So, you’ve finally managed to set up your cruise.
You finalized the logistics, wrangled your travel buddies, and made it all the way to your ship’s port.
And you get on board, ready to enjoy your vacation—but you can’t seem to settle down.
You still feel the stress of preparing, packing, and traveling, to the point where you can’t seem to enjoy your vacation.
No matter what you do, you can’t seem to unwind.
Whether it’s from anxiety, guilt, troubles at home, or stress caused by travel, sometimes we struggle to truly relax on our vacations.
I used to experience this struggle.
Especially as a new cruiser, I felt like my head was on a swivel, trying to take in all the information and sights around me.
It was hard to sit down and rest when everything was so new to me.
After six cruises, I’ve finally developed a routine to de-stress on my cruises.
Whether it’s your first time and you’re trying to keep the nerves at bay, or you’re a seasoned cruiser just trying to enjoy an overdue vacation, here are my tips for relaxing on your cruise.
Read more: Extra tips to prepare for a cruise if you have anxiety
1. Stay away from alcohol
Grabbing an alcoholic drink is an easy and tempting way to de-stress.
As soon as you start sipping on your wine or classic marg, you feel the anxiety leaving your body and being replaced with a warm, happy feeling.
But this can be a mistake in the long run.
Heavy drinking puts the body in a state of stress.
Your body is trying to balance itself, and as the alcohol wears off, you’ll feel even more anxious than before you started drinking.
Whether or not you drink enough to actually feel hungover, alcohol can increase your feelings of stress in the long run.
Not only that, but drinks can get expensive on a cruise ship! Royal Caribbean’s cocktails range from $14 to $17 each.
If you’re not splurging on a drink package, ordering a drink could increase your stress as soon as you see that price tag.
Especially if you’re on a longer cruise, spare yourself the "hanganxiety" and go easy on the alcohol.
There are plenty of other (cheaper) ways to relax!
2. Start by unpacking
Clutter in your physical space can cause clutter in your mental space.
Because it’s a new environment where you have limited space and not all of your items from home, being in a cruise ship stateroom can feel stressful.
I like to calm myself down by unpacking my luggage as soon as I get to my stateroom.
Whether the cruise lasts 3 nights or 7 nights, it’s worth it for me.
I start by dividing my clothes into drawers and hanging up long items in the closet. Then, I unpack my toiletries and lay them out on the bathroom shelves.
Any other items I’ve brought along—such as books, electronics, or makeup—I leave inside cabin drawers.
This is a great way to organize all your items, make sure you have everything you need, and reduce clutter.
It always helps you start to clear your mind and feel more comfortable in this new environment.
3. Go offline
Yes, WiFi may be available on your cruise ship.
But I recommend giving your mind a break by staying offline, or even opting out of the Internet package entirely.
We’re all familiar with the negative effects social media has on the brain, from jealous comparisons to addictive scrolling.
Usually, the problem is getting yourself to reduce your time online.
But a cruise is the perfect time to start that social media break you’ve been putting off!
It’s a vacation, so this is your time to rest from work. Stop checking your email!
Getting news when you’re on a cruise ship, unable to take action, will only increase your stress.
Leave your phone in the room, and go out and explore the ship.
A cruise ship has many activities that you can enjoy without thinking of the Internet.
In addition to live music and shows, movies usually play at night, so you can enjoy the ship’s amenities without ever using your own media.
And, you’ll be more secure and private by sharing photos after the trip is over.
4. Take advantage of the ship’s spa
Royal Caribbean ships are home to Vitality Spa and Salon, an elegant venue dedicated to health and beauty services.
There, you can find luxurious treatments such as seaweed massages, salt scrubs, and aroma stone therapy.
The salon also has beauty services for every part of the body, from hair to nails to teeth.
It’s the perfect spot to start to truly unwind, putting your self-care first.
Relaxation starts with calming down your body, after all.
If you find yourself hesitant to spend on the spa’s massage or salon packages, there are still options for discounts.
