21 Free Things to Do on a Cruise Vacation for Maximum Fun

What are the free things to do on a cruise? A cruise ship vacation offers plenty of opportunities to have fun and relax without spending an extra dime. From lounging by the pool to catching a show, a wide range of cruise activities keep you entertained throughout your cruise.

Cruise ships are a destination in themselves. The onboard activities can cater to all preferences, whether you like a packed schedule or a more laid-back approach.

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In this article, we highlight the best free (included) things to do on a cruise, so you can make the most of your vacation without worrying about extra costs.

As you plan your cruise, it’s smart to research your ship to see what’s available, as each one offers unique experiences. And with a great cruise director, you’ll always be in the know about all the exciting activities happening on board—all included in your fare.

1. Spend Time by the Pool

Spending time by the pool with a fruity drink is a classic cruise activity, especially on Caribbean itineraries. Some ships feature multiple pools, including a solarium, while others have just one or two. It’s all dependent on the ship you book.

You’ll find plenty of lounge chairs around the pool deck and other areas of the ship to relax in the sun or enjoy a good book. However, snagging a pool chair can sometimes be a challenge. Consider getting up early to claim a prime spot or explore quieter decks higher up on the ship, where the pools are often less crowded.

Depending on the cruise line, you’ll find that by the pool, they’ll hold fun contests, dance classes, live bands and DJ’s throughout the day.

2. Don’t Miss the Slides and Waterslides

Slides and waterslides are must-try activities on a cruise. While not all ships have them, most massive cruise ships do; if yours does, take the plunge. One of us went on our first waterslide on a cruise ship and has been hooked ever since. Mega ships like Utopia of the Seas have the longest dry slide at sea.

3. Try All the Cruise Food

One of the things I get most excited about when cruising is trying all the food onboard and so much of it is included with your base cruise package. The buffet and main dining room will be your go-to, as well as other inclusive eateries. You can order as many dishes as you like in the main dining room, making it a true feast.

Some days, we like to stop by the buffet to check out the desserts, grab a few, and share them while ranking them from best to worst.

4. See a Show

Broadway-style shows are a highlight for many cruisers. Most cruise ships feature a main show in the theater that changes nightly, offering a variety of entertainment throughout your trip. This is why it’s a good idea to review your cruise ship activities schedule each night before bed to plan what you’ll do the next day.

5. Movie Nights Under the Stars

For a fun and free evening activity, see if outdoor movie screenings are being played under the stars. Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, in particular, excel at this by showing popular movies on a giant screen by the pool. They even provide popcorn and blankets to cozy up under the stars.

If the weather isn’t ideal, some ships also offer indoor movie theaters, a great alternative to enjoying a film at sea.

6. Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider is Free

The FlowRider is one of the top free activities on a Royal Caribbean cruise. This simulated surfing machine uses high-powered water jets to create waves, letting you boogie board or surf right on the ship. If you’ve never tried it before, this is your chance.

7. Eat Ice Cream Daily

Every cruise ship offers free ice cream, whether soft-serve or hand-scooped, at the buffet. Treat yourself to a cone every day of your cruise—you only live once! Grab your cone and take a lovely stroll outside on the lido deck.

8. Go to Karaoke Night and Maybe Sing a Song for Everyone

Karaoke is one of those activities that people either love or avoid. If you’re up for belting out a tune in front of a crowd, go for it! If not, grab a drink and enjoy watching others take the stage—you might be surprised by the talent on board. This free cruise activity can be quite entertaining, whether you’re singing or just watching.

9. Enjoy Live Music

Live music fills the air on a cruise ship, with performances happening every night and often by the pool during the day. You can find out when and where different bands, piano players, or guitarists will play by checking your cruise newsletter. Many bands specialize in specific genres and even cover bands, so you can choose the music that suits your mood. You might be surprised by the talent onboard.

Dueling pianos are another fun option for live music lovers. Norwegian Breakaway Class and Royal’s Icon Class ships are known for featuring dueling piano performances.

