Are you going on an MSC cruise and wondering what to do on sea days? I’ve cruised with MSC multiple times and I’ve perfected my sea day routine. Below, I’m sharing my best MSC sea day tips, mistakes to avoid, and the best things to do so you don’t waste your day at sea.
Don’t Miss Brunch
One thing I always do on MSC sea days is brunch in the main dining room. This is something that’s typically only offered on sea days, and what makes it unique is the continuous service—from breakfast hours straight into lunch.
The menu is a mix of breakfast favorites like Eggs Benedict and omelets, plus heavier brunch foods like Japanese fried chicken, Steak and Eggs, Cheeseburger and Pasta carbonara.
This is a great option if you want to avoid the buffet crowds, and it’s honestly perfect for families with teens. My kids always sleep in, so we never make it to regular breakfast in the main dining room—but brunch lets us finally enjoy a leisurely sit-down meal.
Try the Giant Slides
Some MSC ships have giant slides that go down multiple decks. You sit in a sack, slide down several stories, and it’s actually really thrilling.
And just like a lot of activities on the ship, it’s free—so definitely try it at least once on your next sea day.
Guiness Book of World Record
One of our favorite sea day activities is the Guinness World Records events. You can either participate and try to break a world record, or just watch other passengers compete—it’s always entertaining.
On one of our cruises, we even tried to break the record for the loudest audience clapping at sea. It’s such a fun, high-energy activity and something unique to MSC cruises.
Visit the Thermal Suite
Sea days are the perfect time to visit the spa’s thermal suite. If you’ve never been, it’s a quiet, adults-only relaxation area inside the spa with heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, salt rooms, and more.
It’s peaceful and honestly feels like a total escape from the rest of the ship—especially on busy sea days.
Now here’s my favorite part: I never pay for it. If you’re a member of MSC’s Voyagers Club and you’re Gold level or higher, you get one hour of free access to the thermal suite.
The only catch is that you must make a reservation in advance—you can’t just walk in. What I always do is call the spa on the very first day of my cruise and book my thermal suite time for a sea day before spots fill up.
And if you’ve sailed with other cruise lines or have high loyalty status with hotel chains, definitely look into MSC’s status match program. There’s a good chance you may already qualify for Voyagers Club Gold status, which means that free thermal suite access could already be waiting for you.
Order Room Service
Another thing I always do on sea days is order room service for breakfast. Even if we’re planning to go to brunch later, I like to start the day with a light continental breakfast—usually coffee and a few pastries or danishes. The best part? Continental breakfast room service is free; you only pay if you order the hot dishes.
There’s something so relaxing and a little luxurious about enjoying coffee and a pastry out on the balcony. It’s peaceful and honestly one of my favorite ways to kick off a sea day.
Water Park
If you’re cruising with kids, the water park is a must on sea days. This is where my kids can happily spend hours.
There are multiple water slides, so there’s plenty of variety to keep kids entertained. On many ships, you can even ride together in a double tube, which makes it even more fun—especially for kids who might be a little nervous going solo.
The best part? It’s free. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to check the kids in first. That usually means signing a waiver and getting wristbands before they can ride. For younger kids, there’s also a dedicated splash area with smaller slides and water features that are perfect for little ones.
It’s one of the best ways to spend sea days for the whole family.
Don’t Forget the Anti-Seasick Medication
Sea days are when the ship is moving the most, so you’re more likely to feel stronger motion. If you’re prone to seasickness—especially during hurricane season—it’s essential to be prepared.
For me, I always take my anti-seasickness medication first thing in the morning on sea days, even if I feel fine. Once seasickness sets in, it’s much harder to manage, so prevention is really the key.
Another tip that helps a lot is to avoid getting hungry. I make sure to eat regularly and stay comfortably full throughout the day. An empty stomach can actually make seasickness worse, so frequent small snacks are a smart idea.
Carbs like bread and pasta are especially helpful for keeping you full and warding off nausea—it’s a great excuse to load up on them.
Don’t Miss the Gift Shop Sale
Another thing to take advantage of on MSC sea days is the gift shop sales. Sea days are usually when the cruise gift shops run their biggest blowout deals.
It’s common to see things like souvenir T-shirts for around $10, and other items heavily discounted—but these sales are usually limited-time and only happen on sea days.
So if you see something you like at a great price, don’t wait. It may not be there later—or the price will be higher.
