Cruising onboard activities used to be limited to shuffleboard and bingo. But these days, you can learn so much more while at sea.

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One of the most popular topics on cruise ships? Liquor, of course!
NCL’s Norwegian Epic offers mixology classes and whiskey tastings. Or, you can borrow a real  Gibson guitar and unleash your inner rock star from the privacy of your stateroom.  

Budding chefs can try hands-on cooking classes on a Regent Seven Seas cruise, which has partnered up with Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. Holland America also has a state-of-the-art culinary program, with classes for both adults and kids.

Princess Cruises has a program called “Scholarship-at-Sea,” that includes
art classes, photography lessons and astronomy seminars. And Celebrity Cruiseshas programming based on your upcoming ports-of-call.  So, that might involve a lecture from a Smithsonian historian, an art history expert or a marine biologist.

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But do keep in mind that not all cruise ship activities are free. So budget accordingly and you might just come home with a new set of skills.