Repositioning cruises were made for relaxation. Instead of waking at the crack of dawn to get on a tender or grab breakfast before going ashore, passengers on repositioning cruises can sleep in, enjoy a leisurely made-to-order breakfast in the dining room, and then spend the day taking it easy.
Although cruise ships today have countless ways to keep busy and stay active, anyone taking a repositioning cruise should also take advantage of the opportunity to unwind and recharge their batteries.
One of the first stops passengers should make after boarding is the ship’s library. Most ships have good ones with classics, best sellers, travel guides, mysteries, and more. Instead of bringing pounds of books with you, leave it up to chance and see what strikes your fancy in the library. Or invest in an electronic reader and bring your whole library in a tiny package.
Once you have your reading matter taken care of, find a deck chair in a quiet place. One of the great benefits of cruising is being able to enjoy the fresh, sea air. So don’t sit inside. If it’s chilly out, you can usually get the staff to bring you a blanket. Or find a place in the solarium if your ship has one. Being able to bake in the sun is another great way to let all your cares slip away.
Bring some binoculars and you can scan the horizon for whales, dolphins, or sea birds. If you enjoy playing cards or board games, find some like-minded fellow travelers for a round.
Mid-afternoon tea, which is served on most ships, is delightfully civilized. And the combination of tea, finger sandwiches, and pastries is perfect to tide you over until dinner.
If there’s a promenade deck on your ship, go for a pre- or post-dinner stroll. A brisk walk gets the blood flowing and elevates your mood.
To really take the edge off, soak in one of the whirlpools, enjoy a sauna, get a massage or other treatment in the spa, or take a nap on one of the heated surfaces.
Leaving your cell phone at home and resisting the temptation to check your email will really help you get away from it all. Both these services are expensive at sea anyway.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll return from your repositioning cruise ready for anything.