Freighter Travel

Cruise Ship Activities

The activities on board were many. They had a casino on board but not being a gambler I didn't partake, though the other guests seemed to love it. They also had piano bars and lounges with or without smoking. We were run out a couple of times due to smoke. The karaoke lounge was a lot of fun as well. They had trivia games, game shows, bingo and contests galore. Some were small and not very exciting , while others were tons of fun. You tend to figure out pretty quickly if you won't like something. If they have the newlywed game I highly recommend it. The cruise director, Skip Lyons, also known as "Skippy", and staff have high energy, good jokes and you are constantly laughing. Skip claims to be from the Australian outback, but talks way too fast for any rural Aussie I have heard. He sounds like a city boy to me.

I was amazed at all they could put on a ship. They had 3 pools (one with a huge slide), a couple of Jacuzzis, a library, a casino, a few lounges , the main stage, 2 dining rooms, the upstairs buffet and also a buffet grill by the pool. They had an internet station, your information area, shore excursion area. You name it they had it. Oh yes, and shops to buy all your amenities and duty free clothes, jewelry and alcohol. They even had onboard art auctions. They also had a photo gallery where you could buy videos and pictures of yourselves and all the activities that had taken place on board.

Warning, the staff will try and take your picture at every dinner or event on board in hopes you will spend your money on them. I suggest bringing a camera and have your table mates take some nice free pictures for you.

The bigger shows were the musical stage shows, comedians and novelty acts. They also had a talent show which I participated in. Contest really isn't the right word. You basically get to sing with the band or a cd or you can accompany yourself in front of the crowd in the big showroom. It was a 10:30 show and considered a large event. It is really fun though you may have to sit through a couple of duds. (you find out some people “think” they have talent) I did get a great bottle of champagne and some very nice compliments from fellow guests.

The comedians were hit and miss. They usually had 2 shows. One show clean and one dirty. One comedian had a great family show but then we were told people hated his adult show. The 2nd comedian we saw both shows I thought both were great though his adult show was a bit more lively and funny.

They also had a great novelty act called the Fire Gauchos and they were awesome. They used whips, fire and drums and dance and witty banter to entertain the audience. I admit to being on the edge of my seat a few times.

The big musical shows were exactly what you expect. Medleys of familiar tunes, fun costumes, good singing and dancing. We missed one of the shows but heard that the pyrotechnics used caused a little fire and the show stopped for a few minutes. They said the fire was put out quickly and efficiently and the show went on. It's good to know that they handle small emergencies with such speed and efficiency.

Cruise Ship Shore Excursions and Trips