Let’s face it, temptation is everywhere you turn on a cruise from those enticing multi-coloured cocktails of the day, the mouth-watering gelato and ice cream bars, delicious breads of all shapes and sizes, over-loaded buffets, midnight chocolate feasts and those cute little treats that miraculously appear on your bed at turn down.
It’s a battle but you can rein in the temptations, so you don’t have to invest in a new wardrobe after you disembark.
My friend has sound advice – “wear all your tighter clothes on the first few days as you won’t have a hope as the cruise progresses,” she says.
But the good news is statistics show that while many people may gain an extra roll here or bulge there, when they are home and back in their daily routine, those extra kilojoules do slip away.
So here are a few suggestions of how to keep your waistline at bay and even though I have never lost weight on a cruise and start with good intentions, they somehow go astray.
But you may well be the exception.
Take to the Stairs
Walk everywhere – up and down the stairs and every chance you get.
Forget those enticing lifts, no matter how many flights you have to climb.
Burning calf and thigh muscles do get your heart rate up and help you feel good about yourself.
Full marks if you run up and down them – without knocking someone over, too.
Pound the decks daily starting pre-breakfast and finish with an after-dinner stroll – who doesn’t like fresh air, wind in your hair and the knowledge you are boosting your health.
Walk Around a Port
When you arrive in a port – walk into town or to an attraction, you’ll see much more than sitting in a bus or taxi, save money and know by pounding the pavement you can have one extra sweet treat tonight.
Be a Gym Junkie
Even though you may avoid gyms at home – a stint on an ocean-facing treadmill is a good way to exercise and get your heart pumping fast.
You’ll feel the endorphins kicking in and ready to start the day in a new port of call.
Take along your favourite music or plug in to a screen and watch your favourite show as you walk up a storm. You will be surprised how quickly those steps add up.
Sign up for a Personal Trainer
Sign up for an exercise class with a personal trainer which may also inspire you to do so at home. Often you can schedule a daily class at a minimal price which is a kick-start introduction to establishing a regular exercise regime.
Chair Yoga
So, you don’t want to don the Lycra in company – try a session of chair or wall yoga in your cabin. Stretching and an Internet Pilates session can help you feel in better shape.
Find a New Activity
Some of the bigger cruise lines have a wide selection of fun activities that may well help burn some of those dreaded kilojoules. Fancy rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and surfing machines?
Pickle ball is one of the fastest growing sports and cruise lines have added Pickle Ball courts to their facilities.
Golf, basketball, shuttle board, fencing, dancing of all sorts, all help get your body moving.
Head to the Pool
A friend waits till meals times to head to the pool and do some laps and treading water.
She often has it to herself and always feels refreshed when she then heads down to the dining room.
Hide the Room Service Menu
As tempting as it is to order a plate of the best chips you have ever tasted delivered to your room with ice cream to follow or a midnight snack, it’s not a good idea. Food overload and falling asleep aren’t good companions especially in the wee hours.
Look for Active Excursions
Planning a shore excursion – if you are up for it – sign up for active cycling tours, horse riding and kayaking and paddle boarding.
The Golden Rules of Shipboard Dining
Stop and Think
As good as those multi-coloured cocktails look – do you really need one?
They are often full of sugar – look for an alternative that isn’t sugar overloaded.
Say no to bread – make it a rule – no bread at breakfast, lunch and dinner and you will be surprised how you don’t miss it after a few days. You will also feel pretty righteous.
Bread three times a day plus butter is a lot of kilojoules.
Select a Small Plate
Pick up a small plate if you are tackling the food laden buffets and think how much you are cutting back on rather than carting around a dinner plate. Leave the trays behind too.
Skip the High Tea
As tempting as dainty sandwiches, pretty pastries and plump scones, piled high with cream and jam are, steer away from afternoon tea.
Instead, reward yourself with a dessert at dinner but if you really want to indulge – go every second day.
Request Half Serves
Cruise lines are now so much more aware of many passengers trying to cut the carbs and be health conscious.
A friend always requests a half serve at meals which enables her to enjoy all the tastes but half the kilojoules.
Spa and Weight Conscious Menus
These are becoming much more popular with interesting light dishes that still look and taste extra special.
Head to the salad bar at lunch and opt for fish or chicken – grilled is a lighter option. Forgo the sauces and chips.
Choose “skinny” milk coffees rather than flavoured ones.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps when the hunger pains set in and makes you feel fuller. It’s also important if you are heading to the tropics or on tours and excursions.
Take your own refillable bottle and leave the plastics behind.
At the End of the Cruise
Don’t worry if you do overindulge, chances are you won’t be sitting up to three multi-course meals a day at home, with room service available at the push of a button.
A few days of sensible eating, exercise and healthy options will see you back in shape.
