Are you considering to book your dream cruise vacation? Great! Now is the time to explore all the delights waiting for you onboard. Who says you have to break the bank to enjoy cruise trips? Vacation cruises often get a reputation for being pricey, but did you know there are many free things to do on board? Apart from getting stays and activities in one simple booking, you also get tons of free things to do. We’re revealing the best free things to do on a cruise vacation, so you can relax and savour every moment of your voyage.
Top Free Things on a Cruise Ship
1. Main Dining And Buffet Meals
There are many wonderful things about cruise vacations, but the best part is always the food. Plus it tastes even better when you don’t have to pay for it! In reality, once you book your cruise vacation, you won’t have to worry about spending more for basic meals and occasional treats. Most well-known, popular cruise liners have the meals at main dining area and buffet meals included in your cruise fare. In a way, it isn’t free. You have already paid for these meals as part of your fare for cruise vacation packages. These are open only on set times. Royal Caribbean guests, however, have the option to dine at their leisure rather than according to the ship’s standard dinnertime schedule by selecting the ‘My Timing Dinner’ option while booking their cruise package.
Savour Complimentary Meals:
Royal Caribbean: It has an amazing lineup of food outlets. You can enjoy pizzas, sliders and mini cupcakes at Mini Bites. The Dog House lures you with a lip-smacking selection of hot dogs. EL Loco Fresh is a Mexican casual diner that offers a filling breakfast of quesadilla and tacos to wholesome burritos for lunch. Solarium is yet another spot to enjoy freshly made breakfast and lunch.
Carnival Cruises: Munch on pizzas as much as you want at Pizza Pirate if you are onboard Carnival Beast, Carnival Conquest or Carnival Legend. Lido Marketplace is also available on most Carnival Cruises where you can satiate your hunger pangs at salad bars, deli, BBQ counter and more.
Virgin Voyages: If you are sailing on one of Virgin Voyages cruises, you don’t have to dine in large, shared spaces such as buffet areas or dining halls. Its colossal cruises house over 20 eclectic eateries catering to every palette of its esteemed guests, all included in the package pricing. The cruise line also has ‘Ship Eats’ – a 24-hour food delivery service through the Virgin Voyages App with which you can enjoy a nice hot meal anytime.
Seabourne Cruises: Dine in any dining venue anytime you want. Additionally, indulge in pearlescent, melt-in-your-mouth caviar complimentary with your meals when you book all-inclusive packages.
Meals That Cost Extra:
You can have your fill onboard anytime if you are willing to spend a bit more. Speciality dining venues often require a prior reservation at an extra cost. Members-only dining venues are also excluded as they are only available for membership-privileged guests.
2. Free Beverages in the Main Dining Room or Included Restaurants
On most cruises, basic beverages like water, coffee, and tea are totally free in the main dining room and included restaurants. However, aerated beverages, bottled water, cocktails and liquor are not included in these freebies. Do a little research on your cruise line’s drink policy before you board!
Unlimited Beverages at No Extra Cost:
Disney Cruise Line: The magical fantasy cruise line caters its guests with complimentary soft drinks during meals. Enjoy refreshments free of cost at Beverage Station on Deck 9 of the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder and 2 Beverage Stations on Deck 11 of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Free alcohol and possession limit:
Seabourne Cruises: This elegant cruise liner offers a selection of fine wine and spirits at all times.
Royal Caribbean Cruise and Carnival Cruise: Most cruises don’t allow guests to carry alcoholic beverages onboard. However, you can bring wine or champagne onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise and Carnival Cruise as long as it is a sealed 750 ml bottle. A corkage fee will be additionally levied if you plan to drink onboard.
Sip smarter – save on your drink:
Check out any value deals on specific drinks or happy hour slots on your cruise vacation to cut the cost of liquor. For those who prefer to sip wine while dining, ordering from the a la carte menus is more beneficial. Want more? Then look at all-you-can-drink deals. Virgin Voyages provides Bar Tabs, which are pre-purchased credits that may be used not just for alcoholic beverages but also for freshly squeezed juices or a hot piping cup of coffee.
