Travel advice

New to cruising? Find out what cruise activities you can expect to find on board to keep you entertained during days at sea.

When sailing between ports, your ship is just as packed with new experiences as a day ashore. From crafting to dancing, learning to wine tasting, there’s something for everyone aboard Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery. Just a glance at the ship’s daily schedule will have you wondering how you’re going to fit in everything you’d like to try!

Onboard activities to enjoy

Dancing

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, onboard dance classes are accessible to everybody. You’re bound to find a class that suits your style; it doesn’t matter if you have two left feet, dance classes are great fun. There’s no Strictly-style scoreboard, so shrug off your inhibitions and embrace the relaxed atmosphere.

A few new steps are not so difficult with one-to-one tuition from professional dancers. So, if you’re inspired by the talented evening entertainers or perhaps by a celebrity guest on board, try out one of the many dance classes offered at sea.

Art

Inspired by cultural cities, pretty towns and stunning scenery, many guests enjoy getting in touch with their creativity on board. Experienced art teachers regularly offer classes, teaching everything from watercolour painting to mosaic making.

Bring your own paints and brushes if you have them. Pack as many supplies as you’d like to inspire your approach to lessons – another bonus of our no-fly cruises! Don’t worry if you don’t have anything to bring from home, there are often sets to be purchased for a small fee in classes.

A few art sessions can kick-start a new hobby and many guests take great pride in taking home their first painting - some also discover a hidden talent they didn’t know they had.

Cookery

Embrace your inner Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood and head to one of the many cooking classes offered on board. From healthy meals to chocolate-making demonstrations, there is so much to learn.

Like the ingredients in your chef-prepared evening meals, the ingredients used in demonstrations are often locally sourced and inspired by your ports of call. Plus, celebrity chefs join selected itineraries and offer their own classes.

Wine tasting

With all-inclusive drinks on board, you never have to worry about the bill and can indulge as much as you’d like. But perhaps you’d like to sample local wines in a slower environment, guided by a professional sommelier.

Learn about the grapes, wine making processes and the best pairings, then see what notes and flavours you can make out. There’s no need to feel intimidated if you know very little about wine, our sommeliers are always keen to encourage more interest in wine and the wine regions.

Wine tasting classes are great for offering new ideas to impress friends and family with!

Enrichment talks

Guest speakers offer enriching talks on a range of topics, from art and architecture to horticulture and wildlife. Talks are often given by celebrity guests, offering a more personal look into their specialisms.

Speakers regale intriguing stories behind the artwork in galleries, famous figures in history and celebrity hang-outs, to the best places to buy local delicacies or souvenirs. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and later show off your new-found wealth of knowledge!

Learn a new language

Learning the basics of the language used in the ports of call can be really handy as well as polite and respectful. From Spanish to Norwegian, you can learn some useful phrases during onboard language lessons.

Your lecturers may also share facts about the culture and customs of your ports of call, which can really help enrich your exploration ashore. You’ll feel more independent and confident, and the classes offer a skill that you can take with you after your cruise.

Musical entertainment

A pianist always plays during Afternoon Tea - a must event on sea days! Enjoy delicately cut sandwiches, cream teas and even chocolate fondue while being serenaded by live music.

After dinner, you can look forward to the incredible entertainment put on every night by our talented performers, which may include West End-style shows as well as cabaret nights with singers, magicians and comedians.

Celebrity singers and musicians often join our cruises, so look out for who may be joining you when you book your cruise!

Quizzes and 'games'

There’s often a pub-style quiz in one of the ship’s lounges so get your team together and be surprised about how much you know – or don’t. You may also enjoy heading to the Games Room to play fellow guests at bridge, poker, chess or another classic game.

Get active...

Restless souls can swim, join yoga and take part in other fitness classes. Walking a mile or two round the ship is a good way to start the day, so enjoy the peace and waves sounds or join a group to make your promenade more sociable.

Golfers will enjoy the hi-tech simulators on board and gym-goers can work out with a view in the top-of-the-range Fitness Suite.

...or relax

If you prefer some pampering, there is no better time to indulge than a boutique cruise on Spirit of Adventure or Spirit of Discovery. From manicures and pedicures to massages or a haircut, head to the Spa and the Salon for a day of relaxation. But be sure to book ahead!

On sunny days, lazing by the pool makes for perfect cruising. Slap on the sun cream, relax and listen to the waves. When it gets too hot, take a dip in the pool and savour the unlimited ice cream served on the Lido deck. And repeat.

Find out more about Saga ocean cruises.