10 Exciting Ways to Enjoy a Princess Cruises Sea Day
If you’ve ever wondered about the best things to do on a sea day with Princess Cruises, you’re in the right place. For many travellers, sea days are a highlight of cruising—they’re the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, giving you time to enjoy everything the ship has to offer without worrying about excursions or port schedules.
On my Princess Cruises vacations, I’ve come to look forward to these days at sea just as much as the days in port. Whether you want to lounge by the pool with a slice of pizza, indulge in the Lotus Spa, try your luck at trivia, or dress up for a night of shows and late-night fun, there’s truly something for everyone.
In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 favourite ways to spend a day at sea with Princess Cruises. From sunrise breakfasts with ocean views to sunset walks on the promenade, here’s how to make the most of every moment onboard.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may earn a very small commission, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Like this post? Share on Pinterest!
1. Start Your Day with Ocean-View Breakfast
One of the most peaceful moments on a sea day is waking up to the sound of the ocean. I love starting my morning with breakfast on my balcony — sipping tea while the ship sails smoothly through open water truly feels like the definition of vacation bliss.
Princess makes it easy with room service, or you can head to the International Café for a latte and fresh pastries. If you prefer variety, the Horizon Court buffet offers a wide range of options to fuel your day. If you want full-service dining, I highly recommend the dining room. You won’t be disappointed with any of these options!
2. Lounge Poolside on the Lido Deck
The Lido Deck is the perfect place to spend some time during a sea day. It’s where you’ll find the pools, hot tubs, and loungers perfect for relaxing with a book or catching some sun.
One of my favourite sea day treats is grabbing a slice of Princess’s famous poolside pizza (trust me, it’s worth the hype), a cone from Swirls, or something savoury from the Salty Dog Grill. And of course, you can’t miss Movies Under the Stars, where you can watch blockbuster films on a giant screen while stretched out under the open sky.
3. Visit the Lotus Spa
For me, no sea day is complete without a little pampering at the Lotus Spa. I always book a massage on the last sea day of my trip—it’s become a tradition and something I look forward to the entire cruise.
Beyond massages, the spa also offers facials, nail services, hairstyling, and more. Whether you need deep relaxation or are in the mood for a little bit of indulgence, it’s the perfect way to recharge.
4. Take a Break with Games
Sea days are wonderful for slowing down and spending time with your travel companions. I love bringing along my favourite card games—I shared a list of the best travel-friendly card games you don’t want to miss.
But Princess also has a well-stocked library where you can borrow games or puzzles. Walking through the ship and seeing families laughing over a board game always puts a smile on my face. It’s such a simple pleasure that fits perfectly into a relaxing day at sea.
5. Unwind with Afternoon Tea
One of Princess Cruises’ signature experiences is Afternoon Tea, and I always try to make time for it on a sea day. It feels indulgent yet traditional, with servers bringing out trays of scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries alongside a fresh pot of tea. It’s also a great mid-afternoon break between activities.
I didn’t have a chance to experience this on my most recent cruise to the British Isles, but it truly is a wonderful experience to try! There’s just something magical about sipping tea in an elegant setting while the ocean rolls by outside.
6. Join the Fun with Trivia or Bingo
Trivia, bingo, and other organized activities are a big part of sea day fun. Each night, I love checking the Princess Patter (the daily newsletter) or the Princess Cruises app to plan out what’s happening the next day.
From themed trivia contests to high-energy bingo games, there’s something for every taste. These activities are a great way to meet fellow cruisers and get into the lively atmosphere onboard.
7. Enjoy Dinner at a Specialty Dining Spot
While the main dining rooms are always delicious, I highly recommend booking a specialty dining restaurant for a sea day dinner. Options vary depending on your ship, but you might find a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, or seafood spot.
These restaurants usually come with a small upcharge, but they’re worth it if you want a more intimate, elevated dining experience. On my last cruise to the British Isles, I tried two specialty spots—Sabatini’s and the Crown Grill—and both were worth the splurge. I also can’t resist a specialty lunch at Alfredo’s Pizzeria!
8. Stroll the Promenade at Sunset
After dinner, nothing beats a walk around the promenade deck. The salty breeze, the golden light of sunset, and the sound of the waves create such a calming atmosphere. It’s a simple but unforgettable way to take in the beauty of being at sea. I love this tradition because it’s a chance to slow down, walk off a delicious dinner, and soak in the moment.
9. Catch a Show at the Princess Theatre
Evenings on Princess Cruises are never dull thanks to the incredible entertainment lineup. The Princess Theatre is home to Broadway-style productions, visiting acts such as comedians and magicians, and live music. The shows are always high-quality and a perfect way to round out a day of fun. Whether you’re into musicals, comedy, or live bands, there’s always something that will make you smile.
10. Stay Up for Late-Night Entertainment
If you’re not ready to call it a night after the theatre, Princess has plenty more in store. Late-night offerings include comedy shows, fun game shows like The Newlywed Game or Liar’s Club (two of my personal favourites!), and live music in the lounges. For those who like to try their luck, the casino is always buzzing. I love wandering the ship at night, catching a song here, a laugh there, and ending the day on a high note.
My Final Thoughts on a Day at Sea with Princess Cruises
Sea days with Princess Cruises are more than just downtime between ports—they’re a chance to experience everything the ship has to offer. From pampering spa treatments and elegant afternoon tea to exciting shows and late-night entertainment, the options are endless.
In fact, some of my best cruise memories aren’t from the excursions or destinations—they’re from those magical sea days filled with laughter, relaxation, and just being present on the open ocean.
So next time you’re sailing with Princess Cruises, don’t underestimate your sea days. They just might become your favourite part of the trip!
More Travel Posts You Might Like
- The Ultimate British Isles Cruise Guide You Need to Read
- The Best Romance Books Set in Scotland to Swoon Over
- The Best Books Set in Alaska for an Epic Escape
Like this post? Share on Pinterest!
Pin for Later!
I must admit that my first stop would probably be the spa or the pools. I can’t wait to experience a cruise one day. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a fun guide! I love how you highlighted ways to make a sea day exciting beyond just lounging by the pool. From trying new activities to indulging in onboard treats, it really makes me want to book a cruise and soak up every moment at sea!