There are so many articles talking about the fun amenities and activities on a cruise ship. And they are right! Cruise ships are designed to keep you entertained, but they have also done a great job including quieter places to relax.
Activities and fun are great but sometimes on a vacation you want time to relax and unwind a bit.
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This leads to the question…
Are cruises relaxing?
One of the great things about a cruise is that you can make your cruise vacation as busy and active or as calm and relaxing as you like. For me, the best cruise vacation combines both.
If you are looking for a more relaxing cruise, then check out these tips.
Ways to Make a Cruise More Relaxing
Book a balcony or a suite
Having your own quiet outdoor space away from the crowds is one of the best ways to relax on a cruise.
Imagine lounging on your balcony sipping a cold beverage and reading a good book. The sun, the sound of the waves, the breeze, aaahhh. Sounds pretty perfect to me.
If you really want to splurge and get away from it all, consider a specialty cabin. For example, NCL has The Haven. Carnival has the Havana stateroom and Havana pool area exclusive for those guests.
Breakfast on your balcony
Start your morning off with breakfast delivered to your stateroom that you can enjoy on your balcony (if you splurged for one). Most cruise lines offer complimentary continental room service breakfast.
Stay on the ship in port
If you are wanting to explore the ship with a lot less people onboard, consider staying on the ship while most of the other passengers are off in port.
Another bonus to staying on the ship instead of going to shore is that the spa often offers port day specials for spa treatments.
Plan shore excursions ahead of time
For the ports that you do go ashore, plan you shore excursions or activities ahead of time before your cruise.
Having them organized before sailing will save you from trying to decide what and how to book while you are on
vacation. It will make your cruise more relaxing and less stressful.
A bonus to booking shore excursions ahead of time is that some cruise lines will offer sales or discounts for booking early.
Related post: 5 Reasons to Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Cruise ship spa facilities
One of the best ways to relax on a cruise ship is to enjoy the spa facilities. The spa facilities and amenities vary cruise ship to cruise ship.
Look for a cruise ship that offers great amenities other than just the standard treatments like massage, pedicures, etc.
For example, the Cloud 9 Spa on Carnival Dream offers a hydrotherapy pool and thermal suites.
There is an extra cost to use the spa facilities but if relaxation is what you are after then the cost might be worth it to you.
If you plan to frequent the spa often, then look to see if your cruise ship offers spa staterooms. Carnival Cruise Line has several spa stateroom categories (interior, balcony, suite). Booking a Carnival spa stateroom gives you added perks including unlimited use of the thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, discounted spa treatments, and the use of bathrobes and slippers. Definitely something to consider.
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Try some aromatherapy shower steamers. Add these fragrant tablets to your shower for a relaxing end to your day.
These are a great way to add a spa feel to your stateroom, especially if you can’t afford to visit the spa. Add a box of these highly rated shower steamers to your cruise packing list.
Ways to relax on a cruise
For those times on a cruise that you want to escape the crowds and relax with a good book or your thoughts, seek out some of the quieter areas on the cruise ship.
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Some of the quieter areas on a cruise ship
Adult only pool area
Many cruise lines have an adult only pool area. Carnival calls theirs the Serenity Deck. Royal Caribbean calls theirs the Solarium.
These areas are quieter than the main pool area and usually feature upgraded comfy loungers.
Aft pool
If your ship doesn’t have an adult only pool area or if you are looking for a change of scenery, try the pool aft on the ship (at the back of the ship). Many cruise ships have a main mid ship pool that is a lively fun area as well as a quieter, smaller pool near the back of the ship.
Library
Most cruise ships still have a library, although it is more often used as a sitting room or a card/board game room. This room is often not very busy and is usually on the quieter side. A great place to escape with a book.
Promenade deck
The promenade deck on a cruise ship is the deck that you can walk around the ship outside. It’s a great place to walk around enjoying the ocean air. That in itself is relaxing.
Often you can find lounge chairs scattered around making for another quieter place to relax on your cruise vacation.
Grab a coffee or a drink, a book or puzzle and unwind.
Explore the ship
You are sure to find some quieter areas both inside and outside to relax on a cruise. Often bars and lounges in the day are empty and quite. A great place to read or play a game inside.
It’s your cruise, it’s your vacation. Relax, unwind, have fun, try something new. Happy cruising.
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