18 Best Activities on a Cruise Ship for All Ages

No matter what age you are or where in the world you’ve chosen for your adventure at sea, you’ll find a dazzling range of activities on a cruise ship, including pursuits you’d probably never even have imagined would be available.

Croquet on the lawn? A game of pickleball? It’s all waiting to be discovered.

You could, of course, enjoy doing very little, simply relaxing in the sunshine with a favorite cocktail and a book. That’s the joy of cruising; the freedom to spend your days exactly as you wish.

Whatever’s on your wish list, read on to learn more about some of the best activities on a cruise ship.

Lounge by the Pool

First and foremost, you’re on vacation, so find yourself a lounge chair, ask your server for your favorite cocktail, sit back, and relax, enjoying the feeling of the sun on your face. All of Celebrity’s ships have beautiful pools, some more than one.

If you’ve had enough sun, or if you’ve chosen a cooler location like Alaska for your vacation, why not head for The Solarium instead? This serene, covered pool area is flooded with natural light and is for adults only*.

If you’re staying in The Retreat on Celebrity’s Edge-Series ships, you’ll enjoy a private sun deck and pool, reminiscent of a chic beach club.

*Solarium kid’s hours available from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on select itineraries – Antarctica, Alaska, and the Baltics.

Run on the Jogging Track

There’s something invigorating about running at sea, breathing in the salty air, surrounded by blue in every direction, or with some exquisite port as a backdrop.

Keep up your running habit during your vacation, or simply power walk around the track that you’ll find on every Celebrity ship.

On Edge-Series ships, the jogging track is particularly special in that it spans two decks, winding around the Rooftop Garden and the terraced pool area.

Read: What Deck Is Best on a Cruise Ship?

Play a Game of Pickleball

Pickleball, which incorporates elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is fun for all levels of expertise, easy to play, and great for staying fit on a cruise.

Try the world’s fastest-growing sport on board nine Celebrity ships in the open air, surrounded by ocean views.

Play with friends and family, or join events and tournaments organized by the entertainment team. Nets, paddles, and balls are all provided for you.

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Each of Celebrity’s ships screens outdoor movies on deck, which you can enjoy from a comfortable chair complete with popcorn, ice cream, or your favorite cocktail.

On Millennium-Series ships, head for the Rooftop Terrace to sink back into a lounger and watch the big screen.

Edge-Series ships show movies at the gorgeous Rooftop Garden, a leafy urban playscape with a giant, high-definition screen.

Read: Things to Do Outdoors on a Cruise Ship

Watch Expert Mixologists in Action

Ready to watch the antics of the finest mixologists in the business? Head for The Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza (on Edge-Series ships) or The Martini Bar & Crush on Celebrity’s other ships, a lively gathering place where the bar surface is frosted with ice.

Watch, astounded, as the bartenders juggle glasses and bottles in a daring, high-energy show. Enjoy the spectacle from a front-row seat while sipping an ice-cold gin or vodka martini.

Or visit the World Class Bar to watch mixologists prepare adventurous cocktails using fresh and sometimes unexpected ingredients and fine spirits. Who knows? You may even discover your new favorite drink.

Learn About Art

Each of Celebrity’s ships carries an extraordinary, expertly curated art collection. Read a description of each piece, whether it’s a painting, a statue, or an avant-garde installation. Take yourself on an art tour of the ship to learn more.

Or to acquire a piece of your own, why not head to the onboard gallery to one of the auctions? Relax with a glass of champagne, browse the collection, and bid for anything that catches your eye.

Celebrity’s partnership with Park West, the world’s largest auction house, means that you’ll have access to a vast range of works.

Fly High on the Magic Carpet®

On Celebrity’s Edge-series ships, you’ll notice a tangerine-colored platform cantilevered over the side. Welcome to the innovative Magic Carpet®, which can move up and down, with a different function in each location.

When it’s positioned by Deck 5, the Magic Carpet serves as an al fresco extension to the Raw on 5 restaurant.

When it’s by the pool deck, the platform is a gorgeous outdoor lounge, with ocean on three sides and comfortable sofas in which you can relax and take in the view.

For the ultimate experience, book Dinner on the Edge, when you’ll dine al fresco at the highest level of the ship for a culinary experience like no other.

Shop for Designer Fashion

If you love retail therapy, you’ll be in heaven on Celebrity’s ships, where there’s a fantastic range of designer labels in the onboard shops.

Discover the sparkling world of Effy, one of the world’s most trusted names in jewelry. Shop for labels including Bulgari, Breitling, and Omega, as well as Tag Heuer and Longines.

Looking for fashion inspiration? You’ll find Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace and D&G by Dolce & Gabbana on board.

Check out the collection of on-trend purses by Coach. Or stock up on your favorite perfume, makeup, and liquor, as well as stylish Celebrity logo wear. Because you’re on a ship, everything is duty free.

Try Your Luck in the Casino

Immerse yourself in the glamor and buzz of the elegant casinos on board, offering a variety of exciting games from slots to blackjack and roulette.

On every Celebrity ship, the casino has a sophisticated atmosphere, with friendly, highly professional croupiers and action-packed tournaments.

By day, there are occasional classes to help you hone your game and get ready for a glittering evening courting Lady Luck.

