Ship Shape Sailor

Let’s face it; one of the best parts of going on a cruise is that the food onboard is included. You don’t have to worry about who is paying, or how much you can order. So it shouldn’t come as a shock that there is an old cruise adage claiming you can gain up to 1-2 pounds per day while on a cruise vacation.

Ouch! Not hard to imagine with the amount of tasty cuisine, midnight munchies and yummy drinks.

But recently, the demographic of the average cruiser has evolved to include more youthful and health-conscious passengers. The cruise lines have noticed the change and greatly improved their onboard fare and fitness programs. Cruise fitness centers have grown, spa-like eateries have sprung and even top deck games have progressed from shuffleboard to surf simulators.

Staying fit and fabulous on the high seas has now become attainable.

I heard a really great tip once. Go out of your way the first day onboard the ship to find and tour the gym facility. Roam, take a look at the state-of-the-art equipment, selection of cruise fitness classes, the phenomenal sea views, and don’t miss the beautiful Australian spinning instructor views.

You, by no means, have to actually go back and work out each day, but just seeing what the center has to offer may just be enticing enough to attempt a sweat session. Otherwise, you will never know what you’re missing out on…especially view wise, mate.

Serious Fitness
For those adamant on taking time each day for muscle development, the cruise lines have really buffed up their offerings. Most ships have some sort of gym, but some now have cruise fitness centers of up to 9,700 square feet, and you have your choice of modern cardio and weightlifting machines, spinning bikes, a Pilates studio, a boxing ring, and group classes, such as yoga, aerobics, spinning and Pilates.

Many of these group classes are an additional cost of $10-$15 and require you to sign up. The busiest times are going to be early morning and in the evening right before dinner, so if you can attempt to go at an off-time, like while the ship is in port, you will have a better selection of machines and smaller class sizes.

Not So Serious Fitness
There are plenty of ways to be active on a cruise and not step foot in the gym. Take a ballroom or tango dance lesson, dance it up late night style in the disco, make it a point to walk the circumference of the top deck once a day and the best one…take the stairs! It will save your temper as well, as you won’t have to wait for the elevators.

Healthy Dining Tips
The all-you-can-eat mentality of a cruise vacation is quite hard to overcome. What?? I can go to a midnight BBQ and then get a turkey sandwich at 2am? Why not, I’m on vacation!

It is hard not to want to indulge in every caloric fantasy. But there are little ways to save yourself here and there, so that you don’t end up sick and sluggish in your stateroom.

• Drink lots of water so you stay hydrated and flush impurities. Tap water is fine on the ship, but double check your ports of call (bottled water is the safest way to go while on land)! Luckily, soda is an extra charge onboard, so you make your wallet and waistline happy, double awesome.

• Indulging in spirits is another perk of cruising, but combined with limitless eating-not so perky. Try drinking red wine or mixed drinks with either real fruit or fruit juice so you are still getting some form of nutrient value.

• When you enter the buffet, grab a big dinner plate and have an appetizer of salad or vegetables. They fill both your dish and your belly. When you go back for the main course, take a small salad plate, so you don’t grab more than you really need.

• Many ships have incorporated health and wellness programs which include spa cafés and restaurants that offer lighter fares made with natural ingredients. They take the guesswork out of choosing a meal and eating healthy on a cruise, and are unbelievably fresh and delicious. And, after going for a lower calorie meal, one more martini might not be so bad?

All this said, please relax and let go on your cruise vacation. You shouldn’t stress about the scale, but just be aware of excess food and drink because it could provide you with excess booty when you get home.

Have fun. Get out. Be active. Stay in ship shape, my savvy sailors.

You might enjoy:

• Savvy Sailor–Socially Superb
• Royal Caribbean–Spa and Fitness
• Norwegian–Spa and Fitness
• Epic Excursions: 5 Things to Know Before you Brave the Zipline

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