Whether you're sailing for the first time or you're in your 50s, boarding a cruise ship is an exciting time. Soon you'll be enjoying ocean views, live entertainment, new travel destinations and meeting new people.
But with 24-hour food, cozy lounges, and sweet cocktails on demand, it's easy to overindulge in your health.
Here are ten ways to balance fun and health on your next cruise.
Avoid the buffet
From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, a cruise buffet offers unimaginable delights. While it's okay to indulge once in a while, as long as you develop good snacking habits, snacking every day can easily lead to overindulgence.
Instead, choose to eat in the ship's main dining room, where portion control is available and you can make healthier menu choices. It's easier to avoid temptation when you don't have a colorful selection of sweets.
Go to the gym in the morning
Starting the day with physical activity can set the stage for a day dedicated to making healthy choices. Most cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art fitness centers. Even a 20-minute session in the morning can boost your energy and make you feel less guilty about that sweet treat later.
Also, if you set your workout schedule before breakfast, you won't run the risk of skipping later in the day. Need more encouragement? Prepare your workout clothes before bed so you don't have to falter when making decisions when you wake up.
Take the stairs
Modern cruise ships are large and have many decks. Always take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. It's a great way to add a few extra steps and keep your legs active.
Of course, on some larger ships it can be huge. For example, if you have a cabin on MSC World Europa on deck 5, you will likely use the elevator to get to the buffet on decks 18 and 19. However, if you're determined to reach the atrium and promenade on Deck 8 via the stairs, that adds up to a typical 7-night cruise.
Avoid the drink package
While this may seem like a bargain at first glance, there are a few things to consider when evaluating the value of beverage packages. But for what it's worth, an all-you-can-drink package can encourage overindulgence in both booze and — especially with the dizzying array of cocktails offered on many cruise lines — sugar.
Alcoholic drinks can cause not only calorie loss, but also thirst. If you decide to drink it, do so in moderation and always mix it with water.
drink a lot of water
Speaking of hydration, it's easy to forget to drink water when you're in a different environment at sea. However, staying hydrated is important for digestion, skin health, and overall well-being.
Buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up throughout the day. The tap water in your cabin is almost always safe to drink. Otherwise it will be clearly displayed.
Limit your sun exposure
Being at sea can increase the risk of sunburn or, in severe cases, heat stroke. This is especially true if you're taking a Mediterranean cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or another popular travel destination.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Apply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming. Better yet, know your limits and take regular breaks.
Choose your excursions carefully
For shore excursions, bus tours are a popular way to get a comprehensive overview of a destination, but they're not the only option. Try to choose activities that combine fun and exercise.
Whether it's hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, or backpacking, these types of active outings can help you burn calories while immersing yourself in the culture of your destination.
Pay attention to your sleep
A rested body is better equipped to fight off potential ailments and will help you fully enjoy swimming. However, it is easy to enjoy evening and night entertainment on board.
Try to get at least seven hours of sleep. An enclosed cabin can do wonders for sleeping, but if you don't like the idea of being windowless, bring an eye mask. If you are sensitive to noise, earplugs are a good investment.
Know your seasick strategy
Seasickness can ruin a cruise experience. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should see a doctor before your trip to discuss preventative measures. Bracelets, over-the-counter medications, or even ginger capsules may also be considered.
If you're sailing in an area known for rough seas, such as the Bay of Biscay or the North Sea, you'll need to think carefully about where to place your cabin. Cabins on lower levels and amidships are less affected by traffic.
Wash your hands and then wash them again
Because of the large number of people sharing relatively small public spaces, cruise ships are considered breeding grounds for germs. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus are relatively rare on cruise ships.
However, when these diseases occur, they are highly contagious. Washing your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, is the best way to protect yourself. Hand sanitizing stations can usually be found throughout the ship, but should be used alongside hand washing.