One of the best things about being on a cruise ship are the stunning views of the rising and setting sun across the ocean.
Although not every port of call will be scenic, you’ll still get to enjoy the sparkling water. Often the best views are at sunrise as you’re still sailing to your next destination, or sunset after leaving port.
But which is better?
I asked my Facebook followers whether they were more likely to watch the sunrise or sunset on a cruise, and the results were interesting…
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 it’s clear that, while most cruise passengers will try to enjoy both an early start and a late evening with the beautiful views that they offer, sunset is the overall winner.
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.
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. The bow (front) of the ship is ideal for sunrises, as the ship is often facing forward when entering a new port. The aft (back) is a great spot to catch the sunset, especially after sail-away.
If you book a balcony cabin, you’ll have your own private space to enjoy the view. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll only see either the sunrise or sunset from your cabin, depending on the ship’s orientation 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 reflecting on the water. Many people prefer to head to an outdoor deck that is facing the sun, to get the best views.
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.
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.
- Find the right angle: Avoid shooting directly into the sun, as this can cause your images to appear washed out or overly bright. Instead, try to capture the sunlight reflecting off the water, or a nearby boat to create an interesting focal point.
- Use HDR Mode: Most modern smartphones have an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode. This helps balance the lighting in shots with both bright and dark areas, making it perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
- Bring a filter: If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider using a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce the brightness of the sun. This will allow you to capture more details in the scene.
Final word
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, cruising offers many opportunities to enjoy nature’s most beautiful moments.
Sunset may be the favourite according to my Facebook followers, but most cruisers are reluctant to choose between the two, with nearly half saying they enjoy watching the rising and setting sun equally.
On your next cruise, why not challenge yourself to catch both sunrise and sunset? After all, you’re on holiday – you deserve to experience it all!
On the flip side, if you would rather spend that morning in bed or the evening taking in a show, then that’s also up to you. A cruise really is all about what you want to enjoy. The sun will always be there tomorrow!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.