
Sea Days Aboard Viking: What Do You Do With 6 Days at Sea?
Leaving Luanda, Angola, we were preparing for six full days at sea. That might prompt some readers to ask: What do you even do on sea days? Especially six consecutive days with no land in sight?
Well, the short answer is: just about anything you can do without your feet touching solid ground. Here’s a list of some of the many ways Viking cruisers like to spend their sea days:
Sleep in (because why not?)
Read a good book — in your cabin, by the pool, or in a cozy lounge
Relax in the spa — sauna, steam room, whirlpool, or book a facial or massage
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with your spouse or a new friend you’ve met onboard
Try your hand at the putting green, shuffleboard, or bocce ball on the top deck
Walk or run on the promenade (4 laps = 1 mile — some are even training for the onboard 5K!)
Play “baggo” (a fun version of cornhole) in team matches with other guests
Attend fascinating lectures, trivia at noon, or other onboard programs
Share lunch with fellow travelers and laugh about the trivia questions you missed
Take a nap (yes, it’s a legitimate activity)
Swim in the pool or soak up the sun on deck
Join a board game or card game session with fellow passengers
Watch the ocean — you might spot dolphins or whales!
Listen to music or enjoy a cocktail and conversation
Catch up on the outside world via internet (email, news, Facebook, etc.)
Call loved ones using WhatsApp
Lounge with new friends and talk about travel, life, or anything over a drink
Watch a movie or your favorite TV show (just maybe skip the news…)
Try painting or crafting — channel your inner artist
Join a yoga, fitness, or pool aerobics class
Have dinner in your cabin or at one of the four onboard restaurants
Catch an evening entertainment show
…And the list goes on. Honestly, if you’re bored, you might just be trying not to have fun.
I’ve included a photo of the Viking Daily for a sea day so you can get a better idea of what’s on offer.
Here’s the takeaway:
On a long journey like a world cruise, sea days are essential for recharging. After busy port days filled with walking tours, bus rides, sightseeing, and the occasional culture shock, a stretch of sea days lets you breathe, rest, and rebalance. You’re in familiar surroundings with your own cabin, your belongings, and most importantly — time.
When planning a world cruise, keep an eye on the port-to-sea day ratio. A 60/40 or even 50/50 split is a good balance. And yes — ships are floating Petri dishes, so it’s normal to catch a bug here or there. But remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. There’s so much to enjoy, and you’re surrounded by like-minded travelers just waiting to become new friends.
