If you are keeping an eye on your weight, a cruise holiday can be a bit of a challenge.
With no shortage of food onboard, from breakfast to late-night buffets, it can seem there is temptation wherever you look.
As you are on holiday, you may not be as active as you would normally be at home. Or maybe you just want a break where you can relax and not run around.
So, you can see how easy it is to put on weight without even trying. It really doesn’t take much before your clothes start to feel a bit tighter and you wished you had packed elastic waistbands for all your clothes.
That said, there are ways you can keep any cruise weight gain to a minimum while still having a great cruise holiday.
Tips on how to stay active and help avoid cruise weight gain
Here are a few tips I try – not always successfully – to follow when on a cruise to avoid gaining weight.
Take the stairs
Perhaps an obvious one this, but avoid the lifts where you can and take the stairs instead.
This is a super easy way to keep active during your cruise and requires little effort.
On most ships, the inside facilities are located across two or three decks. So, you’ll be able to get your daily step count in without really trying if you take the stairs when moving between decks. You’ll be surprised at how quick the steps add up.
If you want bit more of a challenge you can take the stairs to reach the top decks. Walking up and down that many flights of stairs definitely gets you working out a bit. Though your legs may not thank you.
Another bonus of taking the stairs where you can is that you’ll probably reduce your stress levels as well. It can be difficult to get a lift sometimes and does get a bit frustrating. Particularly at peak times such as when a theatre show has just finished, when everyone returns from shore excursions or on embarkation and disembarkation day.
Use the gym or fitness centre
I know, I know, you are on holiday so you want to take it easy. However, if you are a regular gym goer, the odd visit will keep things ticking over.
Most cruise ships have a well-equipped gym. So whether you like to lift weights or run on the treadmill you should be able to get a work out in.
Be aware sea days can get busy in the gym so you might want to plan your work out to avoid peak times.
Join an exercise class or sporting activity
If you prefer to exercise with other people or just fancy some company, look out in your daily planner for any exercise classes or sporting sessions.
From yoga to basketball, archery to stretching sessions, there is usually a wide range of activities you can take part in onboard a cruise ship.
If a particular activity requires being booked in advance, don’t leave it too late. Classes and sessions can get booked up very quickly.
Go for a run/walk on the jogging track
One of the nicest ways to stay active on a cruise ship is to go for a stroll or light jog around the walking/running track.
Many cruise ships have these tracks, usually up on one of the top decks. Look out a sign nearby detailing how many laps equal a mile so you can keep an eye on the distance you are walking or running.
If there is no designated track, a walk around one of the top decks is just as good. Or maybe the promenade deck if your cruise ship has one.
Head up there early in the morning to catch sunrise views or the evening for the sunset. Both are a nice distraction from walking or running!
Get a tracker to keep motivated
With so many temptations on board a cruise ship, it’s no surprise that it can be difficult to be motivated to get moving. Well unless it is to pick up a drink or wander to another restaurant for a great meal!
Consider getting a tracker like an Apple Watch or Fitbit if you don’t have one already. Having a goal to reach each day will give you the excuse and motivation you need to get active.
Explore ports by foot
Many ports can be explored by foot. Having a wander around is an easy way to get moving with little effort. Building it into your day just makes getting active that little bit easier.
Before jumping on any shuttle buses the cruise line may have organised, I usually have a look and see how long it is to walk into the main part of the destination. Anything up to 20/30 minutes I’ll walk.
As well as getting a little bit of exercise in, it is a great way to see a little more of the destination you are in.
Book active shore excursions
When booking shore excursions, have a look and see if there are any active ones you could do. Instead of sitting on a coach all day, are there tours where you can walk, hike or bike around the destination?
By sneaking a bit of activity into your day you’ll get some of the benefit without having to spend hours in the gym once back onboard.
Tips for healthy eating on a cruise ship
Food is usually plentiful on a cruise ship so it is pretty easy to overeat. However, there are ways you can steer clear of this and still enjoy the food on offer.
Don’t go overboard at the buffet
Most buffets on cruise ships seem to come with a never-ending supply of food. Whatever time of day it is you can be pretty much guaranteed there will be something on offer.
Not just that, there is a wide range of choice available. So, there is a lot of temptation to just keep eating.
A few tips I’ve picked up from my cruises are
- Try not to overload your plate
- Don’t keep going back up at the buffet – once or twice is enough
- Walk around and see all the options. It is very easy to dive in and pile the first thing you see onto your plate and then regret it when you see something else
- Choose some healthy options. Look out for the salad bar and fresh fruit
- Skip dessert some days (or at least at some meals)
- And definitely avoid the late-night buffet!
Choose healthier options when dining
Just like the buffet, there is usually a wide range of choices in the restaurants on cruise ships. Whether you eat in the main dining room or a speciality restaurant, you will be spoilt for choice.
Look out for healthier options when choosing your meal, go for things like grilled items instead of fried and having fruit for dessert rather than a cake or pudding.
Skip a course
Dining on a cruise ship is often a bit of an event and many restaurants will often have several courses for you to work through.
However, don’t forget, you don’t need to have every course. Maybe skip the odd starter and head straight to the main course. Or have a starter and main but skip the dessert. Whatever works for you.
Try not to snack too much
With food available all day, it is very easy to keep snacking. From ice cream around the pool to afternoon tea in the cafe or buffet, the calories can add up before you’ve realised it.
Try to keep a check on what you are eating between your main meals and maybe have some snacks every other day rather than every day.
Keep an eye on how much alcohol you are drinking
As easy as it is to over eat on a cruise, it is even easier to over drink on a cruise. A few cocktails round the pool or on deck, a pre dinner drink, a bottle of wine at dinner and maybe a nightcap and before you know it you’ve been drinking most of the day.
If you have a drinks package it’s easy to feel like you need to make the most of it.
Keep an eye on the number of alcoholic drinks you have each day and try to have the odd alcohol free day. It is also a good idea to have a water bottle handy and you can sip on that throughout the day.
The last word
Whether you just want to maintain your weight or are on a weight loss programme, a cruise holiday might feel like your worst nightmare. However, there is plenty you can do so that you can avoiding putting on too many extra pounds and still enjoy your holiday.
By not going overboard on what you eat and making sure you stay a little active each day, you should be able avoid the worst of the cruise weight gain.
But don’t forget you are on holiday, so a little treat here or there is very much deserved.