I spent 7 days at sea, here's what I learnt

Is a week at sea too much for even the most dedicated cruiser? Not when you've got this many options.

It’s not every day you get to listen to an astronaut talk about space travel or an adventurer inspire you with tales of conquering Mount Everest and walking the length of Greenland. Unless you’re on the Queen Elizabeth as she crosses the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Alaska and Canada.

Robert Thirsk and Adrian Hayes are the high-profile speakers on this cruise. They’re part of Cunard’s Insights lecture program designed to entertain guests – and help fill sea days.

Ah, sea days. You either love them or try to avoid them. We have seven in a row on this repositioning cruise and I have to admit I worried what I would do all day.

How wrong I was to fear there would be “nothing” to do.

Five days of grey skies and rain empties the pools, but nothing dampens the spirits of us hot-tub fans. Picture: Justin Mackintosh.

Guest speakers are just the start. But I can’t fit in all the talks because some clash with other things I want to try. Food always comes first followed by a bit of guilt-driven fitness. Does watching Zumba and line-dancing count? Chairobics makes me sweat. Am I that unfit? Bridge lessons might be on the cards (pardon the pun).

Seas are kind, but five days of grey skies and rain stops deck quoits and croquet, and empties the pools. The dry sauna (with the best views) suddenly fills. But nothing dampens the spirits of us hot-tub fans. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold when the water is 38 degrees.

Gym junkies sweat it out with ocean views for motivation while shopaholics froth at a 70 per cent off sale in the gift shop.

Ballroom-dancing classes are in full swing in preparation for nightly Queen’s Room sessions. There are even four dance hosts to sweep you off your feet.

The mobile feast never ends. From casual buffets in Lido to dressing up for five-course dinners in Britannia restaurant.

The Yacht Club disco is more my scene for ’80s hits, hilarious silent discos and karaoke nights.

When it all gets too much, I escape to my cabin for a movie or to catch up on the lectures I missed.

The mobile feast never ends. From breakfast in bed to casual buffets in Lido or dressing up for five-course dinners in Britannia restaurant.

For special occasions – like being on a cruise – we book (and pay) for specialty restaurants like The Verandah or Coriander for an Indian extravaganza.

If your idea of entertainment is pub trivia, you’ll be thrilled. Picture: Carolyne Jasinski.

Mareel Spa is packed with indulgences like seaweed wraps, anti-ageing treatments, massages and hair styling.

But for the ultimate sea day on this cruise, you can’t beat coming alongside Alaska’s massive Hubbard Glacier. Ice magic.

If you’re single, religious, a veteran, a friend of Bill W or a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there are social gatherings. If you love painting, craft, cards or singing, there are classes.

If your idea of entertainment is pub trivia, music bingo, gambling, a harpist, violinist, guitarist, pianist, Irish folk singers, big Broadway-style productions, comedians or magicians, you’ll be thrilled. If only I had time to relax.

The writer was working on board as a guest speaker for Cunard’s Insights lecture program.

Originally published as I spent 7 days at sea, here's what I learnt