Members of the Crown and Anchor Society receive a discount on spa services, starting at 10% off for Gold status, and extending to 20% plus a complimentary add-on for Pinnacle members.
Another savvy way to get a lower price is by waiting until the last day of the cruise or slower port days.
If spa staff see that the ship is not booking enough spa appointments, they may offer more discounts onboard.
And if you want something completely free, keep an eye out on your Cruise compass.
Complimentary tasters, consultations, and lessons are offered daily.
For example, I attended a free facial sampler on my last cruise. The staff let us each try their facial products and gave us tips on how to treat our faces and prevent aging.
5. Prioritize rest
One thing I love about cruising is the freedom to nap whenever and wherever you like.
It’s a vacation! The only rule is that it’s time to relax.
I usually like to take a nap between lunch and dinner, so I wake up refreshed for an evening of activities.
But there are no limitations to when you can rest. On the pool deck, in your stateroom, in the hot tub—they’re all on the table.
I’m a true advocate of allowing yourself to catch up on sleep and just lie down when you feel like it.
Read more: Chill spots to get away from the crowd on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship
6. View nature on the open deck
Time in nature is another proven way to relax the body and mind.
On a cruise ship, you’ll have an endless amount of opportunities to see gorgeous landscapes and seascapes.
During the day, you can watch the open sea surrounding you and watch the movement of the waves.
When it’s sunny, sit down and relax, letting your body soak up some vitamin D.
Read more: Why Cruises are Great for People with Anxiety
Relaxing in the sun is an amazing way to boost your mood.
And at night, be sure to look up at the sky. The clearest view of the stars is often available when you’re out on a ship, away from the lights of land.
Star-gazing on a cruise ship is an incredible experience that reminds us just how small we are.
7. Savor your meals
One of the easiest ways I’ve found to relax on a cruise is by enjoying each meal I try.
Once I get onboard and taste that first bite of Windjammer chicken, it’s an immediate sign to my body that I can relax—I’ve made it onto the cruise!
Dining is one of the most enjoyable experiences on a Royal Caribbean cruise. So many venues come free of charge, included in your cruise fare.
You can eat knowing that you don’t have to cook or clean it up yourself.
There’s no rush to eat quickly, no limited lunch break or restricted schedule.
Enjoy each bite slowly, and savor all the different flavors.
This is also the perfect time to try a new kind of food, whether you want to taste specialty dining or explore everything the buffet has to offer.
Eat a lot. You’ve earned it!
8. Exercise for the fun of it
We all know that exercise is better for us. Working out strengthens your body and improves your mood. Exercise is also a great way to increase your confidence in your willpower and body!
It’s easy to put off when you’re busy at home, but your cruise is a great time to stop convincing yourself you have more important things to do.
If you’ve been procrastinating on exercise because you don’t have a gym membership or you can’t find the time, your cruise eliminates both of those excuses.
Royal Caribbean ships have a spectacular gym area, with upgraded machines and often a beautiful view of the ocean. They are free to access, and a true joy to use.
Also, a cruise gym will probably be one of the most judgment-free gyms you’ve ever visited. People of all ages go there for a simple workout on their cruise vacation.
No one is expecting you to be a skilled bodybuilder.
If you’re really having trouble getting started, there are even exercise classes and Personal Trainers onboard to assist you.
9. Make new friends
Cruisers are some of the most welcoming travelers I’ve met.
Whether you’re in elevators, chilling in the hot tub, or enjoying a Main Dining Room dinner, you’ll likely find someone willing to strike up a conversation.
I love how open and fun-loving cruisers are. And during your time onboard, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends and see them again!
New friends can help ease your anxiety and make your cruise an even more exciting experience.
Crew members are also extremely welcoming and friendly, always able to help.
If all else fails, and you’re still feeling panicked and stressed, I recommend sitting down at a quiet bar. Order a mocktail or a juice, and start chatting with the bartender.
