7 Cruise Fitness Tips

By John Roberts

Keeping fit when I travel is important to me, so even when I'm cruising on small ships that may not have a big gym (or any at all), I figure out how to maintain my daily work-out.

Here are 7 cruise fitness features the Sea Dream II has for fitness fanatics like me.

1. Take Advantage of the Sports Marina

Sea Dream II carries a variety of fun toys, and the SeaDream activities team can set you up for fun sports like sailing (Hobie Cat catamaran), paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, tubing, water skiing, banana boat rides, floating trampoline, swimming and snorkeling.

The marina offers the widest variety of watersports that I’ve seen on my many cruises.

Further, the SeaDream itineraries typically offer a few “marina days” where the ship anchors at destinations in beautiful bays and lagoons that are ideal for you to enjoy all the toys.

Sea Dream's water sports marina

The Sea Dream's water sports marina. * Photo: SeaDream Yacht CLub

RELATED: A look at SeaDream's activities.

2.Hit the Fitness Center

For a ship that carries barely more than 100 passengers, Sea Dream II offers a fairly large and very well-equipped gym.

The space is filled with cardio and resistance training equipment.

There are treadmills, a spin bike and elliptical, as well as yoga mats, dumbbells and a universal weight machine. On my recent cruise, the fitness center was my second home.

Cruise fitness in the Sea Dream II gym

John in the Sea Dream II's gym. * Photo: John Roberts

3.Take a few Whacks in the Golf Simulator

Up on the top Deck 6, the Clubhouse is a small room on Sea Dream II's resort deck where you can duck into to get out of the sun and get in a few swings.

The simulator is a high-tech system, with a big screen showing your golf course, driving distance, etc., and the facility offers bags full of clubs, so avid golfers can work on their games a bit during the cruise.

I loved popping in every morning to loosen up the back and shoulders and see if I could set a new personal best for driving distance.

Sea Dream II's golf simulator

John hitting a few in the golf simulator. * Photo: John Roberts

4.Don't Miss the Ships' Fitness Classes

Each morning, members of the spa team lead small groups in yoga or tai chi classes.

This is an invigorating way to start the day, and just steps from your cabin!

Activities Manager Frude planned daily exercise classes.

The Activities Manager Frude plans daily exercise classes. * Photo: John Roberts

5.Sign up for Hiking & Biking Excursions

The menu of included excursions on a SeaDream cruise features fun crew-led outings such as hiking, mountain biking and walking tours to explore in small groups.

Cruise fitness on Compass Cay Hike

John & Colleen enjoying a hike on Compass Cay. * Photo: John Roberts

6.Cycle in Port on your Own

The Sea Dream ships carry 10 mountain bikes that cruisers can check out for independent exploration in ports that offer fun cycling paths and routes.

There tend to be better and more cycling opportunities on cruises in Europe.

Bikes are carried on board Sea Dream II

Bikes are carried on board. * Photo: John Roberts

7.Go for a Run in Port

This one is a no-brainer. The great thing about jogging is you can do it practically anywhere. I've run around some amazing places all over the world — on the beach, along canals and rivers, and through charming towns.

run on the beach to keep fit on a cruise

Going for a run on the beach. * Photo: John Roberts

RELATED: Read more about John Roberts' Cruise Fitness tips on the American Empress.

RELATED: Check out John's Cruise Fitness tips from his AMA Waterways Danube River cruise.

RELATED: 12 Reasons Heidi LOVES SeaDream Yacht Club cruises.

 

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