“Take the time to relax and enjoy a Day at Sea.”
It’s a line that appears in countless voyage itineraries—but on a small ship, a Day at Sea is far more than simply travelling from one destination to the next. It’s a chance to slow down, learn, indulge and enjoy the little moments that often become the most memorable. From sunrise wildlife spotting to late-night karaoke, Nyssa Erskine from Wild Earth Travel shares what a typical day at sea really looks like.
6am – Rise and Shine
There’s always a surprising number of early risers on an expedition ship. For those of us awake before breakfast, there’s usually a welcoming spread of fresh muffins, fruit and juice waiting in the lounge.
It’s my favourite time of day. The ocean is calm, the ship is quiet, and there’s a sense of anticipation in the air—even on a sea day. It’s the perfect moment to catch up on emails, watch the sunrise from the top deck or keep an eye out for seabirds and passing wildlife.
Sunrise in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan aboard Hanseatic Inspiration
8am – Time to Move
Many small ships have impressive wellness facilities, including a gym, spa and sauna. Some also offer yoga, Pilates or even an outdoor walking track, making a sea day the ideal opportunity to stretch out after days travel or on land adventure.
I’ve found it’s also one of the easiest ways to meet with fellow travellers - my morning gym buddies soon became familiar faces onboard.
One memorable sea day aboard Le Jacques Cartier, I joined a 2km power walk led by the fitness instructor, complete with a beatbox blasting Bob Marley. Around 15 of us marched through parts of the ship usually off limits—including the Zodiac hangar—waving to amused crew members and breakfast diners who proudly held up their croissants in solidarity. It was impossible not to laugh.
Above: Nyssa takes the opportunity for some organised fitness on a sea day aboard Le Jacques Cartier
9am – Have Your Croissant and Eat It Too
Breakfast is never disappointing on a small ship, but it somehow tastes even better after an active morning.
On Hanseatic Inspiration, the buffet was a work of art: miniature bircher muesli cups, beautifully sliced local fruit, tiny pastries and perfectly portioned hot breakfast favourites. The hardest part was deciding what to choose—so naturally, I sampled almost everything.
With nowhere to rush off to, there’s time for that second coffee and one more croissant. It would be rude not to.
Above: Sampling the menu at sea
10am – Exercising the Mind
Sea days are when expedition teams truly shine. Naturalists, historians and guest experts host fascinating lectures that bring upcoming destinations to life.
Sailing towards Fiordland aboard Heritage Adventurer, we learned about Captain Cook’s visit more than 250 years ago. Stepping ashore the following day felt completely different because we understood the stories behind the landscape. It transformed a beautiful place into one with real depth and meaning.
Above: Joining a lecture on a sea day is a great way to load up on information before your next excursion
12pm – Making a Meal of It
Lunch at sea is often where the chefs become especially creative. With everyone onboard, there’s an opportunity to showcase local produce and a little culinary theatre.
I’ve enjoyed everything from sizzling barbecue lunches to fresh noodles cooked in the wok, but the standout was aboard Hanseatic Inspiration, where a whole tuna was carved before our eyes. Eating it outside on deck, with sunshine and salty sea air, made it even better.
Above: A memorable moment on the Hanseatic Inspiration as the chef carved fresh tuna in front of our eyes.
2pm – Don’t Forget the Amenities
On busy expedition itineraries, it’s surprisingly easy to forget the ship’s own facilities. Sea days are your invitation to finally enjoy them.
The hot tubs and pool are obvious favourites, while onboard massage treatments are well worth booking ahead—they’re always busiest on sea days. One of my favourite discoveries was the sauna, which I became mildly obsessed with. The spa attendant admitted it’s often underused because guests mistakenly assume it costs extra.
Then there’s Le Commandant Charcot, which takes wellness to another level with its onboard snow room. Three freezing minutes after a sauna felt strangely exhilarating—though I probably won’t be installing one at home anytime soon.
Above: Chillin' in the snow room on Le Commandant Charcot
4pm – Afternoon Delights
“We love sea days,” our cruise manager told us. “It’s when we get to flex our creative muscles.”
Afternoon sea days aboard Le Jacques Cartier brought something different: beautifully made sweet and savoury treats, geography quizzes, photography workshops and relaxed social games. No two days felt the same.
If you’re craving quiet time, it’s never hard to find. The observation lounge or library is the perfect place to curl up with a book, a cuppa and an uninterrupted view of the ocean.
Above: Afternoon delights of music and pastries aboard Le Jacques Cartier
6pm – Casual Catch-Up
Before dinner, the lounge naturally fills with familiar faces. It quickly becomes an unofficial daily ritual: comparing photos, sharing stories and sampling the cocktail of the day.
During one particularly lively conversation, we almost missed a pod of dolphins racing alongside the ship—until the captain cheerfully announced them over the PA. Drinks were abandoned as everyone rushed to the windows.
Above: the pre-dinner catch-up in the lounge was an outstanding, open invitation on Hanseatic Inspiration
7pm – Trying Something New
Dinner is always the culinary highlight of the day, and sea days often bring something extra special. Think themed menus, regional cuisine and beautifully curated multi-course meals.
On Valentine’s Day aboard Le Jacques Cartier, we were treated to an eight-course dinner complete with heart-shaped macarons. Meanwhile, on Hanseatic Inspiration, we finally booked the specialty restaurant, Nikkei, where Peruvian and Japanese flavours came together in an unforgettable 8-course meal. Fresh ceviche was prepared tableside, a birthday cake appeared for a fellow guest, and hours slipped by without anyone noticing we were still at sea.
Above: heart-shaped macarons for Valentine's Day, why not!
8:30pm – Entertainment Awaits
The day doesn’t end after dessert. Depending on the ship, evenings might include live music, films, trivia, themed performances or something completely unexpected.
One of my favourites was karaoke in the Blue Eye Lounge aboard Le Jacques Cartier—a futuristic underwater lounge with porthole windows below the waterline. Watching illuminated bubbles drift past while singing along with fellow passengers was delightfully surreal.
Above: Pianist Daniel plays on Hanseatic Inspiration
10pm – Calling It a Night
Back in my cabin, I finally switch on the television, intending to watch one of the many films I’ve been saving for later. I rarely make it past the opening credits.
Tomorrow we wake in a brand-new port, ready for another adventure. And that’s the beauty of a Day at Sea—it leaves you feeling wonderfully rested without ever being boring.
A note from Nyssa: Every ship and every voyage is different. These experiences are drawn from my own travels across several expedition vessels, and no two sea days are ever quite the same.
