What's the difference?
A port day is when the ship calls at a destination. You can head ashore for a booked excursion, explore on your own, or stay on board while it's quiet.
A sea day is spent sailing. There's nowhere you need to be, which is exactly the point: long breakfasts, the pool, the spa, a class, a show and a late dinner.
How to make the most of a sea day
Sea days are when the ship is busiest, so a little planning helps.
- Book spa treatments early, because sea days are the most popular
- Find a quieter corner of the deck in the morning
- Try something new: a class, a talk or a tasting
- Save your favorite restaurant for a sea-day evening
- Do absolutely nothing for a few hours, without guilt
How to plan a port day
Check the arrival and all-aboard times before you plan anything. Some ports need a tender boat to get ashore, which adds time at both ends of the day.
Pick one main thing to do and leave room around it. A great lunch and a slow walk often beat a packed tour schedule.
Pacing a port-heavy itinerary
Itineraries with ports on several days in a row are thrilling, and tiring. You don't have to go ashore everywhere. A quiet day on a nearly empty ship can be one of the best of the trip.
On a longer voyage, look for a sea day in the middle to recharge.
Which balance suits you?
If you want to see as much as possible, choose a port-heavy itinerary. If you're craving rest, look for sailings with more sea days, or a crossing with several in a row. Every sailing on our site shows its day-by-day itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Are sea days boring?
Rarely. Sea days are when the ship's restaurants, pools, spa and entertainment come into their own, and plenty of people find them the most relaxing part of the trip.
What is a tender port?
A port where the ship anchors offshore and small boats ferry guests to land. It adds time getting ashore and back, so plan for it.
Can I stay on the ship on a port day?
Usually, yes. Many guests enjoy a quieter ship while others are ashore.
How many sea days are ideal?
It depends on what you want from the trip. A sea day or two on a week-long sailing gives you time to enjoy the ship between busy port days.
Keep reading
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