Bob McGowan, Chief Experience Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, shares his tips for sleeping peacefully whilst on a cruise to celebrate World Sleep Day
In celebration of World Sleep Day (13 March), Bob McGowan, Chief Experience Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, has compiled his list of top tips for successfully ‘sleepmaxxing’ – a wellness trend focused on optimising the quality and quantity of sleep – at sea.
A holiday should be the perfect time to catch up on rest and yet some people can find it tricky to sleep well when away from home. For those opting for a holiday on the high seas, the great news is that many elements of a cruise – such as the motion of the ship mimicking being rocked to sleep like a baby – can help you to create an environment that is set up perfectly for a great night’s sleep.
Read on for Bob’s tips to maximising your sleep at sea…
Create the ultimate sleep setting in your cabin
Whilst the ideal sleep temperature for adults is around 18 degrees, everyone tends to have their own preference. For some, it’s all about keeping the room cool and cocooning under the duvet whilst for others mimicking a hazy summers day helps them to fall into a warm slumber.
The best thing about being on a cruise is you can alter the cabin’s temperature to suit your preference. If your cabin allows, you can even open the window or balcony door to let in the fresh sea breeze.
Plus, as you sail through different climates – whether passing through tropical heat or cooler waters – you can easily adjust the setting to keep yourself comfortable. The power of a perfect night’s sleep is in your hands.
Make it feel like home
One of the huge benefits of a no-fly cruise (especially with Ambassador, which currently offers sailings from seven regional ports across the UK), is that you can bring along as much as you can carry. While you can’t bring your entire bed along, it does mean that you can pack anything that helps you sleep better, whether that be your own pillow, a weighted blanket or even a hot water bottle.
What’s more, creating a sleep-friendly and inviting space in your cabin will help you maximise your sleep whilst on holiday. While it can be tempting to live out of a suitcase, take advantage of the storage space available and try to keep clutter to a minimum. One of the brilliant benefits of cruising is that you only need to unpack once whilst visiting multiple destinations, so make the most of it and turn your cabin into a cosy home for the time you are at sea.
Keep hydrated
On a cruise ship, all the drinks you could want are at your fingertips – just as they should be on a completely fuss-free holiday! So be sure to make the most of it and stay hydrated.
Dehydration can lead to disrupted sleep so make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when sailing to hotter climates, and perhaps consider a herbal tea – that does not contain caffeine – in the evening to help you to relax before bed.
Don’t eat too late at night
Another great benefit of cruising is there’s plenty of food options to choose from and you can always find what’s right for you in terms of both taste and timing.
Giving your body ample time to digest your evening meal before hitting the hay is a great way to ensure a restful sleep. Typically, most cruise ships offer two dinner sittings, so opting for an earlier time to eat in the evening could help to improve your sleep. Plus, dining earlier means you’ll have plenty of time to explore all the onboard entertainment on offer before winding down for the night.
Consider your cabin
There are a wide range of cabins available on a cruise ship – from an inside to a balcony suite – and choosing the right one can make all the difference in getting a great night’s sleep.
For example, some guests prefer a balcony cabin as they can leave the balcony door open. This allows them to listen to the soothing sound of the waves and they might even feel a soft sea breeze, while others may prefer an inside cabin to block out any external noise.
It’s also worth considering your cabin’s location on the ship. Less seasoned travellers may feel more comfortable in the middle of the ship, where movement is minimal, while those who enjoy the gentle rocking of motion may find it comforting to be at the front. If in doubt, talk to a member of the team before booking and they will happily offer advice on the best option for you.
(Bob McGowan, Chief Experience Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, shares his tips for sleeping peacefully whilst on a cruise to celebrate World Sleep Day)
