In a country where Swine flu is in the headlines everyday I would like to talk about health and opportunities to keep fit.

If you are like me, and find it difficult to adhere to a regular keep fit routine on a weekly basis then when I do have more time, mainly on holiday, I decide to do as much to keep healthy as I can.

If this involves a cruise ship it is a question of on that very first day sussing out what is on offer. I can tell you it is hard to keep up, mentally and physically with the increased variety now available. This is both to cater for everybody’s healthier outlook and also of course to attract a younger clientele. (To be honest I know in my heart of hearts it may probably only counterbalance the oh so irresistible food that is available on board, alarmingly usually round the clock too).

The choice ranges from larger and larger spa and fitness areas, such as the one on the Costa Concordia, where the double-deck Centre measures 20,500 square feet. (Just taking over from Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Canyon Ranch SpaClub at 20,000 square feet). Concordia also features exclusive spa accommodations and packages, as this whole idea of having cabins situated in the health section of the ship continues to become a feature of newly built boats.

Then there are the many exercise classes ranging from Pilates to Step and some even provide the facilities to take up Spinning. Perhaps less exhausting is the chance to catch a talk. These can be on any aspect of working out, from yoga to more general health and beauty issues.

Gyms are all equipped with treadmills, general fitness machines, and dumbbells. In addition, depending on the ship in question, there also maybe ice rinks, roller blading, water parks, basketball courts, climbing walls for all different abilities and with individual instruction and perhaps even miniature golf. I hear that the new Celebrity Equinox features a grass lawn on board that is larger than eight tennis courts and can be used for boules, bocca, and putting as well as outdoor concerts.

The more traditional Ping-Pong tables, swimming pools and, Jacuzzis, seem quite tame in comparison, as does the old fashioned, getting up early and doing a few laps around the upper deck.

The possibility of over indulging in the dining room is now too just a matter of choice, as all ships include nutritious healthy-eating options on their menus and the trend has already begun of speciality restaurants that provide an all spa cuisine!

So it seems there is no reason now not to be healthy on a cruise holiday. Consequently I am currently working on my excuses on why I am usually rather less fit during the rest of the year!

Lucy Daltroff

Posted in Advice