Six Ways to Practice Self-Care During a Cruise

This post features content gathered during a sponsored Carnival Cruise experience. Opinions are my own.

Cruising is a wonderful way to see the world and indulge in new sights and sounds. From one working mom to another, I prefer cruises because I am able to get more bang for my buck, and it’s a pretty fun and affordable way to travel.

Recently, I got the opportunity to attend the Permission to Hustle mastermind while on the Carnival Paradise bonding with other women while sharing expertise in social media, content creation, photography, and more. And while it was a “work” trip, I made sure to get some much needed relaxation as well. I wanted to share with you how I took care of my mental, physical, and emotional being while on the ship.

Here are my Six Ways to Practice Self-Care During a Cruise:

Morning quiet time

Before you get your day underway with activities and goings on in the port, practice morning quiet time. Meditate, breathe, and clear your mind before the hustle and bustle begins. If you have a balcony room, you can sit outside with the water around you. Journal, or listen to an audiobook, enjoy a light breakfast, a cup of coffee, or just do nothing.

This will help you start your day off stress-free, and is a great foundation for an amazing day at sea.

Pampering at the spa

A spa visit is a must for working moms who cruise. Most of us don’t get the proper pampering while on land, so make sure that you get it while on your cruise.

Most Carnival ships are equipped with a full service spa, and they also offer free workshops for you to learn ways to enhance your body and beauty.

Unplanned moments

Getting the most out of your cruise is super important, and that takes planning and knowing about the events and activities that are available to you. However, mamas, you also need a dose of spontaneity in your cruise life as well.

Allow yourself to have some unscheduled time on your cruise to live in the moment and experience life unscripted.

Unplug

Carnival has high-speed internet access on most of their ships which is a great amenity that allows us to stay connected. But, being connected 24/7 can be stressful and prove to be a mental and emotional drain to your self-preservation and to your self-care. Spend at least two hours each day aboard the ship unplugged and offline.

During this time, you can have some pampering time (as shared above), participate in an activity, eat, shop—the possibilities are endless. You can do all of this without your phone in hand, and you just may find that you prefer those unplugged moments more.

Fun in the sun

Vitamin D can do wonders for you physically and mentally. While you are on your cruise, make sure to get in some sun, responsibly of course (and using sunblock). You can head to the beach while at port, lay out by the pool, or even catch some rays on the ship on the upper deck or on the balcony in your cabin.

Sun is nature’s way to make sure you get some self-care in, so enjoy some fun in the sun on your next cruise.

A whole new world

The port of call stops are an amazing way to see some world. Carnival has many excursion options so that you can truly enjoy your time at port, but you may also decide that you want to go out and have an adventure of your own. I did just that during my latest Permission to Hustle cruise on the Carnival Paradise.

When we got to Cozumel, I opted out of an excursion and went out into the plaza area with a few friends, taking in the sights and shopping. I felt like I was getting the best that Cozumel had to offer on my own terms and within my own timeframe.

There’s always so much to do and see while in port, so make sure you create your own adventure when you can.

Practicing self-care consistently should be the goal, no matter where you are or where you travel. The more you make it a habit, the more it will come natural to you and you’ll find yourself integrating it into everything you do—including traveling.

If you’ve been on the fence about cruising, or you haven’t been on one on awhile, may this be a gentle reminder to consider it for your next vacation. A cruise provides a fabulous foundation of self-care options. I hope my Six Ways to Practice Self-Care During a Cruise gives you some ideas for your next ocean voyage.

How do you practice self-care on a cruise?