Stay Fit at Sea and Ashore

Where can you jog in the morning, workout in the gym before lunch, practice your golf swing in the afternoon and take a swim before dinner? Aboard your cruise ship is one good answer. All these activities and more are available at sea.

You'll find these facilities aboard most ships:

• Jogging track
• Swimming pool(s)
• Well equipped gym
• Shuffleboard
• Table tennis
• Mini golf
• Golf driving nets

If you're looking for more specialized activities, we can pinpoint the right ship for your needs with items like these on board:

• Golf simulators
• Basketball courts
• Squash courts
• Bowling alleys
• FlowRider surf simulators
• Zip lines
• T'ai Chi
• Yoga
• Spinning
• Pilates
• Wii Sports
• Nordic fitness walking
• Tennis
• Water sports platform

Dance

Dance lessons have also grown in popularity since the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars. You'll find the ship's professional dancers giving classes during the day which can be a good fitness workout.

Crystal Serenity's transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Miami has been titled "Dancing with the Crystal Stars". Beginner and advanced classes in a variety of dance styles will be available throughout the cruise and there will be performances by professional dancers. The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be on board to make this a very special ballroom experience. Ambassador hosts will be on hand to dance with single ladies.

Wellness Cruises

Wellness theme cruises offer special programming including extra fitness classes.

This September 5, Crystal Symphony sails from London to New York on a 14-day "Wellness at Sea" transatlantic crossing. Experts and instructors from the Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center and the world of yoga and professional baseball will be on board to lead classes and give talks.

Iceland is one port of call on this voyage. Here there are plenty of opportunities for hiking this pristine wonderland. You can also visit the renowned Blue Lagoon spa to take in the healing minerals and treatments for well-being.

Active Excursions Ashore

Going ashore can also be an active adventure to keep you fit. Cruise lines arrange a wide variety of activities, along with the traditional sightseeing tours. Take a look at these enticing offerings.

• Tango lessons in Buenos Aires
• River rafting in Croatia
• Ziplining in Costa Rica
• Glacier walking in Alaska
• Cycling in Bali
• Diving in Turkey
• Coastal kayaking in Maine
• Snorkelling in Bora Bora
• Nordic walking in Norway
• A waterfall hike in Hawaii
• ATV adventure in Thailand
• Bush walk and kayaking in New Zealand
• An elephant ride in South Africa
• Horseback riding in Iceland
• Snorkelling and dolphin watch in Oman
• America's Cup sailing experience in Rhode Island
• A horseback ride and swim in St. Lucia
• Mt. Little Malene Hiking Expedition in Greenland
• Playing golf in Scotland

You get the idea - cruising is not boring. In fact you'll probably arrive home with a list of things you want to do on your next, active cruise!

By Susan Milne