Watch a Sunset (or a Sunrise) Over the Ocean
Sunsets at sea are spectacular; they occur every day; and they are free!Enjoy a Free Drink at an Onboard Party
On most cruises, drinks are free at the captain's welcome party. Many ships also serve free drinks at the sailaway party. Be sure to ask, since some cruise lines have started to charge for drinks at these affairs.Take a Nap, Sleep in, or Rest and Relax
Although ships can be full of fun activities and often have a high-energy atmosphere, passengers are not required to do anything. Most cruise travelers find sailing to be extremely restful and relaxing. You can take a nap, sleep in until noon, or just rest and recharge your batteries. Couples and families can use their free time onboard to reconnect and do things together. You're on vacation!Explore the Ports of Call on Your Own
Cruise ships don't just sail around the ocean for seven days. They stopover in various ports of call. Exploring these ports is one of the joys of cruising. Although many travelers book guided shore excursions either through the ship or on their own, just strolling the streets of small towns or major cities is a great way to spend a few hours or the entire day. And, it's free.In summary, cruises offer budget-minded travelers a great, value-added vacation. Once you have paid your basic fare, you can enjoy many onboard (or ashore) activities for free.

