First time cruise travelers often wonder if they'll get bored on their cruise. Cruise lines do a great job of offering stimulating activities around the clock so you can choose to be constantly entertained or take time out to relax on deck or in your stateroom.

What cruise activities are available?

The range of cruise activities available onboard most cruise ships is extensive. On most ships you'll find activities such as swimming, exercise classes, computer training, art auctions, wine tastings, book clubs, photography classes, scrapbooking, dance lessons, pool games, basketball and tennis - just to name a few. Other possible cruise activities include attending lectures on the culture, history, history of the region you're cruising in, or even cooking classes focused on the regional cuisine.

What facilities are onboard?

Facilities on board the ship may include a spa, gym, multiple pools, theaters, cinemas, ice skating rinks, mini-golf courses, bowling alleys and rock climbing walls. Of course the kids have their own spaces onboard manned by trained youth counselors who offer activities geared toward specific age groups.

Did you know that Oscar®-winning movie star Jennifer Hudson got her start at sea? Every night on a cruise ship is an entertainment spectacular. Consider your ship a floating resort, with nightclubs, movies, live music, themed parties, magic, comedy, cabaret, Broadway and Las Vegas style shows and casinos to keep everyone entertained. Of course, the scope and character of entertainment varies with each cruise line and even the size of a particular ship, but the acts are nothing short of spectacular. Some lines even encourage passengers to get into the act.

If you're after something a little quieter, sit back and relax in one of the many cozy lounges or bars, enjoying cocktails, the talent of a live pianist and some quiet conversation. Of course there's no pressure to join in any organized activities or social events during your cruise - it's completely your choice to do as much or as little as you please on your cruise vacation.

Activity schedule

Generally there will be all kinds of information in your stateroom when you first arrive on your ship which includes a program of onboard activities that is generally updated on a daily basis. A new copy is placed in your stateroom each evening to let you know what you can participate in the following day.

To get your bearings on the ship, it's a good idea to go exploring prior to departure so you know where to find facilities such as the gym, theatre, dining rooms, lounges, casinos and nightclubs.

One thing is for certain - a cruise vacation offers so much to do and with new programs being added all the time, it's a whole new world of entertainment at sea.

- Anita Dunham-Potter
Anita Dunham-Potter is a Pittsburgh-based travel journalist specializing in cruise travel and cruise vacations. In addition to writing pieces for Princess Cruises, Anita is a weekly travel columnist for MSNBC.com and Tripso, and she is a contributor to Fodor's "Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises 2007