Staying on board question

[amenuensis]

What is it like on the ship when everyone's off on their shore excursions? Is it horrible to stay behind on the ship? Does everything close down or can you still have a good time in Spa, Casino, etc. My understanding is the main dining room is closed until dinner, but what else is closed?

[sandij]

When in port the ships shops, and casino do close down, but they aways have other activies planned and there is always just nothing.

[Nantucketer]

The casino and all of the shops are closed while in port. You can enjoy relative quiet around the pool and spas however.

[debblue]

i do this when i have been to the ports previously,its like having your own private yacht for a while, though the shops and casino will be closed while in port and the dining room if i remeber was also but the lido was open, i love those days, you can really relax and enjoy the quiet of the ship, read a good boat and i mean read the book , not like me who has the same page open for days and i constantly keep reading the same paragraph because of the scenery i am seeing or the walkers. enjoy your cruise i love theport days with most passengers off and of course the pool is empty and its great.:)

[shipcafe]

I quite enjoy the serenity of the ship unless, of course, it is a new port of call for me. If it is a port like Cozumel or Jamaica, then it is the best time to take photos of the public areas. . . .

[CaptData]

the spa usually has specials then and it will not be crowded or hurried. The pool area will be all but deserted. No lines for the buffet and your balconey will be nice.

[sail7seas]

The dining room is open for breakfast every morning and Most days for lunch. From time to time, they may close the dining room for lunch.


But there is always Lido, Room Service, Taco Bar, Burger Bar .....you won't go hungry. :)

Because we have been all over the Caribbean so many times, we often don't leave the ship for most of an entire 7 day (or 10 day) cruise.

[JDee]

The DR may not be closed in all ports, depending on the ship & ports. On Zaandam 3/04 cruise, DR was open 12:00 - 1:00 in Cozumel & St. Thomas, but was closed in Grand Caymen, and all ships DR will be closed when visiting Half Moon. If too rough to tender Half Moon, not sure if DR would be open, since it would have been planned to be closed.

Movies would be shown in the afternoon in Wajang theatre. Not sure about the VISTA class ships in their Queens Lounge.

Happy cruising....

[Bill S]

I really enjoy the staying on board in a port where we have visited before and no desire to take an excursion or go ashore. We can sleep-in and then have the ship pretty much to ourselves for pure relaxation. The cruise staff will still have activities on-board but it is unbelievably laid back on those days! My DW just enjoys reading a good book and dozing on the verandah! In some respects it is better than a sea day due to the majority of guests being ashore!

[amenuensis]

Thanks for all the responses, that sets my mind at ease. Some of the less mobile cruisers in our family group will be happy to know they can stay behind and relax and enjoy the ship.

[Charliesmom]

The trivia games usually go on during port days. We have had wonderful times playing trivia (and winning) when there were fewer passengers around.

Roberta