Today marks the last of five sea days since we left Gambia. After tomorrow’s port stop on St. Helena Island, we’ll have three more before reaching Namibia.
Sea days are among our favorite parts of cruising, and for good reason. There’s something magical about gazing out at the endless sea, with no land in sight. The rhythm of the waves, the salt-tinged air, and the ever-changing colors of the sky and water combine into a sensory symphony. It’s a blend of calm serenity and awe-inspiring power—a duality that keeps us coming back for more. Jacques Cousteau captured this feeling perfectly when he wrote, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
But wait, you might ask—doesn’t it get boring? Well, it could, if all you did was stare at the water day after day. Even sailors of old knew better, filling their downtime with storytelling, singing sea shanties, playing games of chance, tying decorative knots, or carving intricate scenes into whalebone. On modern cruise ships, however, the possibilities for entertainment are practically endless.
It’s no cliché to say that food and drink are central to the cruising experience—they’re practically the official pastime. Azamara has excelled in this regard throughout our Grand Cruise, but on sea days, they raise the bar with special culinary events showcasing everything from hotdogs to sushi. We’ve indulged in an extravagant brunch, a delicious BBQ on the pool deck, a sushi-dim sum lunch, and a Thanksgiving feast, all accompanied by great conversations with fellow passengers and ship’s officers. One evening, we even had the honor of joining Captain Johannes for dinner.
But sea days are about more than just food. Between meals, there’s a wealth of activities to enjoy—far more than you’d likely experience at home or even on port days. The ship’s talented, multitasking staff is dedicated to keeping passengers entertained and engaged. From skilled professional musicians and Broadway-caliber singers and dancers to cultural ambassadors offering enriching experiences both onboard and ashore, there’s never a dull moment.
If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of arts and crafts programs to spark your imagination. The watercolor classes are so popular they’re always full. Prefer something a little livelier? You can channel your inner cowboy at line dance classes or even launch your singing career with a round of karaoke.
Our sea days have been a delightful mix of activity and relaxation. We start our mornings with walks around the track on Deck 10—Mary typically does two miles, while I stick to one. Breakfast often involves cappuccinos and almond croissants at the Mosaic Café, where we enjoy chatting with fellow passengers and officers, including Captain Johannes.
Over the past few days, we’ve attended fascinating talks on topics like coral reefs, the United Nations, and African trade routes. We’re also deeply involved in competitive progressive trivia. After a rocky start that left us in last place, our team is now rapidly climbing the leaderboard. (Sample question: What do the 100 folds in a chef’s hat represent? Answer at the end of this post.)
Music is another highlight of our days, especially at wine time every evening when the ship’s outstanding party band, East Pearl, performs its “chill” set. A few days ago, we celebrated crossing the equator with a lively ceremony where fellow cruisers became shellbacks by kissing a fish in the presence of King Neptune—a fun maritime tradition.
Of course, there are times when you simply want to relax with quiet time, enjoying a good book on a chaise as clouds scud by, or maybe catch a nap before rocking the boat at ABBA night. Each day at sea brings fresh possibilities, each one something to look forward to.
Here are some photos of our sea days. Enjoy! (And the trivia answer: 100 ways to cook an egg!)
