10 Unique Cruise Ship Activities You've Got to Try

A lot of people assume that cruising is boring, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today, most cruise lines offer a massive program of innovative and fun activities that truly enhance the passenger experience.

Don’t believe us? Just look at the things you can find on board some of our fave cruise ships. It’s safe to say, there’s more to do on a cruise vacation than lounge by the pool with a daiquiri in hand.

• Soar above the sea on a Magic Carpet® with Celebrity Cruises
• Get inked to commemorate your journey with Virgin Voyages
• Skydive (kind of) with Royal Caribbean International
• Zoom around a racetrack with Norwegian Cruise Line
• Ride a water coaster with Disney Cruise Line
• Watch movies under the stars with Princess Cruises
• Lounge on a living lawn with Celebrity Cruises
• Go full speed ahead on a sea coaster with Carnival Cruise Line
• Sip robot-made cocktails with Royal Caribbean International
• Hang out on a ropes course with Norwegian Cruise Line

Aladdin may not be on board to guide you, but this attraction will still help you discover a whole new world — of sweeping ocean views, that is! The Magic Carpet^®, a cantilevered platform that extends off the edge of some of Celebrity Cruises’ vessels, is a multi-purpose entertainment venue unlike any other.

As it moves from deck to deck, its function changes. Craving a delicious meal? Step onto the Magic Carpet^® while it’s at Deck 5. Here, it’s part of the Raw on 5 restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and live music. Want to take in the vistas while you lounge in the sun? When situated on Deck 14, it becomes an extension of the cruise ship’s main pool area (otherwise known as the lido deck).

Find it on: Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Edge

Most cruise ships have wellness facilities on board and Virgin Voyages is no different. You can work up a sweat at the fitness centre, soak in the hot tub, loosen your limbs in the steam room or indulge in facials, massages and other relaxing spa treatments. Or you can treat yourself in a more unique (and permanent!) way — by getting a new tattoo.

Sailors have historically eternalized their voyages and adventures with body art; at Squid Ink, Virgin Voyages’ onboard tattoo studio, you can take part in this maritime tradition. But don’t worry! You don’t have to get a Popeye-style anchor. From cartoon characters and quotes to flowers and family pets, the parlour’s tattoo artists can do it all.

Find it on: Resilient Lady, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are among the world’s largest. So, it should come as no surprise that they have some of the best onboard entertainment and activities, including rock climbing walls, arcades, bumper cars, water parks, ziplines, teen clubs and so much more.

One of the cruise line’s more unique attractions is the RipCord^® by iFLY^® simulator. Available only on Quantum and Quantum Ultra Class ships, it allows passengers to experience the thrill of freefalling — without actually having to leap from a plane flying at 10,000 feet! If you’ve always wanted to experience skydiving but have an intense fear of heights, this is a great alternative.

Find it on: Anthem of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas

There are two types of people in this world: the ones who travel to catch up on some much-needed R&R and the ones who travel to try something new. If you’re part of the latter group, take note! Five of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships feature a speedway, allowing you to put the pedal to the metal and race against other passengers.

One of the most fun activities you can do on a cruise ship, these two- and three-storey racetracks are complete with checkered flags and hairpin turns. The cost ($15 USD per person) isn’t included in your cruise fare, but the adrenaline rush you get from crossing the finish line is so, so worth it — especially if you come in first. Want to keep the competition going? Challenge the new friends you make on the speedway to a game of mini golf or laser tag.

Find it on: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva

People visit Disneyland for two main reasons: 1) To experience the magic of meeting their favourite characters, and 2) To go on a ton of fun rides. When you book certain itineraries with Disney Cruise Line, you can do the exact same things at sea.

While the majority of its ships don’t have a roller coaster on board, both the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy boast the AquaDuck — a thrilling “water coaster” attraction. High-powered water jets propel riders around and above the ship through 765 feet of snaking tubes before splashing them into a lazy river. Make sure to ride at night when the AquaDuck is enhanced with multi-coloured lights. 

Find it on: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

While travelling, do you miss the comforts of home? If so, you should consider sailing with Princess Cruises. The pool decks on 14 of its cruise ships are equipped with massive state-of-the-art screens and 69-watt sound systems for special Movies Under the Stars^® experiences. In other words: you won’t miss the latest Hollywood blockbuster while you’re off exploring the world.

This free cruise activity can be enjoyed throughout the day. In the afternoon, classic films act as the backdrop for your family fun in the sun; in the evening, the deck is transformed into an outdoor theatre, complete with padded loungers, themed cocktails and, of course, popcorn and other movie snacks. Depending on the time of year you cruise, you may even be able to watch the NCAA basketball finals or the Oscars on the big screen.

Find it on: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchanted Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess and Sky Princess 

You’re probably expecting to find your sea legs while on a cruise vacation — but with Celebrity Cruises, you can keep your feet on solid ground. Well… sort of. In 2008 the Celebrity Solstice became the first cruise ship to boast a living lawn; today, this half-acre greenspace known as the Lawn Club can be found on each vessel in the Solstice Series.

This is the perfect spot to relax during days at sea. Passengers can come here to soak up the sun, read a book or play games such as bocce and croquet. You also have the option of reserving one of the Lawn Club Alcoves, where you can order from the ship’s room service menu. Nothing beats a picnic at sea.  

Find it on: Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Solstice

Some people would call this a roller coaster, but Carnival Cruise Line calls it the Ultimate Sea Coaster^® — and we understand why! Winding around the top deck, the BOLT^® is a thrilling ride that offers 360° views of the ocean.

The best part? You get to control how fast this motorcycle-style coaster moves along the track, meaning it’s suitable for your entire family (just keep in mind that young kids need to be accompanied by someone who’s at least 15 years old). Whether you opt for a slow and steady ride or max out at top speed, this is one of the most fun things you can do aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s ships.

Find it on: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Mardi Gras

A special martini bar, authentic pub or swanky cocktail lounge can be found on every vessel listed in this blog — but not many cruise ships have robotic bartenders. In fact, the Bionic Bar^® is unique to Royal Caribbean International.

At this onboard venue, robots will mix your favourite drink (whether it’s a classic margarita or a signature mocktail that you’ve designed for yourself) in a matter of seconds. Sounds like something straight out of a movie, if you ask us! Get the party started here or stop by for a nightcap after a romantic dinner.

Find it on: Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas

The sports deck (otherwise known as the Sports Complex) on the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway has something for your whole family to enjoy, from basketball hoops to bocce ball courts. Even so, we suggest you swing your way over to the three-storey ropes course.

Here, you’ll be challenged to make your way through a series of zipline tracks, suspension bridges, planks and other obstacles. There are many cruise lines with on-deck ropes courses… but Norwegian Cruise Line is the only one that can claim it has the largest ropes course at sea. Don’t miss your chance to try it for yourself!

Find it on: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway

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