Going on a long-term voyage away from port can be an exciting, but daunting prospect. A boat ride or a long-term crew assignment to sea can mean months away from civilization and all of its comforts, and even a long weekend at sea can seem like an eternity if you and your crew are bored. But have no fear, as there are plenty of creative ways to keep yourselves entertained. Here are some ideas to keep in mind during your next seafaring adventure.
Learn Something New
Learning a new skill or language is a great way to pass the time and take advantage of the extra free time during your voyage. Courses, apps, and online programs can help crewmates learn something new, from vocabulary to more complicated skills. After a long day of travel, have a group lesson and make a game out of it. This will get your crew’s creative juices flowing and can help take the boredom out of long rides.
Let Your Imagination Wander
There is no better time to get lost in your own head than during a long ride at sea. Take some time alone to relax and let your mind wander. Sit with your eyes closed and imagine an entire story scenario or world and write it down if you’d like. This can be the start of a creative project, and can provide a great sense of accomplishment with its completion.
Organize Contests Among Your Crewmates
Contests can liven up a quiet voyage and create a feeling of camaraderie and competition. This can include simple tasks such as trivia or more physical activities. Even just playing a card game can pass the time. Create a prize and winner circle to make it even more enticing for your crew.
Plan A Shore Excursion
Taking a shore excursion to a nearby port or beach can breathe some fresh air and provide a much needed change of scenery during long trips. Even if you only have a day or a few hours of shore leave, it can be worthwhile to spend some time getting off the boat and exploring. This will also give your crew the chance to interact with locals and enjoy the local food and culture.
Don’t Forget To Pack Some Entertainment
Books, music, movies, and other comfort items are essential for any voyage and should be brought along. If you zone out or can’t keep your attention fixed for long, some of these items will no doubt distract and keep you occupied.
Take Downtime
An essential part of any voyage is having some downtime. Even something as simple as sitting and playing a game can still take your mind off of the passage and help you destress. This is important because it is easy to get overwhelmed or overstressed during long voyages. Unwinding can be achieved through simple activities such as taking walks, yoga, or even just chatting with crewmates.
Voyages at sea can be both long and demanding. Having creative ideas and activities to occupy your time and energy can make the experience much more enjoyable. The best way to do this is to first cover all the basics and ensure that you and your crew have the necessary resources to make the passage a successful one. With that groundwork laid, the next step is utilizing the open horizons and the opportunities that come with the open sea.
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