In the last 6 months, I’ve acquired a new love. It’s called running. I even completed my first half marathon last month. Of course I’ve already signed up for more endurance races this year.
Training and running are now a permanent part of my life and that’s a new consideration when booking a cruise. I can’t say I’d ever thought too much about the fitness offerings on board before, but now I want to see what my cruise ship can do to meet my fitness needs.
I know most major cruise lines offer a fitness center – usually near the front of ship with some pretty spectacular views – a walking/jogging track, personal trainers and fitness classes. But what else could I do on vacation to stay marathon ready? Here’s what I found on a few of the major cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean
- Royal Caribbean 5K Run ($25 adults/$15 kids for package) – the line’s offered two 5Ks in the last few months, one on Allure of the Seas and one on the Oasis of the Seas. I LOVE the idea of a 5K while cruising, plus appearances by high profile athletes and fitness seminars – so much fun!
- Ice Skating , Rock Climbing and Flo Rider (some fees apply) – just some of the onboard activities the line’s known for and they make some awesome workouts
- Fitness Classes – Royal also seems to offer the most all around variety of fitness classes
Carnival
- Sports Square (only on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic and soon Carnival Sunshine) – a way cool place to play basketball, volleyball and even soccer at sea. There’s also a ropes course and tons of outdoor sports equipment including exercise bikes, elliptical machines, weight lifting equipment and punching bag.
Norwegian
- TRX Suspension Training® classes ($20 per class or 4/$60) – awesome fitness classes, which use adjustable resistance straps in exercises to build core strength, power and flexibility
- Zumba (no charge) – ‘exercise in disguise,’ I love that Zumba turns a work out into a giant dance party – big plus, you can burn hundreds of calories an hour while doing it.
Celebrity
- Zumba (no cost) – lots and lots of Zumba! The line offers many different types including Aqua, kids and Gold (designed for seniors)
Princess
- Zumba (no cost) – I love that so many lines offer this great workout. You’re on vacation and want to have a good time. With Zumba, you can do that and still get your workouts in! Princess was one of the first lines to roll out Zumba to its ships
- Princess Sports Central (new to Royal Princess) – a multi-sport area that offers court games, lawn activities and even a lounge for virtual gaming (with KinectTM) plus a golf driving range facility for those golfers out there
- TRX Suspension Training® (new to Royal Princess also) – again, an awesome fitness classes, which use adjustable resistance straps in exercises to build core strength, power and flexibility
Looks like I’ve found some good info to help with making a decision on my next cruise. I’d love to hear your feedback on booking a cruise for fitness and your on-board fitness experiences too!
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