What to do with 2 1/2 straight days at sea

[mpb43]

We are booked on the Independence of the Seas in March 2010 with my 3 kids, ages 13, 11 and 6. We leave port on March 20th at 5 pm, and don't arrive to our first port until March 23rd at 8 am.

Have any of you had consecutive sea days with kids?

What were some of your favorite activities?

This will only be my kid's second cruise. I know the IOS will have tons of activities, but would love to hear your input on how your families made that work.

I guess if the kids do well, I can plan that transatlantic I've been coveting!

[cb at sea]

On sea days, I can be found by the pool! Hubby HATES sea days---he's not a pool person, and unless the casino is being good to him, he's miserable!

Your kids are at the "love the kid's club" age--I doubt they will be bored at all! You may have to find things to do on your own as you most likely will have to drag the kids away from their activities to even see them!

[Kerry's Girls]

On our last cruise we had 4 sea days going to Hawaii and 5-1/2straight sea days on the return, and we could easily have done more. We don't do the pool, but stayed really busy with ship activities, which are usually increased for sea days. My twins are younger than your kids, but the kids of all ages on our cruise were having a great time.

 

It felt SO good to have so many days where we didn't feel like we had to do anything. We also took a nap every afternoon before getting dressed for dinner, which meant we all stayed up later and enjoyed evening activities we otherwise would have missed.

 

Best,

Mia

[mpb43]

A couple of lazy days does sound rather delightful!

[Loves_Dogs]

Sleep, eat, play chess, sit on balcony and read, take another nap, you get the picture, we dont mind sea days..Although my kids are now 19 and 29, the plan would be the same regardless of their ages.

[emjsea]

Sleep late, take naps. Have a leisurely brunch. Stroll slowly around the deck stopping for a drink at each bar. Lie in a deck chair and start to read, then fall asleep. Sit in the hot tub with your eyes closed and enjoy the sun, breeze, and water...

 

Enjoy your time OFF from activities and running around!

 

I love the sea days the most.

[timmy1958]

I look forward to the sea days. Sleep late, eat lots, try the DoD, hang out in the pool, casino, shows, ice skating, whatever. Basically just enjoy the CRUISING part of my cruise. :D

[vavasmom]

I cannot speak for the younger children by my 13 year old DD would take a 7 day cruise to no where on a Freedom class ship. We had 2 straight on our eastern itinerary. Her day:

 

Sleep In, late breakfast/brunch; go to the pool (Or H20 zone). Maybe check out the flow rider, sport court, or rock wall. Late afternoon snack (usually pizza). Do one of the teen activities (if they were interesting) and/or hang out in the Living Room (part of the teen club). Possibly ice stake or a dance class (depending on what was offered that day). Dress for dinner, eat dinner with mom - then teen club most nights till 1am. Go to bed and do it all over again.

 

There is also ping pong, mini-golf, exploring the ship, etc.

 

She also loved her sea days at 11.

[sas80]

Yea, I agree!

 

Just look at it like lazy days with no agenda where someone else is cooking and cleaning for you!

 

It will be GREAT!