How Seafarers Typically Spend Their Free Time Onboard
I love going out for shore leave when we’re docked. There’s something about being on land – even for just a few hours – that helps reset everything. But most of the time, we’re at sea, surrounded by ocean, routine, and a ship that never really sleeps.
So what do seafarers do in free time when we’re not working? How do we stay entertained, connected, or just keep our heads above water – mentally, I mean?
From quiet rituals to full-on karaoke nights, here are some of the most common recreational activities onboard for seafarers, based on what I’ve seen (and tried) during my contracts.
How Seafarers Spend Their Free Time Onboard to Stay Entertained and Connected
1. Finding solitude
It might not sound exciting, but finding quiet space onboard is one of the most valued ways we recharge.
Seafarers' time off often looks nothing like traditional leisure. There are no parks to stroll in, no coffee shops to linger at. So we make do with what we have.
Some sit alone on the open deck, listening to the wind or staring out into the endless blue. Some find a quiet corner to read. Others just lie in their bunk, earphones in, letting thoughts drift.
If you’re lucky enough to have a single-occupancy cabin, that’s already a win. These quiet moments bring calm after long shifts. They help us come back to ourselves.
You might like: How to Make the Most of Your Tiny Crew Cabin at Sea
2. Escaping into screens
A big part of what seafarers do in their free time involves screens. Movies, series, downloaded YouTube clips – we all have our own libraries saved up for days when the wifi is spotty or too expensive.
Sometimes when we’re out of movies, we swap drives and discover shows we’d never pick ourselves – Korean dramas, Filipino romance, documentaries.
On ships with decent internet, you’ll find crew scrolling social media, video-calling family, or playing mobile games in hallway corners with the strongest signal.
3. Staying active
Physical movement is one of the best ways seafarers avoid boredom onboard. Many ships have small gyms or a few pieces of workout equipment tucked away in crew areas. We make do.
Group sports are another favourite. Basketball and football are popular, even if the “court” is just a netted area on deck. On calmer days, some crew stretch or jog.
I’m not very active, but I do take a lot of stairs.
4. Creative outlets onboard
Some of the most surprising seafarer activities I’ve seen are also the most creative – crew who play guitar or cajon, sing in the crew bar, or sketch in their off-hours.
Photography is another favourite. The sky out there – especially at night – is unmatched. You start noticing things: cloud shapes, bioluminescence, how the moonlight hits the wake.
Having a creative project gives purpose to free time. It also reminds us we’re more than our roles.
5. Socialising time
One of the most human parts of life onboard is the way seafarers come together during downtime. This isn’t always about organised events – it’s the casual moments that build camaraderie.
You’ll find groups sharing drinks, swapping stories, or simply hanging out over instant coffee. Sometimes it’s a chat while doing laundry or a quiet conversation on the forward deck.
These relaxed connections break down barriers between ranks, departments, and nationalities, making ship life a little more like a second family.
6. Games and friendly competitions
When it’s time to shake things up, crew often turn to games and friendly competitions. Board games, chess matches, or a quick round of ping-pong help keep minds sharp and spirits high.
Some ships host darts contests, trivia nights, or even talent shows where hidden skills come to light. Karaoke is a favourite, too – a chance to let loose and have fun together, no matter how off-key the singing.
These activities create a lively, playful vibe onboard and give everyone a chance to connect in a different way.
7. Connection – when and how we can get it
For many of us, free time means trying to reconnect to the people we miss. That might be a WhatsApp call during port days, a string of voice messages when the wifi cooperates, or just typing out a long note to send later.
It’s not always easy – especially when signal cuts off mid-call or data runs out – but it’s something. And it helps.
8. Doing nothing (and being okay with it)
Sometimes, the best answer to “what do seafarers do in free time” is: nothing.
Just lying down. Closing your eyes. Letting the engine noise become white noise.
True rest is rare when you live where you work. So yes, sometimes we nap. Sometimes we scroll through old photos. Sometimes we just… sit. And that’s okay.
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