Plus, keeping up with your fitness means you can fully indulge in those well-deserved treats—hello, chocolate martinis and daily gelato!

 

“I am pretty active in my regular life and want to keep that up as much as possible while I’m on vacation,” shares Vickie Meeuwsen, Director of Marketing for Cruise & Travel Experts. “On my recent Caribbean cruise, I easily hit over 10,000 steps a day exploring the ship and shore. I made time for the fitness center, enjoyed coffee strolls on the walking track, and chose adventurous excursions like snorkeling and hiking—plus sliding and jumping into waterfall pools!"

 

Here are our top tips for staying active while soaking up all the fun of your vacation and enjoying a well-deserved break from everyday life.

 

1. Take the Stairs. Whether you are on a large cruise ship or staying at a resort with multiple levels, taking the stairs can give you a serious workout.  It is great for your health, and you don’t have to wait for the elevator.

 

2. Plan Active Excursions. Immerse yourself in your destination - think guided hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, ATV adventures, horseback riding, or even a round of golf.

 

3. Explore by Foot. There is often no better way to see a new city than to explore it by foot. “I don’t typically ‘work out’ on vacation, but I definitely keep moving!” says Diane Veldheer, Travel Advisor at Cruise & Travel Experts. “Whether it’s hopping on and off the bus in London, catching a show, walking along the beach, joining a shore excursion, floating down a lazy river, touring a museum, or people-watching with my favorite drink in hand—I love staying busy and making the most of every moment.”

 

 4. Gym.  On today’s modern cruise ships, the fitness centers are usually quite large and well-equipped with the latest fitness equipment.  Most gyms on cruise ships and even at resorts will offer fitness classes such as boot camp, spin class, Zumba, or body sculpt. It can be fun to walk on the treadmill or elliptical machine while overlooking the sea.  Many even have personal trainers, where you can even book a session with them.

 

5. Wellness Activities. Health and healing activities are more popular than ever with today’s travelers! Many large resorts and cruise ships now offer classes centered on stretching, meditation, and balance to help you unwind and find your calm while on vacation.

 

6. Running Track. If you’re not feeling an indoor workout, most cruise ships have a running track where you can run, jog, or just take a relaxing walk outside to get the fresh air and ocean views.

 

7. Pickleball Courts.  Most of the newer cruise ships and large resorts are catering to pickleball fans by adding courts onboard or on property.  Often, you’ll find a spacious, multi-use sports court that easily transforms between basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, and pickleball. Many places will host lively tournaments, which is a great way to show off your skills and meet fellow travelers who share your interests.

 

8. Onboard Activities.  Beyond the sports courts, family-friendly cruise ships bring the fun to a whole new level with thrilling activities like ropes courses, mini golf, ping pong, rock climbing walls, zip lines, surf simulators, and much more. Some ships even debut exciting firsts at sea—take the Norwegian Aqua, for example, which introduced the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s very first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. Other adrenaline-pumping attractions on the Norwegian Aqua include the Glow Court, Kids Aqua Park, Oceanwalk, and the Drop Slide, ensuring non-stop excitement for all ages.

 

9. Pools and Waterslides. Swimming in large resort pools, jumping waves in the ocean, and climbing the stairs to the waterslides on land or at sea count towards your activity throughout the day. Bonus workout if you have small kids to play with in the pool.

 

10. Dance Parties. Whether you attend a silent disco, 80s party, or late-night party with a dj, dancing is a great way to have fun and burn calories. 

 

“Staying fit on cruise is all about building small, consistent habits into your days at sea,” added Mark Schiffner, Cruise Host and Vice President of Cruise & Travel Experts. “Take advantage of the ship’s walking deck or promenade; getting in a few laps each day adds up quickly. Most ships offer well-equipped gyms and a variety of fitness classes, making it easy to mix up your routine and stay motivated. Choosing the stairs over the elevator and balancing indulgent meals with lighter options can also make a big difference. And of course, active shore excursions, like hikes, bike tours, or walking exploration,s are a great way to stay moving while experiencing each destination.”