There's no need to give up on your health and fitness programs while at sea. Today's ships are well equipped to keep you active. Cruise lines are also offering an increasing number of programs geared to health and wellbeing. Take a look at these amazing options for health and fitness aboard ship.

Keeping Fit

• Standard aboard ship today is a jogging track, swimming pool(s) and well equipped gym with other activities varying from ship to ship. Most common are shuffle board, ping pong, mini golf, golf driving nets, golf simulators, basketball courts and even a tennis court (Crystal Cruises) or squash court (MSC and NCL).
• Children will enjoy the dedicated kiddies' pools, many with a water slide. Elaborate water parks for kids are included on many new ships.
• Royal Caribbean International is a leader in keeping active while at sea. All their ships are now equipped with a rock climbing wall while the bigger ships in the fleet have ice rinks, FlowRider surf simulators and zip lines.
• Crystal Cruises offers T'ai Chi and recently introduced Nordic fitness walking to its ships. Poles are available at no charge.

Spas on Board

• The centre for wellbeing on board is the spa which is a tranquil oasis with lavish décor often in Balinese style.
• Well respected companies at sea include the Canyon Ranch Spa found aboard the ships of Oceania, Regent and the Queen Mary II.
• You'll find a wide range of treatments and the latest equipment for everything from thalassotherapy to facials; body wraps to pedicures plus a hair salon.
• Wellness lectures and classes include yoga, pilates, skin care, stress management and weight control.
• Physical trainers are on hand for personal consultations.

Wellness & Fitness Theme Cruises

• Keynote speakers give lectures and Q/A sessions and there are special events during Body, Mind and Spirit sailings and sports theme cruises with Crystal, MSC Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.

Special Programs

• Chinese medicine and Acupuncture is available aboard the ships of Celebrity Cruises for pain management, stress management, weight loss and smoking cessation.
• For those with dietary concerns, cruising is ideal as you can let the cruise line know your requirements when you book and they will take care of your needs.
• Every ship has a medical centre and a doctor on board. (Pregnant women and those with a serious illness should notify the cruise line when booking as there are some restrictions.)
• Holland America Line was recently awarded Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers and Best Medical Facilities at Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards. Congratulations to our friends at HAL!