“I’d be bored out of my mind on one of those cruise ships,” people tell me–at least people who’ve never been on a cruise. If you’ve been reluctant to join the cruise set for fear you won’t find enough to do at sea, you can put those worries to rest. This article will show you how.

1. Shop

Cruise ships are floating cities, and they certainly don’t skimp on the retail sector. You can buy anything from expensive jewelry to a bottle of aspirin. On days at sea and towards the end of the cruise, the shops often offer bargains to entice you to part with your money.

2. Swim

Fabulous swimming pools are part of the cruise experience, so put on your swimsuit and enjoy! A word of caution: the sun can be very hot and bright at sea, so use plenty of suntan lotion. You don’t want to spend your cruise in the sick bay being treated for a sunburn.

3. Play a Game

There’s no shortage of fun and games onboard ship. On almost any given day you’ll find trivia, card games, dance contests, puzzles, bingo, table tennis, and much more. And don’t forget about the ship’s casino where slot, video poker, and table games abound.

4. Learn Something New

Cruise ships employ a variety of experts to teach tourists about everything from cake decorating to fine art to marine wildlife. Keep an eye out for topics that interest you.

5. Eat

From a sumptuous breakfast to the midnight buffet, cruise ships offer round-the-clock dining opportunities. Better yet, most meals and snacks are included in the price of the cruise. So take advantage of a leisurely four-course dinner or enjoy high tea in the afternoons and know that you won’t have to pay an extra penny for your indulgence.

6. Exercise

Now that you’ve eaten your weight at the buffet, it’s time to work off all of those extra calories. Cruise ships offer full gyms with state-of-the-art equipment, but if a traditional workout doesn’t appeal to you, consider a brisk walk on the promenade deck. You’ll get to admire the view and do something good for your health at the same time.

7. Get a Massage

The onboard spas are a wonderful place to get pampered. Enjoy a traditional massage or go for something a little different like a hot stone massage or a full-body seaweed treatment.

8. Catch a Show

In the evenings, cruise ships transform into a cross between Vegas and Broadway and entertainment rules. Whether you want to laugh at a comedian, ooh and ah over breathtaking dance moves, or relax with a drink and listen to a piano player, you’re likely to find exactly the show you’re in the mood for to wrap up your busy day.   

9. Enjoy the View

You don’t have to be busy every minute on days at sea. Part of the fun of cruising is simply relaxing and watching the ocean drift by.