How To Stay Fit On A Cruise: 24 Healthy Tips

1 | Choose active excursions

Before you even depart for your cruise, you can make healthier choices by your selection of excursions during your trip. Choosing energetic shore excursions allows you to explore new destinations while staying active.

2 | Explore the ship

One of the first things you should do on Embarkation Day is to explore the ship. We have found that a smart way to do this is to take the elevator to the highest deck and work your way down, using the next tip: take the stairs.

3 | Take the stairs

Challenge yourself to avoid the elevators as much as possible during your cruise and take the stairs. It’s a simple way to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine.

4 | Avoid bread and desserts

Simply cutting out bread and desserts from your meals can make a huge difference. Those extra calories add up quickly! Once you get used to refusing the bread basket or danish tray, you may find you don’t miss them.

5 | Eat at least one healthy meal a day

Try having something healthy such as yogurt and fruit for breakfast, or a light salad for lunch. Skip the filet with bearnaise and consider having roasted chicken or broiled fish instead for dinner.

6 | Take a morning exercise class

Cruise lines typically offer exercise classes on deck in the early morning, such as yoga, pilates, tai chi, or stretching. Some are free and some incur a fee. Check your daily newsletter for details.

7 | Drink more water

Avoid drinking high-calorie beverages such as sodas and juices, and drink regular water instead. Consider bringing along a reusable water bottle to carry with with you so you can increase your water intake each day.

8 | Explore the offerings of the fitness center

Most cruise ships are equipped with fitness centers that include a variety of exercise machines, weights, and group fitness classes. Take advantage of these facilities to maintain your workout routine.

9 | Take a dance class

Join dance classes or hit the dance floor during themed parties. Dancing is not only an effective workout but also a great way to socialize. Whether you enjoy ballroom dancing or a good country line dance, you will be burn calories while having fun.

10 | Eat in healthy restaurants

Some cruise lines have restaurants that are dedicated to healthy eating, such as the Spa Cafe on Celebrity Cruises, or Blu, the exclusive restaurant for guests staying in AquaClass cabins on Celebrity.

11 | Try a spinning class in the fitness center

Cruise line fitness centers often offer fitness classes such as spinning, which will definitely give you a good cardio workout.

12 | Swim in the pool

If the cruise ship has a pool, swimming is an excellent full-body workout. You can swim laps or participate in water aerobics classes if they are offered.

13 | Walk around the promenade deck

The promenade deck is a wonderful place to take a leisurely walk while enjoying the sea air.

14 | Play a game

Some cruise ships offer activities such as basketball, ping-pong, or shuffleboard. Norwegian even has a giant chess game on some ships, which require you to drag your oversize pieces around the board.

15 | Avoid snacking

Try to resist grabbing a cookie or a soft-serve ice cream cone between meals. Although temptations are everywhere on a cruise ship, you can resist.

16 | Take a jog or run on the running track

Most cruise ships have a walking/running track of some sort, so take advantage of it. Even just a brisk walk can burn calories.

17 | Ease up on the beverage package

Taking advantage of the unlimited alcoholic beverage package isn’t the best idea for your fitness. If you feel compelled to drink, stay away from the fruity or frozen concoctions and sip on a simple drink such as a scotch and water or a vodka tonic.

18 | Play a round of miniature golf

Many cruise lines such as Norwegian have a miniature golf course on an upper deck. If you have some free time, grab a putter and challenge your partner to a quick round. It can be a lot of fun!

19 | Use the spa facilities

Some cruise ships offer spa facilities with fitness classes, steam rooms, and saunas. Take advantage of these amenities for relaxation and wellness.

20 | Try the ship’s fun activities

In recent years, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have been adding fun activities such as rope courses, rock-climbing walls, go-kart courses, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, water slides, and ice skating rinks. On a sea day or if you return early on a port day, give one of these activities a try.

Joining these activities not only keeps you active but also provides an opportunity to meet new people.

21 | Meet with a personal trainer

The spa will most likely offer a personal trainer who can consult with you (for a fee) to come up with an exercise program for you during your cruise.

22 | Wear a fitness tracker

Wearing a fitness tracker like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch can help motivate you by keeping track of the calories you burn and the steps you take.

23 | Bring your own equipment

If space allows, bring resistance bands, a jump rope, or other portable fitness equipment for quick and convenient workouts in your cabin.

24 | Wash your hands and avoid door handles

Staying fit also involves staying healthy, and on a cruise ship, avoiding viruses is key. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, as well as before eating or drinking. Take advantage of the ship’s many disinfecting stations and the always fun washy-washy crew member stationed outside the buffet.

Examples Of Fitness Offerings On A Recent Celebrity Cruise

On a recent cruise on Celebrity Millennium, here are some of the energetic activities offered in the daily newsletter for a sea day that could help you maintain or improve your fitness:

Examples Of Fitness Offerings On A Recent NCL Cruise

On a recent cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, energetic activities such as these were offered in the daily newsletter for a sea day that could help you maintain or improve your fitness:

Final Thoughts on How To Stay Fit On A Cruise

Just because you’re on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to gain weight. Following some of the above tips and participating in some of the suggested activities can ensure that you not only maintain your fitness, but maybe even improve it.

Healthy cruising!