One of the simple pleasures of cruising is watching the sun rise or set over an endless stretch of ocean. I’ve seen some incredible ones from cruise ships, whether that’s arriving into port early in the morning or watching the coastline disappear after sail-away.
Everyone has their preference, although some cruisers refuse to choose at all.
I asked my Facebook followers whether they’re more likely to watch the sunrise or sunset on a cruise, and the results weren’t quite as straightforward as I expected…
Most People Can’t Decide Between Sunrise and Sunset!
Despite asking a simple either/or question on whether cruisers would prefer to watch sunrise or sunset, the majority answered ‘both‘.
Maybe cruisers are an indecisive bunch, or perhaps they know that they don’t have to pick between the two. You can get the best of both worlds!
Of the rest of the responses, the sunset was the clear winner with 37% of the overall tally. Another 13% said that they would be more likely to watch the sunrise.
So while sunset comfortably beat sunrise among those who picked one or the other, the most popular answer was actually both. It seems plenty of cruisers simply don’t want to choose.
Why People Prefer Either Sunrise or Sunset
It’s not just about the view – it’s also about the experience. For many, the sunrise offers a peaceful, reflective moment.
On the other hand, the sunset provides a more social and relaxing atmosphere. This sense of enjoying the day’s final moments is shared by many cruisers, who love to pair the golden hour with dinner, drinks or a sail-away party.
And then there’s the funny side…
Tips for Enjoying Sunrise and Sunset on a Cruise
Whether you’re an early riser or prefer to wind down at the end of the day, there are a few ways to make the most of these magical moments.
1. Locate the Best Spots on the Ship
If you want to enjoy the perfect sunrise or sunset, location is everything!
Many cruisers recommend heading to the top deck for panoramic views. An open deck with views across both sides of the ship is ideal, as where you’ll see the sun depends on the ship’s direction of travel.
If you book a balcony cabin, you’ll have your own private space to enjoy the view, although whether you see the sunrise or sunset will depend on which way your balcony is facing at the time.
Even if the sun is rising or setting on the other side of the ship, you’ll still get to enjoy some pretty colours in the sky and reflected on the water. Many people prefer to head to an outdoor deck that faces the sun to get the best views.
2. Choose the Right Itinerary
Not all cruises are equal when it comes to sunrise and sunset views. Some routes are particularly famous for their breathtaking scenery.
Cruising through Norway’s fjords, for example, offers both early morning and evening views that are hard to beat, with dramatic cliffs bathed in golden light.
In the Caribbean, you’ll experience vibrant hues as the sun sets over turquoise waters. Whereas Mediterranean cruises often provide picture-postcard sunrises over ancient cities.
3. Grab a Drink
The best way to watch the golden glow is with a drink in your hand. Coffee goes great with sunrises, and cocktails are made for sunsets. You could try the other way around if you want. Why not – you’re on holiday!
Breakfast mimosa and a decaff coffee, anyone?
4. Read These Photography Tips for Capturing the Perfect Sunrise or Sunset…
Many cruisers love to take photos of sunrises and sunsets, and with good reason. They’re some of the most beautiful moments to capture at sea. It’s also a great way to preserve your memories of the whole cruise experience.
If you’re hoping to snap the perfect shot, here are a few tips:
- Timing is key: Arrive early and stay a little longer to capture the changing light. Sunrises often feature softer pastel colours, while sunsets bring out more vibrant reds and oranges.
- Experiment with your composition: The sun doesn’t always need to be the main focus. Try including the ship, coastline or reflections on the water to make the photo more interesting.
- Let your phone do the work: Modern smartphones are very good at balancing bright skies with darker foregrounds. Tap the screen on the area you want to expose correctly and adjust the brightness if needed.
- Keep the lens clean: It sounds obvious, but fingerprints can make sunrise and sunset photos look hazy. Give your phone lens a quick wipe before taking your photos.
Final Word
Sunrise and sunset are both special at sea, and judging by my Facebook followers, plenty of cruisers don’t want to choose between them.
Sunset might be the more popular choice if you only pick one, but there’s something lovely about getting up early and watching a new destination appear as the sun comes up too.
Of course, if you’d rather stay in bed or spend sunset enjoying dinner or a show, that’s fine too. There’ll always be another one tomorrow!
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