Spending a sea day was never envisioned by Albert Camus. You don’t sit around waiting for something that is never going to happen. For most of the new cruisers the problem seems to be that there is too much happening. I have learned a small amount of judgement over a couple years of cruising and avoid

• 1) anything that costs money. There is plenty for free and anyway I have knitting and reading as well as the fitness center. This means that I don’t go to the Casino, I don’t gamble and I completely ignore the call for both Bingo and the Art Auction.
• 2) anything that involves a large number of people singing/drinking/being incredibly stupid. This includes Belly Flop Contests and the Quest. Sometimes the activity costs money so I can also use #1 as excuse.
• 3) any presentations put on by the Spa or other assorted “health people” who are primarily there to sell stuff (besides I get really, really irritated by a perky little attendant who tells a diabetic that all artificial sweeteners are bad and she should use sugar in her coffee. No worries. Hello? Besides I really don’t see any scientific evidence for detoxification (other than the fact that it will precipitate problems in a minority which creates more business for the ship’s doctor who already has more than enough to do. [Taking a breath, stepping down off soap box].
• 4) Trivia – these people take it entirely too seriously. And besides, I don’t watch TV (not US, Germany, Brit or OZ), listen to what passes for pop music or go to the movies.
• 5) Most lecture series – my criteria is quite simple. If I can stay awake I might go back for a second lecture by the person. Even better if the subject is interesting and delivered at above a toddler level.

So I can fill my time easily, with course work on sea days (CME along – deadline end of year. Trying to avoid the screaming this time around!).

MOOC

This is a side discussion and has absolutely nothing to do with cruising so you are more than welcome to skip/delete/whatever.

One of the new trends in adult education made possible by the modern technology of the Internet is on-line courses. Specifically in this case I am referring to what is know as Massive Open On-line Courses (MOC). Coursera and EdEx are a major sources of such educational opportunities. Essentially it is free to sign up for courses – all you need is a registration and willingness to participate. Occasional courses will offer completion certificates and a few of the life sciences related actually will offer CEU at a ridiculously low cost. (~$39/US for a 6-12 week course. Anyone who has to maintain medical/vet/nursing/dental/other assorted licenses knows how expensive a contact hour can be).

So filling the hours during the day is not hard.

Besides, there are so few children on the ship (<35) that the water slide is open to adults as well between 1100-1400.