On this cruise, we had 14 scheduled days at sea and one extra day because we could not make our last port – Ponta Delgado, Azores – due to high winds and waves. Sea Days 1 thru 8 were spaced out in one- or two-day increments between ports giving you time to recharge between exploring the next stop. Sea Days 9 thru 15 were back-to-back as we crossed the Atlantic heading to Ft. Lauderdale.
I like sea days because you can do as much or as you little as you want. The printed daily planner or the HAL app will show you the options of what activities are going to be offered throughout the day or evening – sports, workshops, trivia games, lectures – to name a few. Of course, the spa, the shops and the casino are open and ready for your business too.
If the weather was nice, I leaned toward doing very little except reading and enjoying the sound of wind and waves from the balcony.
However, I did participate in several activities when the weather was not as cooperative.
Lectures –
Wine Tasting –
A movie –
Mariner’s Award Ceremony and Reception. You get to meet some of the ship’s officers and watch the people who have sailed 100 days (Bronze), 300 days (Silver), 500 days (gold), and 700 days (platinum) receive their medallions while drinking free champagne, wine, beer, mimosas, or a non-alcoholic beverage and eat Hors d’oeuvres. Sometimes this ceremony is followed up by a special luncheon.
Sometimes I just liked to wander around the ship and admire the artwork and the fresh flower arrangements.
I’ve met people who do not like sea days at all. I would hope they never find themselves on a TransAtlantic. I think it would drive them crazy. I’m looking forward to doing another one in 2025.