Staying Fit at Sea: Activities for the Health Conscious Cruiser

The options are endless with onboard activities ranging from dance classes designed by the Rockettes where you kick away your troubles to working out against an avatar to put your endurance to the test. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), staying fit on a cruise vacation has never been easier. Now, expansive cruise ship fitness centers rival those on land – with the bonus of ocean views – and world-class shipboard spas boast the latest and greatest in relaxation, beauty and wellness treatments.

The following are offerings from North American cruise line members of Cruise Lines International Association, www.cruising.org:

Silversea Cruises (pictured above): Ahh … those heavenly days at sea, when time, at last, is finally on your side. Especially when there are so many stimulating activities to discover on board your all inclusive cruise. Devote your time to active pursuits – jogging, swimming or a dance class or exercise class at the Fitness Centre. On board Silversea all inclusive cruises, the choices are many and they're all yours.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Peace of mind and spirit are absolutely essential to looking and feeling your best. So our onboard spas, fitness and wellness facilities, and beauty salons have been entrusted to the legendary Canyon Ranch SpaClub® who ardently share our philosophy of health and beauty. In their magical hands, you will be transformed, head to toe, with rejuvenating massages, nourishing facials, calming aromatherapies, and therapeutic body treatments, some developed exclusively for our guests. When complemented by an energizing fitness class, a session with a personal trainer or an indulgent salon treatment, your inner and outer beauty will radiate like never before.

SeaDream Yacht Club: Play with the water toys from the yacht's Marina. Both SeaDream I and II have a retractable marina so guests can truly experience the yachting lifestyle. SeaDream's start of the art fitness center features wide ocean views, 4 treadmills, 1 elliptical machine, 2 recumbent bikes, and free weights all with flat screen TVs and DVD players.

Azamara Club Cruises: If you've ever wished for a free week or two to reboot, this is it. Treat yourself to health, fitness, and beauty. Launch a new personal training regimen, give acupuncture a try, and relax with sunset yoga. A voyage is a great time to fit in all the things you never have time for at home. It's also a great opportunity to try something new. On Azamara you'll be impressed by the array of complimentary onboard fitness and nutrition classes.

Paul Gauguin Cruises ocean kayaking

Paul Gauguin Cruises: During your time aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin or the m/v Tere Moana, take advantage of the extensive selection of facilities and services. With a variety of luxurious amenities and unique activities, your days aboard ship are sure to match the splendor of your stunning surroundings. For the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, discover the luxury spa. Then explore the ocean's surface via kayak, paddleboard, or Windsurfer. On board The Gauguin, you can also experience Tahiti's underwater wonders with our optional SCUBA certification program–the only one of its kind on French Polynesian luxury cruises. Whether you choose to indulge your body, mind, or spirit, you're sure to find an activity to match your passion on The Gauguin or The Moana.

Windstar Cruises: A day on board your Windstar yacht is a day of choices, all of them good. Perhaps you'll begin with a relaxing massage in WindSpa. Or maybe an invigorating workout in the state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the yacht's stern. Everything you can think of for fun in the water is there – swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sail-boarding, even water skiing. And it's all complimentary, of course.

Seabourn: All therapies at the line's spas incorporate natural ingredients. Relax in water-focused relaxation areas when you're not hitting the Technogym equipment or trying the low-impact Kinesis System. Guests in penthouse spa suites have 24-hour access to spa facilities. Everyone gets a complimentary mini-massage on deck.

Oceania Cruises: Canyon Ranch SpaClub facilities include serene, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Fitness classes such as yoga and cycling are complimentary. Watch calories with Canyon Ranch spa selections and get take-home advice from fitness pros.

Crystal Cruises: Well-being includes Feng Shui-inspired spas where you can indulge in such treatments as a Japanese Silk Booster Facial. Get a workout with classes such as the Tour de Spin cycling program.

Cunard: At the two-deck Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Queen Mary 2, indulge in a huge variety of massages and other treatments or relax in the Aqua Therapy Centre. Try the Pilates Institute at Sea or burn off calories at dance classes. Canyon Ranch spa cuisine is a menu option.

Costa Cruises: The Samsara Spa includes some of the largest spa/fitness facilities at sea. In the Asian-themed spaces try an Ayurvedic massage or unwind in a thalassotherapy pool. Guests in spa suites and cabins can do a full destination spa experience including dining in a spa restaurant.

Celebrity Cruises: At the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, relax with a signature hot stone massage or luxuriate in the thalassotherapy pool. Try Zumba in many forms including Aqua Zumba. Book an AquaClass stateroom or suite for unlimited access to spa facilities and dining in the "clean cuisine" restaurant, Blu.

MSC Cruises: On the MSC Divina, the Asian-inspired Aurea Spa offers an oasis of calm, including a menu of 21 types of massage, from Shiatsu to Thai, and a juice and tea bar. Fitness classes include the first-at-sea option of Aqua Cycling.

Disney Cruise Line: Senses Spa & Salon facilities include massage villas with private verandahs for couples. On cruises that call at Disney's Castaway Cay, you can start your day with sunrise yoga and an organized morning 5k run.

More information: https://www.cruising.org/