The Best Things To Do On A Cruise When It Rains, According To Passengers

Cruise ships offer a range of activities to keep you moving, come rain or shine. One fabulous option to stay active is to join a fitness class. Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, a pilates pro, or looking for high-energy cardio, cruise ships have classes for all fitness levels. These classes not only help you maintain your exercise routine while on vacation but also provide an opportunity to try something new and exciting.

Check your cruise itinerary for the classes they specialize in. For instance, Cunard is renowned for ballroom dancing activities, offering complimentary classes followed by evening balls. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, provide state-of-the-art fitness classes from TRX to indoor cycling.

Participating in a fitness class when it's raining can have additional benefits beyond physical exercise. The endorphins released during exercise can uplift your mood, countering any feelings of gloominess and lethargy that the rain might bring. Moreover, exercising with a group can also be incredibly motivating, plus you might even make new friends on board.

Just because you can't physically explore doesn't mean you can't expand your horizons by learning something new. Cooking lessons and demonstrations, led by professional chefs or even guest chefs from renowned restaurants, are among the most popular classes on cruise ships. Whether you're mastering basic cooking skills or diving into elaborate ethnic fares, these classes offer a hands-on experience that's both educational and delicious.

Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises and Holland America, offer photography classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced. The best part is you can immediately practice what you learn and capture stunning vacation images to remember the journey. Another skill to pick up to make the most out of your vacation is learning a new language. Some cruise lines offer classes that teach basic phrases and greetings, perfect for getting up to speed ahead of your next destination. On a broader scale, Crystal Cruise has a comprehensive enrichment program offering everything from arts to business courses. No matter which class you choose, learning a new skill is a fun and rewarding experience that will definitely keep you excited even when the weather is less than ideal. You might even discover a new passion that will stay with you long after your cruise ends.

When it rains on your cruise, grab some snacks, settle into a comfortable seat, and let yourself explore the cinematic universe. Cruise ship cinemas offer a quality experience that rivals your local theater, with state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. For example, Carnival Cruise Line has IMAX theaters that play Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, and more, while Disney Cruise presents the Buena Vista Theatre, a glamorous, classic, art-deco-style cinema.

Even if your ship doesn't have a cinema, or if you simply prefer a more intimate setting, you can still enjoy a movie in the comfort of your own cabin. Most cruise ships are equipped with in-room entertainment systems with various channels and movies on demand. This is a perfect time to catch up on or rewatch some classic cruise-themed movies like "Speed 2: Cruise Control" (1997), "An Affair to Remember" (1957), or "Out to Sea" (1997). If you have a specific taste or can't find a movie you like, you can always connect your own device to the in-room TV. This way, you can create a personalized movie marathon that suits your mood.

If you've enjoyed your cruise experiences so far, you might be curious about what goes on behind the scenes. Many cruise lines offer guided tours that take you to areas that are typically off-limits to passengers, and a rainy day presents the perfect opportunity to explore these unseen parts of the ship. Signing up for a tour of the ship's behind-the-scenes areas can enlighten, educate, and inspire a newfound appreciation for the whole experience — of the technology, history, and even the crew.

One of the most common areas for a tour is the galley, the cruise ship's kitchen. Here, passengers can observe how dishes are prepared and learn how the kitchens are organized. Other tours may take you to the engine room and navigational bridge, where you can see the equipment and machinery that power and operate the ship. Some tours even cover areas like the laundry room, medical center, and waste management facilities, which can be surprisingly fascinating.

Hiding and finding rubber ducks has become a beloved tradition among cruise passengers. This whimsical activity adds an element of surprise and excitement to the cruise experience, especially on rainy days when other activities may be limited. The premise is simple: Participants hide small rubber ducks throughout the ship for others to find, or they try to find the ducks hidden by others. These ducks can be creatively decorated and equipped with a tag that explains the tradition, or they may include the name of the person who did them and the date the duck was initially hidden.

Cruise ducks can be hidden anywhere, from stairwells to lounges and decks. However, there are some unofficial rules, such as avoiding the pools, gift shops, food preparation areas, spas, and anywhere they can be blown off or fall overboard. Hunting for ducks is also a fun way to explore different nooks and crannies of the ship that are otherwise overlooked. When you find a duck, you can either keep it or hide it for others to find. You can also take a selfie and post it on the Cruising Ducks group on Facebook, which already has over 240,000 members.

Going to an art gallery may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a fun cruise experience, but many mega boats are surprisingly rich in impressive artwork. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Cunard, and others have invested millions in museum-quality artwork. These collections often include a diverse range of styles, from classic to contemporary, providing something to suit every taste. Boasting remarkable paintings, sculptures, installations, and more, these art galleries are not to be missed.

Exploring the art onboard during rainy days can also be particularly soothing, providing a peaceful retreat where you can really take your time to admire and ponder. Not only that, you can also attend an art auction onboard to simply observe the lively event or even bid for a chance to acquire a unique piece. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just curious, exploring the art onboard can be an enriching experience, adding depth and culture to your cruise vacation.

Whether you're looking to treat yourself or find gifts for loved ones back home, the onboard shops offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. While you'll find well-known luxury brands, there's also a curated selection of merchandise reflecting your journey and the destinations you're visiting. From local artisan crafts to unique souvenirs, you're sure to find something special to remember your cruise by. Shopping onboard can also be relaxing because the shops are typically less crowded, allowing you to browse at your leisure. In addition to the shopping experience, many cruise ship shops host lively events and promotions. From trunk shows featuring local designers to jewelry sales and fashion events, there's always something exciting happening in the onboard shops. Don't forget to check out the duty-free shops for a chance to find a bargain on highly-taxed items like liquor and luxury goods.

Even if you're not in the mood to make a purchase, window shopping can be a delightful pastime. You can browse the items on display for inspiration, perhaps finding something you'd like to purchase later in your destination or hometown. Many cruise ship shops host lively events and promotions, be it a trunk show or jewelry sale, which is a fun activity in itself.