Don’t Miss Dinner
On sea days, dinner in the main dining room is usually the highlight. MSC often has themed nights—like formal night, Italian night, or gala dinners—with the best menu of your cruise. You’ll be able to order premium dishes like lobster and steak- dishes you won’t find at the buffet.
Don’t make the mistake of eating at the buffet on sea days. The main dining room is where the best food is on sea days.
Voyager’s Club Party
If you’re a member of MSC’s loyalty program, be sure not to miss the exclusive Voyagers Club party, which is usually held on sea days. You’ll receive an invitation, and it’s a great opportunity to relax, mingle with fellow cruisers, and enjoy complimentary champagne.
If you’re Diamond level or higher, the experience is even better, with complimentary cocktails and appetizers. It’s a nice dose of VIP treatment, a more intimate social setting, and an easy way to get free drinks during your sea day.
Arcade
The arcade is a great spot for kids and families to have fun on sea days—but keep in mind, it’s not free; you’ll need to pay to play.
Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: always set a spending limit on your child’s account. On one cruise, my son went arcade-crazy, and the bill added up faster than I expected!
Now, I call guest services ahead of time to set a limit on how much he can spend during the cruise. It’s basically like giving him a little cruise allowance.
Hot Tub
I love hot tubs, but they’re usually pretty crowded—especially near the main pool. If you want a more relaxing experience, check for hot tubs near the indoor pool area or ones tucked away from the main pool deck.
Timing also makes a big difference. Try going in the late afternoon or early evening when most people are back in their cabins getting ready for dinner. That’s usually when hot tubs are less crowded.
Try the Ropes Course
If it’s not the water slides, my kids love the ropes course. It’s fun, a little adventurous, and free.
Just make sure you’re wearing the right attire. You’ll need closed-toe shoes like sneakers, and shorts that are long enough. No flip-flops, no bathing suits, and no very short shorts. Once you’re dressed properly, it’s such a fun activity—especially on sea days.
Use the Gym
For those who don’t want to fall behind on their workout routine, go to the ship’s fitness center. It’s free to use. You can get in a solid workout while enjoying ocean views.
Formula 1 Race Car
If you’re cruising with kids, don’t miss the Formula 1 race car simulator. It’s a fun experience where you sit in a realistic race car and compete in a virtual reality race.
My son loves it. While it normally costs extra, here’s a tip: if you’re a Voyagers Club Gold member or higher, you get one free race. Sea days are the perfect time to take advantage of this free perk since you have more flexibility in your schedule.
Relax by the Pool
For many cruisers, sea days automatically mean pool days. Just keep in mind that the main pool is usually crowded, loud, and packed with pool games and activities. If you love high energy and lots of action, that might be perfect for you.
But if you’re craving a more relaxed vibe, skip the main pool and head to a quieter option instead. The indoor pool or the adults-only pool is usually much calmer and easier to enjoy on sea days.
Once you find your spot, grab a lounge chair, settle in, and enjoy some uninterrupted relaxation—maybe with a good book in hand.
Find the Quiet Spots on the Ship
On sea days, most people go to the same areas—the buffet, the atrium, and the pool deck. These are always the busiest spots on the ship.
Instead, take some time to explore and look for quieter areas. You can often find empty lounges, little nooks with comfortable chairs, nightclubs that are closed during the day, or even specialty cafés that aren’t busy yet.
These spots are perfect for relaxing, reading a book, or just enjoying some peace and quiet. And once you find a spot you love, you can keep coming back to it on every sea day.
Free Board Games
Sea days often come with a bit of downtime, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it with the family is by borrowing board games from the ship.
It’s a fun, low-key activity that everyone can enjoy together, perfect for taking a break from screens or the pool.
Kids Club
If you’re looking for some adult time on sea days, don’t forget about the Kids Club. The programs are great and the staff is amazing.
You can drop off kids starting at age 3, and they’ll be kept busy with a variety of supervised activities, from LEGO building and games to organized events that can entertain them for hours. Older kids and teens aren’t left out either—there’s a dedicated teen club with foosball, video games, and plenty of space to hang out with new friends.
Take an Afternoon Nap
One of my favorite sea day activities is taking an afternoon nap after I check my kids into the Kids Club. There’s something relaxing about resting in the middle of the day without worrying about my kids.
I’ll either head back to my cabin for a proper nap, or find a quiet lounge somewhere on the ship if I don’t feel like walking all the way back. Even a short nap can make a big difference, helping me recharge and enjoy the rest of my sea day so much more.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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