The days of returning home from a cruise with 10 pounds of all-you-can-eat buffet around your waist are over. Major cruise lines have upped the fitness ante on ships with state-of-the-art gym facilities, wellness programs and spas that will help you stick to your workout routine and maybe even help you discover a new one.
For some travelers, making sure they can stay committed to their fitness program while at sea is priority No. 1. “I’m an avid runner and I knew I would go crazy if I couldn’t run aboard ship,” said Melissa Blockman, a graduate student from Bethesda. “The gym facilities on my cruise to the Caribbean were top-notch, and I managed to get a great workout every day.”
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» www.crystalcruises.com
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The cruise industry as a whole has jumped on the fitness bandwagon to handle the growing trend of health-conscious travelers. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of guests who want to start or continue a fitness regimen, which is why we have gone to great lengths to equip our ships with the latest technology and treatments,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
Carnival’s initiative, “Spa Carnival,” features some of the largest and most elaborate health clubs at sea including the 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa on their new Carnival Splendor and the 23,750-square-foot spa on the Carnival Dream set to debut in September 2009.
Besides fitness amenities, more wellness programs are being expanded with meditation classes, Tai Chi and even acupuncture. The luxury line, Crystal Cruises, has teamed up with the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, to further enhance its already progressive wellness programming. “It is our priority to raise the bar, as our guests are health-conscious and inquisitive about the newest and best wellness practices,” said Kristin Turner, Manager of Entertainment for Crystal Cruises.
Gym buffs need not only look for the brand-new megaships for cutting-edge fitness perks, either. Many older ships have been retrofitted and overhauled to accommodate the wellness demand. “The gym on my cruise was completely made over right before we set sail,” said Blockman. “It was bigger, cleaner and better well-equipped than my gym at home.”
