How to Stay Fit and Healthy on a Cruise Holiday

Cruise holidays offer the perfect chance to relax, get away from it all and recharge your batteries. Passengers can look forward to the opportunity to be pampered and enjoy superb food and wine, together with some great entertainment.

However, there is no need to fear putting on weight and getting out of shape, because cruises also offer plenty of opportunities to stay fit and healthy. Play your cards right and you could return home fitter than you were when you left – without having to deny yourself all the good food on offer. With cruises developing and offering ever more activities, it is easy to see why their popularity is growing worldwide.

On-Board Exercise

Many cruise ships have state-of-the-art fitness centres offering a full range of exercise equipment, so you can have a daily gym session on the high seas. It’s likely there will also be a whole range of classes to choose from, ranging from Pilates, circuit training and yoga to more unusual options.

For instance, some ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruises fleet offer the opportunity to climb a rock wall, get in the boxing ring or even take to the ice rink, all while you are still on board ship. Forget the stereotype of cruisers lounging on deck, because it is possible to be active all day long.

Active Excursions

Another great way to get exercise during a cruise is to take advantage of as many on-shore excursions as possible. This will add to your enjoyment by meaning you have the chance to see more unforgettable landscapes, and will also involve a lot of walking, which is one of the best and easiest ways of keeping fit. There has also been a growth in adventurous excursions aimed at sport fans, appealing to a younger generation of cruisers.

Healthy Eating

Wining and dining is part of the fun of a cruise, but there is no need to go overboard! Modern cruises offer many different menu options, with low-calorie choices available at every meal which still offer top quality and taste. This means it is possible to pick and choose and enjoy delicious meals which will not pile on the pounds. In many cases, expert dietitians have been consulted to help update cruise menus and ensure that they put more emphasis on health.

There is also no pressure to have alcohol with every meal, and it will actually add to the enjoyment if you keep it to an occasional treat. You can typically choose beverage packages for your cruises which will include soft drink options and bottled water. Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

All in all, there is no reason to return home from a cruise feeling unfit and lethargic. If you remember to exercise and choose your meals carefully, you can have a great time and actually improve your health and fitness during the voyage.