3. In Cabin Room Service – Breakfast
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Who wouldn’t want to be pampered with breakfast in bed on a vacation? So take full advantage of the in-cabin room service breakfast which most leisure cruise operators provide. Many cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean Cruises offer this as a complimentary service. So, start your day on a cruise by enjoying a lazy breakfast rather than getting up early to queue for a buffet breakfast. You can thus take your day nice and slow! It is even better if you have a verandah or balcony room so that you can enjoy your tea and toast while viewing the stunning scenery and relaxing in the morning sea breeze. Do keep in mind that the service is only for breakfast. In-cabin service for other meals of the day will need you to shell extra out of your pocket.
4. Rock Climbing
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Want to enjoy an energetic climb in the middle of the sea? Some cruises totally have rock climbing attractions onboard which are complimentary to try for guests.
Free to Use:
Royal Caribbean is your go-to for this, they’re pretty famous for their climbing walls. If you are into a bit of adventure, you will love this on your cruise vacation! Just make sure to look at the onboard schedule to see when it’s open
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5. Swimming Pools
Yes, you can enjoy unlimited swims, sunbathing, and poolside lounging during your cruise vacation.
Free Swims on Cruises:
Most major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruiseline and Norwegian Cruises have multiple pool zones which are usually included in your cruise fare (except private lounge and privilege club pools). You can take a plunge whenever you want! From family-friendly pools to relaxing adult-only spots, you’ll find plenty of options. So don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!
6. Mini Golf
Fancy a round of mini-golf with ocean views? On some cruise ships, it’s a completely free perk! It is also a great way to enjoy a friendly competition with fellow golf lovers while you sail. Just ensure that you are getting it free of cost when you book a cruise or there may be hidden cruise ship charges which you might end up paying.
Mini-Golf Fun at No Extra Charge:
With Carnival Cruise packages, guests can enjoy a complimentary mini-golf experience on a manicured green lawn for fun-filled rounds with quirky obstacles and sea breezes.
7. Free Movie Shows
Movie buffs can enjoy free screenings of movies onboard the cruise. You will find them on the most popular cruise vacation package providers such as Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruiseline, and Celebrity Cruise. They often have outdoor showings by the pool or cosy indoor theatres. It’s a great way for families or couples wanting a relaxed time together. Just check out the daily schedule to see what’s playing.
8. Free Champagne at an Art Auction
Though not on all cruises, there are a few leisure cruises hosting art auctions which often gives you an excuse to dress up and enjoy an evening sipping free champagne!
Complimentary Champagne Service:
If you have booked a cruise with Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Azamara, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, check out their website to know if they are hosting an art auction onboard. Additionally, a few luxury cruises offer free champagne during boarding day. Cunard cruises include champagne breakfasts on certain voyage departures.
9. Supervised Kids Club
Travelling with kids? Here’s something that parents would love to know! Popular cruiseliners have a dedicated Kids Club along with supervision which are absolutely free of cost to use on your vacation.
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Free Kid’s Clubs onboard:
The Royal Caribbean has Adventure Ocean, Disney has Oceaneer Club, and Carnival has Camp Ocean. Take advantage of it so that your little ones get to play, and make friends, and you get some ‘me’ time to relax and do things you love onboard the cruise vacation. Just double-check the age ranges, registration process and activity schedules when booking.
10. Broadway Shows
Do you love broadway style shows? Some cruises bring the magic onboard! While not every ship offers full-scale Broadway productions for free, certain lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise offer impressive, complimentary shows teeming with dazzling costumes, live orchestras, and talented performers showing their skills on hit songs. Check one out and you can skip the pricey theatre tickets, and enjoy a top-notch show right onboard!
11. Free Waterslides
Going on a cruise involves more than watching shows, eating delicious food, and viewing the endless sea. Some cruises take the excitement level up by having a splendid mini water park onboard! The water parks and rides on board big cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are free to use.
