There are few things I love more than travel. Cruising is one of my favorite ways to do it. Over the years, I’ve done my share of cruising. I lost count somewhere after 15. Almost every single time I cruise with someone who hasn’t gone before, I’m asked “what will there be to do?” or “I’m afraid I’ll gain SO much weight”. While the opportunity to gain weight is certainly there, cruises also offer plenty of ways to stay healthy and active. Let the record show I returned from our most recent cruise two lbs. lighter and trust me I was not skimping on food!
1. Hit up the onboard fitness center early and often. Most modern cruise ships have gorgeous, state-of-the-art gyms. Whether you want a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, machines, its all there at no extra charge. I like to get up and hit the gym early. It may be crowded on the first day or two but trust me, the gym’s popularity fades fast. For night owls, working out while the earlybird dinner is going on is also great. Your gut will thank you. Some group fitness, spin and yoga classes have a nominal fee but are available all the same.
This was the view from my treadmill as we approached Barbados. Since I ran early, we were often just coming into port. The fitness center was just above the bridge so it was a phenomenal view.
2. Walk, walk and walk some more. Most cruise ships have outdoor tracks for walking or jogging. If not, there’s the promenade deck. Walk around the port towns too.
3. The stairs are your friend. Use them as much as you can. You know what a great workout they are. They’ll save time and spare you the frustration of waiting for elevators too.
4. Take advantage of specialty activities. Our most recent cruise featured inline skating, ice skating, mini golf and a rock climbing wall. So much fun for all ages. And by all means, DANCE! Chances are good your ship mates will never see you again.
5. Swim. Take a dip early and bust out some laps before the sunbathers come out. It’s a peaceful and energizing start to your day.
6. Technically this is not ON the ship so it’s a bonus tip: Go on active shore excursions. Forget about sedentary bus tours. Go for the action. We kayaked, snorkeled, hit up the zip lines, rappelled, biked, with lots of hiking in there too.
One word of caution: Don’t take on tons of new activity unless you’re already accustomed to an active lifestyle. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself or be so sore it keeps you from enjoying the rest of your vacation.
Have you cruised? What’s your favorite way to travel? Did you enter my giveaway?
I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar and Cyn for the Friday Five.
misszippy1 says
Great advice here! I will admit, one of my fears about cruising is that I will go stir crazy on board…good to hear these options.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I’ve been on a few cruises but they were when I was a kid and didn’t really care about staying active. We are thinking about a cruise with the kids next year, so this will come in handy!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
I couldn’t really imagine running on a treadmill while a ship was moving- that sounds really hard! I remember the last time I was on a cruise (I was like 15) there was a track that went around the upper level of the ship. Of course at that age I didn’t take advantage of it!
April @ RunTheGreatWideSomewhere says
It’s almost embarrassing to admit it, but even though I live in Florida, I’ve never been on a cruise! I really need to start keeping an eye on the prices and just book one! Great tips!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
We were on a cruise over Christmas- it can be done! I hit classes everyday in the gym.The bigger cruises have tons of options.
katie says
I have only cruised once but this post just made me want to look at it again.
Betsy says
I’ve never been on a cruise before but I would love to! Great tips!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
Perfect tips. I always get concerned when I see a flood of folks hit the cruise gym and they have not been exercising regularly. How can I tell? Because they can’t figure out the treadmill control panel. One lady even flew off the back of the treadmill and fell! OUCH! I even had to run at a slower pace than normal because the ship’s subtle rocking kept me off balance a little. ENJOY!
Elle says
Thank you for this post today. I am so glad I asked your advice – I knew you would come through for me! I knew about the gym and about walking on deck too…. hope our ship has a running track. That would be awesome. I can see that early morning swims would be better too. Hadn’t even thought of that one. We have booked some shore excursions too. Better have another look at the ship information and see what’s offered! 🙂
Farrah says
Back in 2011 when I was studying for my MCAT to get into med school, my parents were going on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise, and to add me to the cabin was $390.
I brought all my books with me to study and just alternated between studying working out, and eating. :O Twas a great time!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Great tips! I love cruises and always find their fitness centers nicer than my one at home!
Lisa @ RunWiki says
For a moment I thought you used a photo app to attach that rainbow. I might be able to tolerate the dread mill if I had a view like that! Great tips!
Sharon says
Nice tips! I have yet to go on a cruise but hope to go in the future and will keep these in mind. Thanks!!
HoHo Runs says
It’s been about 10 years since we’ve cruised. And my husband suggested it for this year. Why didn’t I jump on that and say yes? Maybe it’s not too late!
Michelle says
I’ve never been on a cruise, but will keep these in mind should I ever take one!!! Thanks!!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I love cruises. With all the great food you eat on them I try to work out every morning. Nothing like having a great view of the ocean while your on the treadmill. Or even running around the track on the upper deck is awesome! Just bc you are on vacation doesn’t mean you have to stop working out.
Coco says
Great tips! I went on one cruise and pretty much followed those tips. I also stayed away from the round-the-clock sundae bar!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I’ve never been on a cruise! I’m so much more of an explorer…
Carly @ Fine Fit Day says
Great advice! I have a client who goes on cruises once or twice a year and I make her program very heavy weights focusing on muscle gain for 6 weeks beforehand, to give her an ‘edge’ when faced with the food! 😉 But she takes all this advice as well. I’ve actually never been on a cruise – my husband would love to do one but I’m not sure it’s my bag…
Kim says
We’ve only been on one cruise but I love these tips. We walked everywhere (especially in all the ports) and never used the ships elevators!!!
Mary Beth Jackson says
what fun activities! I agree with you, walk! if you do nothing more than walk everywhere it is a big start! I love the fact that you can try out some new activities but agree you don’t want to over do it! You are making want to book a cruise!
Toni says
I love cruising and find it hard not to gain weight when I cruise! My one tip is to never use th elevator. We did a lot of walking by avoiding the elevator.
Alison @ racingtales says
I love cruising! On our most recent cruise I never stepped in the elevator; stairs are definitely the way to go! My husband and I tried running on the track around the boat but people kept walking across it and it became pretty hazardous. I retreated to the treadmill. I also took a couple of early morning abs/yoga classes that weren’t particularly challenging but were fun!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Great tips!!!!
I totally would have tried the climbing wall just for something different.
Victoria @ Smiles 'n' Snuggles says
I’ve been on one cruise so far. We went to Alaska when I was 17 weeks pregnant with my first son. Fitness wasn’t really on my radar then and I wasn’t already feeling great due to the pregnancy. If I ever go on a cruise again I’ll definitey use these tips.
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
I’ve never gone on a cruise before but I’m almost positive I’ll just lay around by the pool and read haha
Great tips though!