10 Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy On a Cruise

In many ways, staying fit and healthy on a cruise is easier than in your everyday life. Every day of your cruise, you'll wake up with a full day of free time ahead of you, direct access to a variety of onboard activities and amenities that make it enjoyable to stay active, and so many food and drink options that you'll have plenty of healthy selections at each meal. Opportunities to stay active continue when you're ashore, with exciting excursions that burn calories without you even realizing it, you'll be too busy enjoying the attractive landscape, thrilling experiences, and amazing family fun.

10 Best Tips to Stay Fit and Healthy On a Cruise

1. Eat Healthy Meals on the Cruise

Most cruise lines offer a wide variety of culinary options, and it is easy to become overwhelmed by what is available. It might not be very difficult to maintain good health and fitness on a cruise. Try to stick to a healthy home eating routine while keeping things simple and structured. It is advisable to eat your major meal at lunchtime and less in the evening. Most cruise lines provide light/healthy options on their main dining room supper menus. Some feature wonderful spa cafés and specialty eateries that focus on healthy eating options.

2. Hit the Gym in the Morning

Starting your day with exercise will help set the tone for staying fit and healthy on a cruise. Most cruise ships have modern fitness centers. Even a 20-minute session in the morning might enhance your energy and make you feel less terrible about eating dessert later. Furthermore, completing your exercise quota before eating breakfast eliminates the possibility of convincing yourself to skip it later in the day. Do you need more encouragement? Lay out your training clothes before going to bed to decrease decision-making stress when you arise.

3. Avoid the Buffet

A cruise ship buffet is almost unbelievably tempting, from appetizers to sweets and all in between. While it is acceptable to indulge once in a while as long as you practice good buffet practices, frequent trips can quickly lead to excess. Instead, have sit-down meals in the ship's main dining area, where amounts are restricted, and you can choose healthier menu options. It's much simpler to resist temptation when the colorful selection of treats isn't within arm's reach. This is the best thing to consider staying fit and healthy on a cruise.

Also, Read: Top 10 Essential Tips for Cruising with Kids

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Regarding hydration, being at sea in a new area might make it easy to forget to drink water. However, staying hydrated is critical for digestion, skin health, and general wellness, as well as important for staying fit and healthy on a cruise. Carry a reusable water bottle that you may refill during the day. Water from your stateroom tap is almost always drinkable. If not, it will be mentioned. So, drink a lot of water to save yourself from any illness due to dehydration during your cruise journey.

5. Limit Sun Exposure

Being out on the open sea increases your chances of getting sunburned or, in severe circumstances, heatstroke. This is especially true if you're on a Mediterranean cruise, a Caribbean route, or another popular destination. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming. Better still, understand your limitations and take regular pauses inside to keep fit and healthy throughout your cruise.

6. Focus on Your Sleep

A well-rested body is better able to fight off potential ailments, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation and a better option for staying fit on a cruise. It's easy to get caught up in the variety of evening and late onboard entertainment options. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep. An inside cabin can be great for sleeping, but if you don't like the picture of not having a window, pack an eye mask. Earplugs are a good investment if you're sensitive to noise.

7. Wash Your Hands Again and Again

Because of the large number of people sharing relatively limited public spaces on cruise ships, they have earned a reputation as germ-hot zones. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that acute gastrointestinal diseases like norovirus are uncommon on cruise ships. Such infections, when they arise, are extremely infectious. The easiest approach to staying safe is to wash your hands frequently, particularly after using the restroom and before eating to stay fit on a cruise. Hand sanitizer stations are often located around the ship, although they should be used in conjunction with hand washing. 

8. Mention Your Medical Conditions

Inform the ship's medical staff and organizers if you have any pre-existing ailments or are currently on medication. The common cold and norovirus are contagious and can spread to other travelers. To ensure your safety, inform everyone about your medical history and potential risks. Gather a summary of your condition(s) and prescriptions from your doctor to bring with you to stay healthy on a cruise. For people with cardiac issues, the cruising lifestyle with heavy winding and eating can be harmful. If you are inclined to strokes, limit your sun exposure.

9. Be Careful with Drinking Beverages

Beverage packages may appear to be a fantastic deal, but there are several factors to consider when determining their value. However, regardless of value, having an unlimited drinks package can encourage excessive drinking, both in terms of alcohol and sugar, especially given the dizzying array of cocktails available on many cruise ships. Not only does drinking alcohol add empty calories, but it can also cause dehydration. If you choose to drink, do it in moderation and always with water to concentrate your health on a cruise.

10. Use Stairs on Your Cruise

Consider using the lift or elevator only on the first and last days of your voyage, when you have luggage to worry about. Otherwise, always use the stairs, and if you're on a big ship, you're in luck. With some ships now having 13 decks, you can easily burn those calories by simply walking up and down the stairs for 30 minutes each day, especially if you're on a giant ship. Aim for 10,000 steps every day and use a Fitness Tracker to monitor your progress and stay fit on a cruise. 

To stay fit and healthy on a cruise, prioritize regular exercise by using the ship's gym, participating in fitness classes such as yoga or spin, jogging on the deck, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and swimming in the pool, also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, making mindful food choices at buffets, and getting enough sleep to maintain energy levels throughout your cruise journey.