Why You Should Love Long Days at Sea

There’s nothing quite like a day at sea.

Yet when I talk to prospective cruisers many of them shun long days at sea, preferring itineraries that include a larger mix of ports instead.  But there’s good reason to go out of your way to pick itineraries with long stretches of relative idleness, as I discovered on a 14-day Transatlantic Crossing aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit this past April.

A day at sea aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Sea days represent total and complete freedom.  On my first of five consecutive days spent crossing the Atlantic, I awoke at my normal time of 6am, dressed, and began wandering the ship.  A few early-risers were also up with me, running atop Silver Spirit’s jogging track or taking in an early-riser’s breakfast.

Days at sea mean more chances to enjoy activities and culinary offerings aboard your ship. Here, Silver Spirit’s Executive Chef prepares a tasty outdoor barbecue! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Slowly, the rest of the ship gradually awoke, and people made their way to their favorite public rooms and deck chairs outdoor.  With nothing but the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean ahead of me, I figured I could catch up on my reading.  Normally on a cruise, I’m lucky if I can read a few pages of a book.  Not so here; my mid-afternoons spent reading on the aft deck outside the Panorama Lounge allowed me to finish two, 400-plus page books!

Why not spend your afternoons enjoying a trip to the Spa? Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Because you’re on the ship constantly when at sea, you get opportunities that port days just don’t offer.  These days at sea are the best time to try out the other dining venues onboard, and frequently the topic of discussion during the late evenings revolved around where we would dine that night, and with whom.

Enjoy a late night treat. Why not! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

After a relaxing, lengthy and oh-so enjoyable dinner, it was off to enjoy the show in The Theatre, where the Artists of Silversea continually entertained guests. But since there’s no reason to get up early for shore tours or, if you’re me, to watch us come alongside, evenings aboard the Silver Spirit frequently lasted into the wee hours.  And yet, there were still some that bested us, staying up until three and even four in the morning!

Arguably the most specacular reason to take a transoceanic crossing: the sunsets. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The next morning, you get to awake – whenever you want – and start it all over again.  Of course, the fact that every stateroom aboard Silversea’s ships features dedicated butler service doesn’t hurt, either. At first, you want to do things for yourself. After a few days, sure, bring breakfast around at 11am – why not?

Was I bored after five days at sea?  Not a chance.  In fact, I found myself wishing we had five more days ahead of us!

As the sun set aboard the Silver Spirit on a warm April evening, there were still more relaxing days at sea to look forward to. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

So look carefully at those cruise itineraries, and pick one with a nice mix of sea days – or even a trans-oceanic crossing.

There truly is nothing like the magic of being at sea and sailing out across the open ocean.  My personal favorite this coming fall? It’s tough to go wrong with a 12-day Westbound Transatlantic aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud - with six glorious days at sea!

Read our complete Live Voyage Report from onboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit as she made her way from Bridgetown, Barbados to Lisbon, Portugal!