The Best Lines for Cruise Ship Activities

There are two different ways to approach an expedition on the seas if you are looking into a cruise holiday.  The first is focused on making the most of port destinations, ingratiating yourself in as much culture and energy as possible during short excursions on shore. The other approach is about making the most of your time on the ship, which means seeking out lines with exceptional cruise ship activities.

This post will be focused on the latter approach, highlighting some of the best lines known for their cruise ship entertainment and activities.

Next time you book a cruise online, you’ll know which names to look out for.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is legendary in the community for its wide range of cruise ship onboard activities. Ships like Odyssey of The Seas are so well stocked with things to do, you could have a fantastic holiday without ever stepping on dry land. Best of all, their cruises are generally all-ages friendly, offering plenty of kid-focused options to keep the young ones occupied throughout the day.

Passengers on Royal Caribbean cruises can expect activities like: 

  • Rock climbing
  • Surf simulations
  • Live music/nightclubs
  • Water parks
  • Pool parties
  • Ice skating
  • Dance lessons
  • Casinos

And so much more!

cruise ship activities entertainment


Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruises are renowned for the party vibe that they create – Carnival by name and nature by clearly! While their cruise entertainment is generally associated with slightly more mature crowds, Carnival actually doesn’t offer adult-only cruises. But if you’re eager for a more grown-up holiday experience, never fear; there are plenty of activities that are strictly no-kids-allowed.

Well-known Carnival activities include:

  • BOLT: The world’s first rollercoaster at sea
  • Comedy shows at The Punchliner Comedy Club
  • Live music & nightclub options
  • Video arcades
  • Casinos
  • Pickleball
  • Mini golf
  • Live game shows like Deal or No Deal & Family Feud

And there’s plenty more where that comes from.

cruise ship activities - Canva


Princess Cruises

Princess is known for operating some of the best cruise ships for activities and entertainment, putting a particular emphasis on cultural enrichment. Again, Princess isn’t an adult-only cruise line, but they are known for a slightly more grown-up and sophisticated atmosphere. They can almost be seen as the other side of the coin to Carnival’s laid back party energy.

Popular Princess activities include:

  • Theatre performances, such as The Secret Silk by Stephen Schwartz
  • Movies Under The Stars
  • Jazz & Blues Bars
  • Cigar Lounges
  • Tea Room & Library
  • Art galleries and auctions
  • World culture festivals and celebrations

And a lot more for wetting your cultural appetite, without even stepping off the ship.

cruise ship swimming pool

 

What to consider when seeking cruise ship activities

With options like these and so many others, it can be hard to decide what direction you’re going to lean into with your cruise onboard activities.

Are you more of a health and fitness freak, are you planning on making the most of some drinking time or are you going to try and get as much organised entertainment in as possible?

Make sure to do plenty of research into the options offered by each line and ship that you’re considering taking a cruise on before booking – onboard options are vital, especially on trips with multiple sea days.

Other considerations to make include:

Your travel group/family dynamic and how it will inform your activity levels on the ship

The kind of atmosphere you respond to (high-energy or laid-back)

Your booking and onboard budget – some lines require additional spending for activities

The cruise destinations – you could easily end up spending more time off the boat

Make sure to take stock of your travel style and how your group will operate together before choosing the line for your next adventure. And also remember, this trip is meant to be enjoyable for you, so there’s no pressure to do more than you want to! 

Get Ready to Book

Wherever in the world your cruise takes you, from Europe to the Caribbean, it’s really worth taking the time to really research what is important to you before you book to make sure your holiday is an adventure of a lifetime

This is a collaborative post.  Images are my own and also taken from Canva Pro.