Faith at Sea: Living Your Beliefs on Any Cruise
Whether you sail with a Christian group or on your own, a cruise can be a time of spiritual renewal. A few simple habits make it easy to keep faith at the center of the trip.
Sunday on board
Some ships hold a non-denominational service on Sundays, especially on longer voyages; check the daily program. Groups usually hold their own service in a reserved room.
Quiet time
Early mornings on an open deck are peaceful; the sunrise at sea is worth the alarm.
Grace at dinner
A group can be seated together so saying grace is natural.
Port-day worship
In some ports, local churches welcome visitors to services; check times before you go ashore.
Navigating the Parts of a Cruise You May Not Enjoy
Mainstream ships have bars, casinos, late-night clubs and adult comedy. You do not have to take part in any of it. Choose a quiet lounge, an early show, a movie under the stars or a game night with your group. Families can check age ratings for shows and ask about the kids’ club program. On a short party-style weekend sailing, the atmosphere will be livelier than on a longer voyage, so pick the itinerary with that in mind.
Holy Land and Bible Lands by Sea
Many Christian travelers dream of walking where Paul preached. Mediterranean cruises calling at Greek ports such as Piraeus for Athens, and Italian ports such as Civitavecchia for Rome, offer that connection, and some itineraries include Turkey’s Aegean coast near Ephesus. Itineraries change with world events, so check current routes before you plan. Port guides are on Europe Port Excursions.
- Read the relevant chapters of Acts before each port.
- Book a guide who knows the biblical history of the site.
- Allow time for reflection at each place, not only photos.
Bringing Others Along
A cruise is a welcoming invitation for a friend who does not attend church: there is no pressure, plenty of fun and natural opportunities to talk. Many groups encourage members to bring a guest. For anyone helping to organize or sell faith group travel professionally, Be a Travel Agent explains how to become a travel agent, and more cruise resources are in the Official Cruise Directory.
Simple Ideas for Personal Devotion on Board
- Read one Psalm each morning of the cruise and note a line that stays with you.
- Pray for each port as the ship arrives and for the people who live and work there.
- Thank the crew by name; many are far from their own families for months.
- Keep a gratitude list in your journal and share it with your group on the last night.
Respecting Fellow Passengers
On a public sailing, a Christian group shares the ship with guests of many faiths and none. Groups that hold worship in their reserved room, keep public spaces welcoming and treat crew and other guests with warmth leave the best impression. Hospitality, after all, is part of the faith many groups bring on board.
Plan a Cruise With Faith at the Center
Tell us how you like to travel and what matters to you spiritually. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest ships and itineraries and send free quotes.
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