10. Borrow a Book from the Library

Believe it or not, many cruise ships have libraries where you can check out books and find board games. So, there’s no need to pack a stack of your own if you don’t want to—you can always visit the library to see what’s available. While the selection might be limited, it’s a great option for finding something to read by the pool, in a lounge chair on the deck, or even in your stateroom. Of course before you decide not to pack any books, check to see if the cruise ship you’re going on has a library.

11. Go to the Gym

Not everyone wants to work out on vacation, but free access to the cruise gym is essential for some. My husband goes to the gym on every sea, and it’s his way to starting a perfect day on board.

On Virgin Voyages, you can enjoy fun, free fitness classes like Bungee, Zumba, and more, adding fun to your workout routine.

12. Participate in Daily Trivia

Daily trivia sessions are a staple on most cruise ships, often occurring multiple times daily in the atrium or lounges. Meeting people, learning new things, and testing your knowledge is fun. Plus, there’s the chance to win prizes just for participating.

13. Join the Party

Many cruise ships host themed dance parties throughout the cruise, and they’re a blast, especially if you join in. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, is famous for its parties like the White Hot Glow Party and 70s and 80s nights, where you can dress up and dance the night away.

Virgin Voyages also offers a unique experience with Scarlet Night, where everyone dresses in red for a massive poolside celebration in honor of the Octopus Goddess.

14. Soak in a Hot Tub

Cruise ships are known for their amazing hot tubs, perfect for relaxing—especially at night. While they may be crowded during the day, the evenings are great for slipping into a hot tub and unwinding as long as they are open. You’ll typically find hot tubs on the main decks, and they’re usually open late, depending on the ship’s rules.

15. Stop by the Buffet for Late Night Snacks

Most cruise ships offer a selection of late-night snacks at the buffet or open late-night eateries. It’s the perfect spot to visit after catching a Broadway show or dancing the night away.

16. Do the Rope Course

Many cruise ships offer rope courses that are free to use. They’re not only a lot of fun but also a great way to get some exercise while on vacation. Plus, the views from up on the rope course can be spectacular.

Carnival, Disney, MSC, NCL, and Royal Caribbean all have ships featuring rope courses, so be sure to check them out if you’re sailing with one of these lines.

17. Play Mini Golf

Mini golf is a popular activity on many cruise ships and is included in the price of your cruise. It’s a fun option for families, couples, or groups of friends to enjoy together.

18. Play Ping Pong

Ping-pong tables are usually found on cruise ships. It’s one of those cruise activities you need to play at least once during your cruise.

19. See a Comedy Show

We’ve yet to go on a cruise that didn’t feature a comedy show. Typically, there’s one big night in the main theater, with additional shows in smaller lounges or bars on other nights. These shows are free to attend and a great way to spend an evening after dinner. Just be warned—the comedians often interact with the audience, so don’t be surprised if you get called out!

20. Zip-Lining

Yes, some cruise ships offer zip-lining, and it’s one of the standout activities on Royal Caribbean cruises, particularly on their Oasis-class cruise ships. It’s the opportunity to take on a thrilling adventure at sea while zip-lining from one end of the cruise ship to another.

21. Don’t Miss a Sunrise or Sunset

While you can catch a sunrise or sunset on land any day, experiencing them from a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean is truly special. Sunrises and sunsets at sea are some of the most beautiful moments you’ll encounter on your cruise, so be sure not to miss them.

Can you get bored on a cruise ship?

With all the activities available, it’s hard to get bored on a cruise ship! How you spend your days and nights is entirely up to you. As one cruise director wisely said, “If you don’t participate, you won’t have fun.”That said, evening entertainment on some cruise lines may be limited, depending on the demographic and the number of nighttime activities offered.

What do you do when you go on a cruise?

The list of things to do on a cruise is endless. It all comes down to what you enjoy and how you want to spend your time on vacation. Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool, indulging in spa days, exploring ports on shore excursions, or eating and drinking to your heart’s content, there’s something for everyone.

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