12. Internet
Even on a vacation, staying connected and communicating with family and friends on a cruise is a need. On cruises, however, the internet facility is chargeable at extra cost. But if you research a bit, you can come across a few cruise vacation packages that are held on cruises offering free internet facilities to their guests. Others may offer less bandwidth or for a limited time for free once you are onboard.
Complimentary, Seamless Connections at Sea:
Viking Ocean Cruises: This is one such cruise line that offers complimentary Wi-Fi to its guests.
Seabourne Cruises: This cruise line offers free WIFI powered managed by SpaceX’s Starlink on their sea sojourns.
Virgin Voyages: When it comes to easy connection, the cruise ship is the clear winner here. The cruise line prioritises connectivity onboard and ensures all of its guests get seamless, uninterrupted WIFI during their trip.
Paid options:
Royal Caribbean: It boasts of having the fastest internet onboard a cruise chip. Its VOOM service is available on all its sailing ships. However, the facility is a paid service; VOOM Surf + Stream Internet Package can be purchased onboard. If purchased during cruise booking, you can avail of discounts as well.
13. Surfing
You don’t have to wade into the sea to catch a wave. A cruise holiday will help you with surfing on a simulator while you are on vacation in a giant floating resort!
Surfs Up! Ride a wave With Free Surf Simulator Fun:
Royal Caribbean Cruises: If you are reserving your cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean Cruises, then you can enjoy some water adventure! Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider is a popular attraction that has enticed adventurers for a long time. The plus side is that it is complimentary for its travellers! So, if you are brave enough to try surfing, this opportunity should definitely not be missed.
14. Fitness Areas
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Don’t want to lose your fitness streak during your vacation? No worries! Most cruise ships offer free access to their gyms. Yes, you can absolutely work out for free on a cruise! The gyms are well equipped with treadmills, and weight machines which let you sweat it out on the sea!
Free to Use Fitness Service:
Virgin Voyages: Guests have full access to fitness anytime, even the special sessions and group fitness classes. So whether you want a soulful session of morning yoga or an energizing HIIT workout, it’s all there for you. Get a refreshing and healthy post-workout juice as well at any of its juice bars!
Crystal Cruises: Instead of a sweaty workout, if you prefer an energised brisk walk, Crystal Cruises comes equipped with a 360-degree walking promenade encircling the ship.
Fitness Services That Cost Extra:
Though most cruises have free gyms and saunas, special sessions on fitness like yoga, Zumba, boxing with a dedicated trainer and other exclusive fitness programs are not included in your cruise fare.
15. Deck Parties
For party lovers, the cruise invites its guests to have a blast and burn the dance floor to live DJ music and more during sail-away parties and themed parties held on decks.
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Deck Party Fun Included:
Carnival Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises are known for their lively deck events and super chill vibes. Virgin Voyages especially has teamed up with famous musicians, singers, and entertainers to present an extravagant experience for its guests.
16. Art Tours
Add a hint of culture and creativity to your cruise time. Many cruises such as Celebrity Cruises have onboard art programs and galleries displaying selected works. They also conduct free art workshops for art enthusiasts. Check your daily planner once you are onboard, and you might get to admire some awesome art without spending a dime.
17. Gaming Arenas
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If you want to spend some time indoors having fun with friends and family, gaming hubs inside the cruise are a great place to be. Most cruises do want guests to shell out extra cash for playing in the gaming arenas.
Free Fun and Games:
Royal Caribbean: If you are sailing on the Royal Caribbean Cruise-Spectrum of the Sea, you don’t have to worry about the extra cost. The cruise is home to a sprawling indoor activity arena – The SeaPlex. Teeming with a blend of high-tech and classic games, right from riding bumper cars to shooting hoops during a basketball game, it’s the best cruise to sail on for energetic voyagers.
Games At Extra Cost:
Casino, bingo, and arcade games generally can be experienced at additional costs onboard most cruises.
Conclusion
Honestly, you would be quite surprised to find how many free things on a cruise you can enjoy! From fitness classes to live music, cruises are packed with freebies! Now that you know, remember to check which things are free to do on your cruise and keep track of the daily schedules so that you do not miss any. So, relax, have a great time, and get the best out of your cruise experience!
