British landscape and coast, flora and fauna, water and sky. It is so interesting to wander around the ship and admire the bold paintings, sculpture and mixed media work, from metal and glass to paper and bronze.

In The Playhouse foyer there is always a rotating art exhibition, so arrive early for a show to enjoy the display.

Deck games

When the weather is fine it is a lovely experience to try your hand at deck games on the Observation Deck (Deck 14), echoing the bygone days of cruising. Here you will find traditional outdoor games such as shuffleboard and deck quoits where you can join an organised competition or just turn up to find some friendly competition.

If you like to practise your swing, a digital golf simulator, The Fairway, is also on Deck 14. Whether you want to play on your own, or join in a tournament, this virtual simulator allows you to experience some of the world’s famous courses.

Join the quiz – make friends

The daily quiz is something of an institution on Saga's ships. Just wander into one of the lounges and join a team. The general knowledge quiz is all good fun, often with plenty of banter when the quiz master is putting the sharpest brains to the test. It is one of the best ways of meeting new friends – in fact, one couple ended up as husband and wife!

How can I experience this?

Book your Saga Ocean Cruise or find out more about the Saga Cruise Experience.