It’s no secret that taking a vacation improves your well-being.
From providing an opportunity to rest, recharge and reduce stress to giving you a dopamine boost as you have fun in an exciting new place, vacations have many mental and physical health benefits.
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On cruises, vacationers can also experience waves of peace thanks to the healing powers of the sea. Science has long touted the mood-boosting benefits of green spaces, but blue spaces are known to have strong restorative effects too.
For many cruisers, being surrounded by water as you relax in the sunshine on the way to a beautiful, exciting destination is the ultimate mood booster. But there are many more ways to find joy in the cruise vacation experience.
Although just being on a cruise is a pick-me-up in itself, many cruisers have special rituals and indulgences that make them feel even better while vacationing at sea.
In the comments on a recent post on Carnival Cruise Line’s Facebook page, more than 900 cruisers shared their opinions on what is the best pick-me-up when sailing on a cruise ship.
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Image source: Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival cruise passengers savor relaxing rituals
For some passengers, feeling good on a cruise is all about relaxation.
“A book on a lounge chair with a drink and sunny day,” is the relaxing pick-me-up of choice for Jo-Anne Power and other Carnival cruisers.
Some seasoned cruisers book balcony cabins to find their mood boost in the peaceful views and quiet outdoor space they offer. Starting the day with sunrise on the balcony is a beloved cruise tradition for many.
“A balcony!! Nothing like getting my 6 a.m. coffee & pastries and sitting on the balcony watching the sunrise,” wrote Debbie Medders. “Peaceful and relaxing way to start my day!”
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For those craving relaxation, the cruise ship spa is also an ideal spot for a rejuvenating boost.
“A day at the spa,” wrote Heather Brauner. “Spa treatment always works for me.”
Other passengers find that good cruise food encourages a good mood.
“Coffee and croissants in the morning at the coffee stand,” wrote Bill Dobbins. “My favorite breakfast on Carnival.”
“Seaday Brunch,” commented Kevin Lewis. “Bring on the steak and eggs and a salmon bagel or two.”
For cruiser Lori Allen, “a plate of French fries at 4 p.m.” is the perfect cruise indulgence.
The Alchemy Bar prescribes pick-me-ups on Carnival cruise ships
In addition to enjoying the mood-boosting benefits of their favorite cruise foods, many cruisers feel refreshed by special cruise cocktails.
On Carnival cruise ships, the Alchemy Bar is a popular place to enjoy a favorite remedy or be prescribed a custom elixir by bartenders mixing pick-me-ups in a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy.”
“A marvelous drink at the Alchemy Bar,” commented Karen Stevens.
“My favorite bar and The Remedy is my favorite drink there!” Kevin Bell chimed in.
Combining a favorite cruise cocktail with a casino win would be dream pick-me-up for some cruisers.
“A tequila sunrise as the sun sets, celebrating a winning day in the casino (Yeah, I am dreaming),” wrote Teri Miller.
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For other cruisers, it’s a special cruise ship sound that sparks excitement during the voyage.
“The sound of the horn as you are leaving port,” commented Deborah Fox Rosenbalm.
One passenger reminded the cruising community that simple connections between cruise passengers as well as crew members add extra joy to the cruise experience.
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“A smile and an authentic good morning/good afternoon makes this old man smile,” shared Bill Harmon.
And for some avid cruisers, knowing they have another cruise to look forward to even before their current one ends keeps their mood lifted.
“Having another cruise book is the best pick me up when sailing at sea,” noted Emily Hanselmann.
That’s one way to keep yourself from feeling the end-of-cruise blues.
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