Be Dazzled by the Shows

You’ll find state-of-the-art entertainment in the theaters on board, with jaw-dropping acrobatics and world-class singers. High-tech LED backdrops bring every performance to life.

There are cutting-edge shows for every taste, from sultry, late-night productions to song and dance, drama, high-energy rock, and even a touch of Shakespeare.

World-class choreographers and producers, along with a talented, diverse cast on every Celebrity ship means you’ll be wowed by entertainment that’s every bit as dazzling as what you might see on Broadway or London’s West End.

Heading for a show every day really is one of the best activities on a cruise ship and, unlike Broadway or London, it costs nothing.

If you’re on Celebrity Beyond, don’t miss the Elements show, which features the mesmerizing “Air Sculptures” by artist Daniel Wurtzel. Rippling fabric, blown out over the audience, creates its own “dance”, and graceful, hypnotic, visuals.

Fun for Kids

If you’re cruising with kids, Camp at Sea is one of the best clubs you’ll find afloat.

The kids’ activities on a cruise ship are catered to four separate age groups to entertain and educate junior cruisers from age three up to cool teens, who have their own Teen Club for video games, sports competitions, and silent discos.

Kids can express their artistic side at the Creation Station, “camp” out at The Lawn Club (on Solstice-Series ships), learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics, try new sports, or even join cooking demos.

Teens, when they’re not hanging out in their adult-free space, can try the range of specialized treatments at The Spa.

The whole family can join specially tailored excursions that appeal to all ages, from kayaking and cycling to snorkeling in the Bahamas or zip-lining over the forest canopy in Alaska.

Join Games & Quizzes

There’s non-stop entertainment on board a Celebrity ship, not least the enormously popular Deal or No Deal TV game show, where the tension mounts and the stakes are high, with $5,000 cash or a free cruise to be won.

Or perhaps join a Bingo session to try your luck; you’ll find these on every ship. Check your daily program or the Celebrity app, the perfect way to plan your day.

Become a Wine Expert

If you love wine, you’ll be thrilled to explore the impressive wine list on Celebrity’s ships, which has won more Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence than any other cruise line.

Lounge on a Living Lawn

Did you know that Celebrity’s five Solstice-Series ships each have their own living lawn? The Lawn Club is one of the most relaxing spaces on board.

It’s a beautiful setting for days when you’re sailing through some of the world’s most pristine environments and just want to commune with nature.

Enjoy a picnic lunch, read a book, challenge the family to a game of croquet or boules, listen to jazz, or simply lie back and inhale the aroma of sea air.

Experiment With Glass Blowing

Of all the activities on a cruise ship you might be expecting, a glass-blowing studio is probably the last you’d think of. But Celebrity Equinox, Eclipse, and Solstice each have a hot glass class where you can watch dazzling demos or sign up for a class to create your own masterpiece.

A skilled instructor will show you the basics of glass blowing. By the end of the class, you will have created a flower, a bowl, a vase, a starfish, or another unique piece, which will be wrapped for you to take home.

Invest in Wellness

Thanks to the wonderful spas, wellness programs, and fitness offerings on Celebrity’s ships, you can come home rejuvenated, refreshed, and fitter than you were before your vacation.

Try some of the fitness classes on board, which range from yoga and meditation to high-energy F45 workouts and individual sessions on Peloton bikes.

Head for The Spa and explore the range of treatments, many of them inspired by the destinations in which Celebrity’s ships sail.

Unwind in the SEA Thermal Suite (the Persian Garden on Millennium- and Solstice-series ships) and stimulate your senses in multi-sensory showers, saunas, steam and salt rooms, and by relaxing on heated tile loungers.

For an enhanced wellness experience, choose AquaClass®, which gives you all kinds of added amenities as well as unlimited access to this tranquil paradise.

Listen to Live Music

On a Celebrity ship, you’ll find live music at every turn, whether it’s soulful jazz at the Ensemble Lounge or acoustic guitar in the Rooftop Garden on Edge-series ships.

You could be dancing in the sun by the pool one day and grooving to ‘60s psychedelic sounds in The Club the next.

As well as live music, you’ll find fantastic DJ sets in the evenings and will soon realize why the silent discos in Eden on Edge-series ships are so legendary.

Dine Your Way Around the World

Dine your way from Asia to Italy to the USA on a Celebrity ship, where you’ll find superb restaurants for every taste.

Head to the Tuscan Grille for iconic Italian dishes and the tenderest of steaks, or Murano for classy French fare.

Visit Raw on 5 for magnificent seafood displays and exquisite sushi, or the Rooftop Garden Grill for tasty barbecue dishes in the fresh air.

Don’t miss Le Petit Chef, especially if you’re traveling as a family. The tiny animated 3D figures bustling around your plate will enchant you.

Dine in Blu, a restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests, which serves delicious healthy options. Or elevate your experience at The Retreat and dine in the exquisite Luminae at the Retreat, offering the finest in modern global cuisine.

For the ultimate indulgence, if you’re on Celebrity Beyond, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud is the first signature restaurant at sea by the renowned chef, who is also Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador.

Ready to step on board and discover the spectacular range of activities that’s available on a Celebrity cruise? Browse our cruise itineraries and plan your next thrilling escape.