To sea or not to sea (day): The great cruise itinerary question
You’re staring at two cruise itineraries, both equally tempting. One promises more sun-soaked sea days, poolside cocktails, and time to actually finish a book. The other is stacked with port days, colorful streets, late nights ashore, and stories that start with “Remember that little place we found?”
So which one’s right?
The truth is, choosing between sea days vs. port days isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about rhythm. It’s about how you like to travel, recharge, explore, and indulge. And with Virgin Voyages cruises sailing to destinations across the globe — from tropical escapes to culture-rich coastlines — you can design a cruise itinerary that feels less like a schedule and more like your ideal escape.
If you’re just beginning to explore what’s possible, start by browsing our full collection of destinations and see what kind of journey calls your name.
What exactly is a sea day?
A sea day is a full day of sailing with no port on the schedule — and no agenda unless you want one. No rushing ashore. No meeting points. Just you, the open ocean, and a ship designed to feel like a floating boutique hotel (one that happens to throw a very good party).
With us, sea days on a cruise are where the ship itself becomes the destination. It’s when you finally book that Redemption Spa treatment, discover a new favorite hangout, or weigh the merits of cold brew versus Champagne. (A word to the wise: when your Sailor app is open on board, you can shake your phone to have a cold bottle of bubbly delivered to you, wherever you are on the ship.)
Sea days are also when you get to experience what life on board a cruise ship is really about, from wellness classes and world-class dining to spontaneous entertainment (and quiet moments that feel just as memorable). If you’re curious what fills a day when there’s nowhere to dock, take a peek at why our Sailors love sea days:
- They offer true downtime on a luxury adults-only cruise
- They’re where our onboard entertainment, wellness, and dining shine brightest
- They offer chances to explore every corner of our award-winning cruise ships at your own pace
What defines a port day?
A port day is when the ship docks somewhere new and curiosity takes the wheel. These are days for wandering markets, swimming hidden coves, lingering over local flavors, or doing absolutely nothing in a beautiful place that isn’t home.
On a Virgin Voyages cruise, port days are designed with flexibility in mind. You can dive into a guided adventure, explore independently, or mix a little of both — all without feeling rushed back on board. And when you’re ready to explore ashore, our curated cruise shore excursions — which we call Shore Things — make it easy to match the experience to your mood.
Whether you’re craving adventure, culture, or pure relaxation, here’s why our Sailors love port days:
- They bring a new cruise destination and fresh things to do
- They let you tailor experiences, from laid-back to adrenaline-fueled
- They send you back aboard with stories that feel unmistakably local
Port days, Virgin Voyages–style: Where you’ll actually go
Not all cruise port days feel the same, and that’s exactly the point. Virgin Voyages itineraries are crafted so each region brings its own flavor, pace, and personality.
In the Caribbean, sailing from our homeports in Miami and San Juan, port days often revolve around sun, sea, and vibrant island culture. You’ll soak up turquoise water, pastel-hued streets, and beach time that stretches into sunset (thanks to our late stays in certain ports). These Caribbean cruises strike a breezy balance between adventure and relaxation. Explore our island-rich Caribbean itineraries.
In Europe, port days lean towards immersive experiences. These Mediterranean cruises and Greek Isles cruises are packed with history, architecture, and food worth planning your whole day around. From cliffside villages to ancient ruins, each stop invites you to slow down and savor it all. See what’s waiting across the Mediterranean.
Virgin Voyages Alaska cruises offer something entirely different. Port days here are about nature’s wonders — glaciers, wildlife, forested trails, and coastal towns that feel refreshingly unfiltered. These sailings are ideal for Sailors who want big scenery paired with cozy evenings back on board. Learn more about our breathtaking Alaska voyages.
Our other North American cruises include the rest of the Pacific Coast and epic itineraries along the East Coast, like our Bermuda cruises from New York City — or everyone’s bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure through the Panama Canal. Explore all these unique voyages here.
The magic of balance: Why many Sailors choose both
Seasoned Sailors know this secret: the best cruise itineraries often blend sea days and port days.
That balance creates a natural rhythm — explore, then recover; adventure, then indulge. After a full day ashore, a sea day feels earned. And after a stretch of sailing, stepping into a new destination feels electric.
Sea days also give you time to fully enjoy Virgin Voyages’ award-winning dining scene. With more than 20 eateries included, your voyage can be filled with lingering lunches and destination-inspired dinners that shine. You can also indulge in all our always included luxuries, like free fitness classes and shows. There’s so much included on our ships!
Love sea days but still want standout destinations? We got you
If your heart says “more sea days,” but your curiosity still wants something unexpected, Transatlantic cruises and repositioning cruises might be your perfect match.
These sailings feature longer stretches at sea — ideal for fully settling into ship life — paired with ports we don’t often visit on standard itineraries. Think unexpected islands, exotic harbors, and a more immersive journey overall.
For Sailors who love the idea of traveling through the journey, not just hopping between destinations, these longer voyages deliver something truly special and unique to us.
Questions to ask before choosing your itinerary
Before you book your Virgin Voyages cruise, ask yourself:
1. Do I want rest, stimulation, or a mix of both?
2. Am I traveling with first-time cruisers or seasoned explorers?
3. How do I feel about jam-packed schedules vs. a leisurely vacay?
4. Does the ship experience excite me as much as the destinations?
Your answers will point you toward the right cruise itinerary every time — and our flexible pricing options can help you fine-tune the experience even further. Learn how our VoyageFair choices make planning easier.
It comes down to this: you do you
Choosing between sea days and port days isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about how you want your vacation to feel. Do you want mornings with nowhere to be, afternoons that unfold slowly, and nights that surprise you? Or do you want every sunrise to bring a new place, a new flavor, a new story worth telling later?
With us, you don’t have to settle for one version of escape. You can sail toward unforgettable destinations, stretch out on indulgent sea days, or find the perfect balance between the two — all on an adults-only cruise designed around you.
Your only real decision now? Where — and how — you’ll sail next. We can help with that here.
