I took an English paper piecing project (grandmother's flower garden, lucy boston or something similar) that is done by hand and got quite a bit done. It was easy to take anywhere on the cruise ship or while docked. And it meant that I could sit on deck. I found the stateroom to be rather boring honestly and only spent time in there to sleep or change clothes on both cruises I have been on. But we also did shopping and excursions while in each port.