When I go on a cruise I am always blown away with the beauty, the relaxation, the new people I meet and places I visit. It’s all so new, interesting and different from my life back home. That’s why I go! And that’s why I want to remember. To remember, I bring my travel journal. But sometimes I get stuck on what to write, it’s all so new and interesting I get overwhelmed. And I don’t want to just write about my day minute by minute, that’s boring! I want to get in touch with what I notice, what I like, how I feel. It deepens the experience. So I came with these cruise journal writing prompts so I won’t ever be stuck again and I’ll have interesting journal entries to go back to for years to come. Here are 18 creative cruise journal writing prompts you have to try:
1.What I’m most excited about for the cruise is…
This is a great first entry for your travel journal. Before you leave, think about what you’re most excited about and why. Is it the opportunity to relax? See new places? Try new things? This is a wonderful prompt because not only is it fun, it gives you information about how you should spend your time once you’re on the cruise. If you’re most excited about the sun and relaxation, stay that extra hour relaxing by the pool. If you’re most excited about trying new things, sign up for that snorkeling adventure that seems intimidating. I bet it will be a lot of fun!
2. My first impression of the ship was…
You only have a first impression once. After a few days, everything on the ship will seem normal. But the first time you board the ship, everything seems new and exciting. What captured your attention? Did anything surprise you about your first impression? Capture it all in your travel journal.
3. Something that made me smile or laugh today was…
Was it something your family did? Was it something you overheard in a conversation? This is the beauty of travel. Record it!
4. The songs I’m listening to and books I’m reading are…
What I read and listen to on a trip is always linked to that particular cruise, even when I’m home. I like to capture these memories so I can remember the soundtrack or story to the cruise and go back to those things if I want to recapture the memory. And having it written in my travel journal ensures that I’ll never forget.
5. My favorite meal was…
Cruise food is so varied and I try to experience as many different foods as I can. If you like to try new foods, record them in your travel journal and write about what you liked. You never know, you could surprise yourself.
6. An activity I really enjoyed today was…
There are so many fun activities to choose from aboard a cruise. Some I’ve liked more than others. I always want to remember this so I can do more of what I like next time and I can remember how much fun I had doing cruise activities I love.
7. I met someone from _____country today…
One thing I really love about cruises is that I always meet people from around the world. Since we’re on the ship together it creates a unique opportunity to have real conversations, ask questions and get to know someone from another country on a deeper level. I always want to remember the interesting things they share, so into the travel notebook they go!
8. One new thing I saw today…
The new and different is always accessible on a cruise. Whether it’s a new type of food, landscape or animal. Write it down in as much detail as you can. You’ll be so glad you did.
9. Something I thought I’d enjoy but I didn’t…
With so many activities on a cruise, there’s bound to be something you don’t enjoy. This is great information. Ask yourself, why didn’t you enjoy it? Was it badly planned? Was it just not your thing? Is there a funny story that goes along with it? This is great information for next time and will probably be entertaining when you read it back.
10. Something I thought I wouldn’t enjoy but I did was…
When I go on a cruise, I always try one new activity that I’m not quite sure I’ll like. Traveling is about going outside your comfort zone, so I always try to pick one activity and try it out. Last time it was karaoke. I’m not a performer, so I’d never done it, but on that trip I thought, why not? So I tried, singing “These Boots are Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra. And you know what, I had fun! The host was fantastic and the stakes were very low. It made me think, maybe I’ll try it when I get home. And the experience is immortalized in my travel journal forever.
11. Something I want to bring home with me, but I can’t is…
Was there a souvenir that was too it to bring home? Maybe too expensive? Write it down. Even if you can’t have it, at least you can capture it in your travel journal.
12. The most relaxing part of the day was…
A big part of why I choose to go on cruises is because it’s so relaxing. I don’t always feel as relaxed in my non-cruise life so I really like to revel in and capture these moments in my travel notebook.
13. One unexpected thing I saw/experienced today was…
I am always looking for the unexpected when I’m on a cruise and I often find it. I love to capture those moments in my traveller’s notebook so I never forget those oddball experiences.
14. Describe the scene around you right now…
This is a fun prompt to do while relaxing at a meal or just on the deck. Being on a giant ship in the middle of the ocean is not very typical. So ask yourself, what are some unique things I see, smell and hear. I bet you’ll surprise yourself.
15. How do I feel different now than at home…
I’m always hoping that a trip will change me for the better just a little bit. I like this prompt because it helps me to reflect on this change. Do I feel more relaxed? Content? Excited? How can I bring that back into my life at home?
16. One thing I’m really going to miss about cruising…
This prompt is great because it helps me reflect on what I love about the cruise while I’m still on it and helps me remember what I love about cruising when I look back. Often it’s the relaxation, but sometimes I’ll surprise myself and realize, it’s the adventure! And it makes me appreciate those aspects that much more.
17. One thing I bought that I love is…
Souvenirs are so fun to shop for on a cruise, but often I forget what I bought in which port. I love capturing this information in my travel journal. That way I’ll always remember when, where and why I bought each souvenir.
18. I would/wouldn’t recommend this cruise to a friend…
When you get home is a great time to reflect on the trip, the cruise and if you would recommend it and want to do it again. Think about the overall experience. What were the overall highlights and lowlights and if a friend asked, would you recommend this cruise?
Capturing the memories of your cruise vacation in your travel journal will help you remember the fun, exciting and relaxing vacation. The more you write, the deeper and more memorable the trip becomes. That’s been my experience. I hope you try it for yourself on your next cruise. Bon voyage!