The Key Factor That Can Make or Break Your Cruise Ship Experience

For many of us, the point of a cruise is to relax. Yes, buffets are delicious. Sure, bars and casinos are fun. And hey, why not make some new friends along the way? But more important than the snorkeling tours and harbor-side shopping is the chance to chill out. For hours at a time, we can unplug from our busy lives, stretch out on a deck chair, and enjoy some deep REM sleep.

But rest is more than just a welcome experience; some experts argue that we should relax on cruises, in order to improve our overall health. The open sea is a natural place to de-stress, and there’s a reason so many people spend their valuable vacation time on ships. According to a Gallup poll released in 2024, more than half of U.S. adults felt they should sleep more, and about one-fifth of adults reported getting five or fewer hours of sleep per night. About half of those polled described their stress levels as high, with the highest incidents felt among younger women.

In short, boarding a cruise ship is an opportunity to stop worrying and get some serious Zs. Clinging to your stressors may negatively affect your trip, and you’ll return home as harried as you were when you left. Once you know what to expect on your first cruise, you can settle into the rhythm of the ship. This should be the perfect environment to close your eyes and go limp, and for a host of good reasons.

For many of us, the sea is a soothing place. A study at the University of Exeter concluded that just the sound of the ocean can reduce stress and improve mental health. Additional studies have suggested that breathing sea air can even out blood oxygen levels and infuse us with vitamin D, and there are widespread reports of improved sleep when subjects spend time near large bodies of water.

Cruise ships amplify this coastal experience in several ways. For starters, you have the benefits of a hotel, including housekeeping and room service, which cut down on workaday tasks. For people who like open water, portholes and balconies usually overlook vast horizons, which can feel open and peaceful. All ships rock — if only slightly — and for many of us, this movement has the effect of a hammock or rocking chair, lulling us to sleep. For cabins without portholes, switching off the lamp means a pitch-black enclosure; the complete absence of light helps our brains switch off. This is one reason booking an interior cruise ship cabin is actually worth booking.