Pacific Crossing Sea Days

Pacific Crossing Sea Days: What They Are Really Like

The sea days on a mainland Hawaii cruise are the part people worry about and then remember most fondly. Four or five days of open Pacific, no ports and nothing on the horizon turn into a rare stretch of real rest.

Ships plan for them. On a Hawaii crossing, expect a fuller program than on a port-intensive cruise: guest lectures, on many voyages with a Pacific or Hawaiian theme, cooking demonstrations, trivia, art classes, extra shows and longer spa hours. Many travelers simply read on a sheltered deck, take long lunches and go to bed early, arriving in Hawaii more relaxed than they have been in years.

Comfort at Sea

• Cabin location: low and midship feels the least motion; see Cruise Ship Deck Plans.
• Seasickness: pack remedies, eat lightly, get fresh air and look at the horizon.
• Weather: the first and last days near the mainland can be cool and windy; pack a warm layer.
• Connectivity: ship Wi-Fi works mid-ocean but may be slower; download books and shows before you sail.
• Health: ships have medical centers; consider travel insurance. Cruising Is Safe explains health at sea.

A simple routine helps the days pass well: a morning walk or class, a long lunch, an afternoon talk or a nap, and dinner with the people you have met along the way. By the third day, most travelers find they have settled into the rhythm of the voyage.

Sea Day Questions