Rain, Rain, Go Away! Six Superb Things To Do in Bad Weather On A Cruise Ship

• Indulge in Relaxation and Wellness: Take the opportunity to pamper yourself at the ship's spa with tranquil treatments like massages and facials, or use the thermal suites.

• Enjoy Diverse Entertainment and Group Activities: Catch spectacular evening shows, including Broadway-style musicals, acrobatics, or comedy, or watch a Hollywood blockbuster in an immersive cinema like an IMAX Theatre.

• Stay Active and Unleash Your Creativity: Keep fit by utilising modern gym facilities or joining a yoga class.

Do you picture your cruise holiday with visions of you lounging on the deck, soaking up the sun and a cocktail in hand? If so, bad weather on a cruise ship may come as somewhat of a disappointment! But don't get downhearted! There's a multitude of things you can enjoy when cruising in bad weather.

In this blog, we share six fantastic cruise activities for bad weather. And just a heads up, some of them may sound so appealing that you'll end up wishing for more days of rain to do them!

1. Enjoy a Pampering Session At The Spa

How often do you get the chance during everyday life to indulge in a spa treatment? Well, bad weather on a cruise provides the perfect opportunity!

Most cruise ships have enticing spas, offering a variety of tranquil treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps, hair styling and even acupuncture. Then, there are the thermal suites, where you'll often have access to a sauna, steam room and whirlpool. 

For example, Silversea Cruises’ Otium Spa has been designed to be a paradise of wellness inspired by traditional Roman baths. From its customised treatments created to soothe the body and mind to the relaxation room, where you’ll be served sparkling wine and light bites, and the thermal suite with sauna and steam room; it's an all-encompassing experience of relaxation and rejuvenation.

2. Unleash Your Creativity

If you’re looking for a creative slant to your indoor cruise activities, you’ll find cooking classes and mixology workshops offered on many cruise ships. These are an excellent way to learn something new and discover flavours and ingredients from around the world, all while being guided by some of the best chefs in the business. 

Take P&O Cruises, for example. It offers The Cookery Club, giving both beginners and experienced home cooks the chance to get hands-on in their state-of-the-art kitchens. Then, there’s Disney Cruise Lines’ Beverage Tastings, with everything from beer or bourbon tasting to chocolate & liquor pairing sessions.

3. Stay Active With Some Fitness Fun

If you're a committed gym-goer, you'll be pleased to know that almost all cruise ships have modern fitness facilities for you to use. But if lifting weights and pounding the treadmill is not your thing, you'll find plenty more sports and indoor cruise activities onboard. 

Try finding your zen with a yoga class or enjoying the fast frenzy of basketball and squash. Or, for some more unusual things to do when it's raining on a cruise, how about roller skating on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, a bit of bowling fun with Norwegian Cruise Line or some right-royal fencing classes with Cunard Cruise Line?

4. Find a Rainy Retreat With Literature & Board Games

Sometimes, when it's raining outside, there's nothing better than curling up in a cosy corner with a good book. Many cruise ships have an onboard library, providing a quiet space filled with books that transport you to entirely different worlds – perfect for when you’re looking for what to do on a cruise ship in bad weather.

In Royal Caribbean's onboard library & card room, alongside the well-stocked bookshelves covering a variety of genres, there are tables for cards and board games, offering a delightful way to while away a few hours. Meanwhile, the glossy wood panelling and leather armchairs in Cunard's libraries provide a beautiful spot for a quiet read. It also hosts book clubs, providing a chance to share your love of literature with others.

5. Light Up Your Night With Theatre Thrills & Movie Magic

When it comes to finding the best cruise activities for bad weather, seeing a show is an unmissable choice! Many cruise ships put on the most spectacular shows, so if the rain persists into the evening, take the opportunity to catch one. From Broadway-style musicals, stunning acrobatics and ballroom dance performances to game shows and stand-up comedians, there's plenty to keep you entertained. 

For example, Princess Cruises' newest show, Spotlight Bar, is an imaginative compilation of colourful stories all told through song. Meanwhile, 5-SKIES is the cruise line’s most technologically advanced production yet, showcasing the greatest virtual reality game of all time.

If you’re sailing with Celebrity Cruises, be sure to check out Elements. This breathtaking display of acrobatic performances leads you through a fantastical journey of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

Alternatively, if you're seeking something on the big screen, Carnival Cruises is the first cruise line to offer the complete IMAX Theatre experience. Expect bigger screens, incredible sound and an immersive escape into the world of Hollywood blockbusters.

6. Unravel The Offshore Mysteries In An Escape Room

One of the latest adventures to have at sea is an escape room experience, and what better thing to do when it's raining on a cruise?

Escape rooms offer exhilarating group experiences where you are challenged to crack codes, solve puzzles and race against the clock to break free and win the game. With themes ranging from futuristic fantasies and interstellar travels to tales inspired by popular movies, books, or exotic destinations, there's an enthralling escape scenario for everyone on board.

While Royal Caribbean was the first to launch escape rooms at sea, now offering concepts such as Escape the Rubicon, Apollo 18 and The Royal Society of Puzzles, other cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, have since introduced these on-trend, fun-filled concepts to their ships.

Cruising in bad weather doesn't have to mean a dreary time. On the contrary, cruise ships are amazingly well set up to offer a whole host of imaginative indoor cruise activities that provide exciting or delightful ways to spend your sailing time. So, fear not; when the clouds gather at sea, there's still plenty of fun to be had.