Cruises are not free, but the base rate includes room, food, and enough onboard activities to give travelers of all ages a memorable vacation. If cruise passengers can resist the many optional opportunities on board and ashore to spend money, a cruise is almost all-inclusive. So budgeting for a cruise vacation is easier than for a shore vacation. If you are on a tight budget and stick to it, cruises are excellent value. You just have to plan ahead.
Let’s take a look at some of the many things you can do for “free” on large conventional cruises.
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Watch a sunset (or sunrise) over the ocean
The sunsets on the sea are spectacular; they happen every day and they are free!
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Eat and drink
Meals in the main restaurant and buffets are included in the basic cruise fare for all ships. You can always get three or more “free” meals a day, along with snacks, some of which are offered 24 hours a day. Coffee, tea, and water (not bottled) are also included, and tap water can always be drunk on large ships. Considering that the ships are feeding thousands of meals per day, the food is very good, with multiple courses and options.
Although most conventional ships now feature specialty restaurants for an additional fee, the variety offered in the dining room and buffets is sufficient for most travelers.
Note that some luxury ships include specialty restaurants, alcohol, and soft drinks in their base rates, making them more all-inclusive.
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Enjoy the entertainment on board
Cruises have at least one show every night in the main hall. Big cruise ships often have Vegas-style magazines, with singers, dancers, and incredible ensembles and costumes. In addition to the shows in the main lounge, passengers can enjoy piano bars, small combos and music of all kinds in the multiple lounges that most ships have.
The entertainment doesn’t stop with the music. Most ships feature comedians, magicians, and even ventriloquists in some of the shows. All this entertainment is included in your rate.
For those who want to participate in the entertainment, the ships have karaoke, talent shows, and ballroom and disco dancing.
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Work out in the gym or walk / jog around the deck
Cruise ships have modern fitness centers with treadmills, weights, elliptical machines, bicycles, and other exercise equipment that are the same (or better) than what you would find at home. Use of the gym is included in the basic rate of the cruise, but some classes, such as yoga or Pilates, are for a fee.
A safe workout is much more enjoyable when you have a great view of the ocean. In addition to the gym, most boats have a promenade deck that wraps around the boat or a deck with a walking / jogging track.
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Swimming in the pool
Cruises always have one or more free pools. These pools are often small compared to those at a resort, but they can be fun for all ages. Ship passengers can also enjoy water volleyball or other pool games. Many ships have separate pools for adults, children, and even teens.
If swimming seems like too much work, cruises also feature hot tubs where you can soak up those tired muscles.
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Sit in the sun by the pool
Sitting in the sun or in the shade with a good book is a favorite onboard activity for many cruise ship passengers. There is something special about the sea breeze and the sea air. Like the swimming pool, the use of the sun loungers is free.
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Watch a movie
Most cruise ships have movies on cabin televisions. However, watching a movie on a big screen outside by the pool is a lot of fun. These outdoor movies are shown ‘under the stars and great free fun on a boat. Some ships also have indoor movie theaters where movies are shown throughout the day.
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Read a book in the library
All cruise ships have libraries on board. Some are very small, but most are adequate and have room to sit and read a good book. You can also check out the books and take them back to your cabin or on deck to read.
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Explore the ship
Large cruise ships are engineering marvels, and taking time to explore the decks of a ship is a fun way to spend time on board. Ships sometimes also offer free galley tours, offering passengers a chance to see some of the secrets of creating thousands of meals each day in relatively small spaces.
When exploring the ship, be sure to check out the many shops on board. You can search for free, but don’t be tempted to buy if you’re trying to stay on budget!
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Play some games
Ships often have game tournaments on board with no entry fees (that is, free). These tournaments include basketball, miniature golf, shuffleboard, ping pong, and a variety of other games. In addition to being free, players generally earn points that can be accumulated and exchanged for small gifts at the end of the cruise.
Celebrity Solstice class ships feature croquet or bocce games at the Lawn Club.
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Watch a demo or take an enrichment class
The cruises have many interesting demonstrations on board for free. These include cooking, folding animals with towels, carving ice, folding napkins, and even blowing glass. Some ships even have free cooking, sewing, crafts, and computer classes.
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Enjoy a free drink at a party on board
On most cruises, drinks are free at the Captain’s Welcome Party. Many boats also serve free drinks at the sailing party. Be sure to ask, as some cruise lines have started charging for drinks on these matters.
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Take a nap, sleep or rest and relax
Although ships can be packed with fun activities and often have a high-energy atmosphere, passengers are not required to do anything. Most cruise ship travelers find sailing extremely smooth and relaxing. You can take a nap, sleep until noon, or just rest and recharge your batteries. Couples and families can use their free time on board to reconnect and get things done together. You’re on vacation!
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Explore the ports of call on your own
Cruise ships don’t just sail around the ocean for seven days. They stop at various ports of call. Exploring these ports is one of the joys of cruise ships. Although many travelers book guided shore excursions, either via boat or on their own, simply wandering the streets of small towns or major cities is a great way to spend a few hours or the whole day. And it’s free.
In short, cruises offer budget travelers a great value-added vacation. Once you’ve paid your basic cruise fare, you can enjoy many activities on board (or ashore) for free.
