It's quite relaxing when you're playing alone.
Look at towns, either do quests or deliver what they request to make them grow (where the last two of ten levels always require goods from a different climate), fend off the occassional pirate attack.
And once you get bored?
Sail ho into a pirate controlled area and try to take that over (stay near a defenseless harbor, listen to your crew battling the townsfolk into submission) and try to get all towns before the pirates can rally to take them back. Frantic, hectic, tactical battles with the old questions of "is that guy to big to tackle? Can I do that without creeping back for repairs? Will I have enough wood to patch my hull after this battle?".
It's said to be better in multiplayer thanks to the element of randomness other players bring into the fray, no matter if on your side or working for one of the other factions.
And the water looks absolutely gorgeous.
Some people will go straight to hell.
With VIP ticket and free drinks...
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Smile! Life stays the same shit but it's definitely more fun!