We're considering booking a 5-night Caribbean cruise for next summer on Royal Caribbean on the Enchantment of the Seas. There is only one day at sea with 3 port stops. What is there to do during that day when we're at sea?

I was looking on their website at a sample schedule of activities for a day at sea, and I'm not sure that there's too much for us to do. Our kids are too old for the kid programs, we aren't into fitness or dancing lessons and things like that. We just want to relax, but I don't think a full day just lounging by the pool will cut it. What normal things are there to do other than eat and swim? Do most cruise lines all feature the same activities, or does it vary?

Most of the mass market lines like RCCL offer pretty much the same activities. Having said that, we have been on a dozen cruises and always look forward to the sea days. There is nothing more relaxing than being out to sea with a good book on a lounge chair on a shaded deck.

If you are into gambling, there's always the casino, bingo and horse racing. Also art auctions, shopping, photo gallery, cooking demos, movies, bars and lounges, some with music, bridge and galley tours, ice carving demos, etc. etc. Also, save the sea day for exploring the parts of the ship you haven't gotten to yet.

You won't believe how fast the day will fly by.

There is so much to do IF you want to do it. If not then DON'T. Usually we have breakfast, then sit by the pool. There are games around the pool ( Harriest leg contest and others). We got for lunch then sit back outside. We might go in and gamble. Usually there is a slot tournament and a blackjack during the day at sea. You can go get a massage, gamble in the casino or even go pick up a board game that they have available for you. It is even nice to go and grab a chair in the shade for a snooze or to read a book. Depending on the ship there is also minature golf and a climbing wall. I am not sure if this has it or not. See you MAKE your day just the way you like it.

May I ask why you are considering a cruise if you already are thinking you will be bored? And there are teens programs as well which my nephew loved when he wasn't rock climbing, or eating or in the video arcade or making tons of new friends.

Sea days are my favorite. I can get in an extra fitness class, read for hours, sauna and steam and enjoy breakfast and lunch in the dining room at leisure. I often skip ports just to enjoy the extra time aboard.

A 5 night cruise with 3 port stops will be VERY busy. You'll need that one day at sea just to relax a bit.

Those sample activity sheets you saw posted are not very good. Each evening when you go back to your cabin you'll find (on your bed) a list of the next days activities. Your cabin steward will leave it for you. It will have lots of activities and help you plan the day ahead of time.
I agree with an earlier poster who said to use that day exploring the ship. You'll be surprised at how much there is to see and do. Relax, and enjoy your cruise

I understand the poster's concerns. We usually travel very independently, so I also am concerned about being bored on the ship. My kids are at the age where I think they would enjoy the activities, but frankly, a hairy leg contest sounds awful. And if I want a day to read and take a fitness class, I can stay home and go the Y. I think it's just different travel styles.

I'm still debating if the cost of a cruise is worth it for us. But I can't figure out a way to see Alaska better.