These 20 Tips Will Help you Relax on a Mediterranean Cruise
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A Journey to one of the most beautiful Places on Earth, the Mediterranean
Cruising is fast becoming the perfect holiday but can you really relax on a cruise? You certainly can! You can be guaranteed that there is always somewhere on the ship or offshore for you to unwind and relax making the Mediterranean the perfect cruise destination.
Here are my 20 Tips to Help you Relax on a Mediterranean Cruise and get the most rewarding holiday.
How to have a relaxing Mediterranean cruise
1. Take a walk
Cruise ships are huge and a stroll around deck is the perfect was to unwind. Walk along the promenade and take in some of the views of the sea or port. Pick up an ice-cream on the pool deck while you are on your way and find a private spot on the top deck.
Likewise hop offshore to stroll around the beautiful Mediterranean villages, many with winding streets and cobblestones with hanging baskets.
2. Have a glass of fine wine
The Mediterranean is the perfect place to taste wine. With many vineyards and a wide range of varieties of wine in the Mediterranean finding the perfect wine is easy. You will find a spot in cafe or a bar and be able to choose from an extensive list. Then sit back and watch the world go by.
3. Go shopping!
Retail therapy may be just what you need. Cruiseliners have an abundance of retail outlet full of interesting souvenirs. Not only that you will find plenty of shops in the many port towns as well as boutiques with gifts you can not buy at home.
4. Do not over schedule yourself and make your own sea day!
Just because the ship is docked it does not mean you need to get off. Stay on the boat and pull up a sunbed. The ships are often quieter when others hop off on their excursions. So take advantage of this and either stay on the boat or Instead of booking lots of excursions take a short walk in to town when you are docked. Find a bench, or a Cafe and watch the world go by. Or simply do nothing!
5. Find a quiet space on the ship
There are many places to find some peace and quiet on a ship. Cruise liners have libraries, quiet spaces as well as seating areas that are not in bars. The top deck is often peaceful as it is not near the pool so this makes a quiet retreat.
6. Prioritise and do one thing at a time
The Mediterranean is a treasure trove for the senses when looking at your port destination you are faced with many decisions on where to go. Instead choose just one! It is almost impossible to do a city such as rome in a day so dont try to. Choose your favourite place and visit just that. Save the Vatican for instance for another cruise or your next weekend break.
7. Visit a Gallery
I do not know a city that does not have an art gallery. With some of the most famous works of art scattered around the world there are an abundance of galleries to visit. Galleries are a place of inspiration and reflection and totally calming.
8. Eat ashore
Just because you have food onboard your ship does not mean you have to eat on it all day. Why not try a local speciality or produce from the Mediterranean way of life. An experience in itself is the way the people of the mediterranean advocate taking time to eat and savour food with good company. Whisk yourself away from hectic city life and find a local restaurant to sample the typical Mediterranean cuisine and eat just like a local.
9. Relax on the beach
The Mediterranean is a haven of beaches and hideaway coves. Instead of heading to the busy beaches ask the locals where they go. You will be sure to find the perfect hiding spot when you head ashore.
10. Read a book
Take yourself to a far off place in your mind with a good book. Borrow a book from the ships library or purchase one in the onboard store.
11. Book a spa treatment
Probably one of the of the most obvious things to do on a cruise is to book a spa treatment. While your ship is at sea have a back massage or a facial. This can be the best therapy for stressed and tired bodies.
12. Have breakfast in bed
Order your breakfast in bed! Steer clear of the hustle and bustle of breakfast time and order your breakfast in bed. Eat your breakfast whilst watching the waves on the shore.
13. Avoid busy dining times
Have your dinner a little earlier or later and avoid the busy dining times on your cruise. You can eat at the buffet just about any time of day or for a more mature atmosphere during your evening meal it’s probably better to go with a late dinner. Many families are likely attend the early dinner seating so pop along later for a quieter atmosphere.
14. Take a dip in the Jacuzzi
Who does not love a dip in the Jacuzzi on the pool deck. There are also Jacuzzis situated in the solarium which is usually adults only so this is a good choice for a relax.
15. Watch a show
Lean back and watch one of the many spectacular shows that a cruise have to offer. From broadway musicals to circus shows, magicians and live bands. With a glass in hand and full stomach what better way to unwind after dinner on a cruise.
16. Relax on the balcony
Nothing beats having your own space and the privacy of your own balcony on a cruise. Having a Balcony means you can relax, read a book, have a snooze or sip on a glass of wine whilst watching the ocean view.
17. Listen to the sea
Stand at the aft of the ship and simply listen to the sea. The soothing sounds of waves crashing as the ship glides through the water are a natural source for healing. Nothing is more peaceful or relaxing than being on top the world with nature.
18. Book a speciality dinner
As if cruising the Mediterranean is not relaxing and luxurious enough? Why not treat yourself to a little bit more Luxury. Imagine eating a 5 course menu with a glass of wine or even dining with the Chef? there are an array of speciality dinning restaurants on ships and thier fleets. Your only problem will be choosing the best one.
19. Spot Dolphins
The thrill of spotting dolphins in the wild is always amazing and spotting dolphins in the Mediterranean is no exception. The Mediterranean is home to increasingly rare populations of cetaceans. There are the eight whale and dolphin species you can discover around the Mediterranean sea. Keep your eyes peeled as you sail through the straight of Gibraltar or along the Andalusian Coast in Spain as they often love to follow the ships as they leave port around teatime.
20. Dont burn the candle at both ends
With all that in mind if you are going on a cruise do not burn the candle at both ends. You will be exhausted if you try to do to much. Work out on the daily planner what you think is your priority for each day. Is it the evenings show? or the a tour of the rock of gibraltar? prioritising what you do on your stay will leave you full of energy and raring to go and hopefully so relaxed you will not want to go home.
Azamara Club Cruises is one of the world’s top-market cruise lines and one of the lines we recommend for getting the most time in port as they pride themselves on offering long port days.
Their unparalleled service travels across the globe providing immersive experiences unlike any other cruise line provider. The initial layers of a city including its people, buildings, and shops can be seen by everyone. With Azamara the Inspiration goes deeper and beyond the surface of a city. With overnight stays and docking at smaller less traveled ports, you can explore the world a little further.
I hope you enjoyed my tips to Help you Relax on a Mediterranean Cruise.
Dx
This post was in collaboration with Amazara Cruises but is my own personal opinions based on my own Mediterranean Cruises.