Cruising For Health

If you have never been on a cruise, it is hard to imagine how healthy a cruise can actually be. Many people associate cruises with tons of food and alcohol, and both of those are available, however they can be enjoyed in moderation and combined with other healthy activities available on a cruise. Most notably, a cruise offers a place where you have the opportunity to de-stress and enjoy simple pleasures in life.

Stress affects us on a daily basis and even on a regular vacation you may not feel completely relaxed. Think about the last time you took your family out of town. You had to drive, find places to sleep, eat and tour. Family vacations can easily be go, go, go all the time. To top it off, people can still call and email you, which seems to defeat the purpose of getting out of town and away from your stressful job. A cruise offers an escape from all of that. On a cruise your transportation is completely taken care of, even when you get to some ports. Once you arrive at your ship, you are free of the stress of driving or navigating to your vacation spot. When you do get to port, many cities offer shuttles and taxis are readily available for you.

The true relaxation begins when you're on the boat. There are sun decks, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even spas to help you relax and enjoy your vacation. The spa is an additional charge, but you can often receive reduced rates on massages if you choose to have one while you are laying out on the deck. If you want to get into a more detailed massage, you have the option of spa facilities that will allow you to do just that for an additional fee.

If you are a truly motivated gym fanatic, you don't have to stop your workout routine when you get to your cruise. In fact, they offer free yoga, Pilates and aerobics classes. Some classes may cost a minimal fee, such as $10, but for the most part you are able to try out these classes free of charge. The equipment is also strategically placed so that you feel like you are jogging your way out to the sea on your treadmill. If you really like to jog, you can also take advantage of the outdoor jogging track that runs around the upper deck of the gym.

Kids are bound to get a great workout when on a cruise. They'll probably get more exercise on the cruise than they do at home! The pool is open all day for those kids who are all about the water. To make it even more enjoyable, most ships have water slides as well. Many cruise ships also offer camps that allow all of the children to enjoy activities together. If you want some time to get away from the kids and have a grown-up night, you can take advantage of the babysitting as well.

The food is what most people look forward to when they go cruising. It's all free and there are buffets all day. This may not sound healthy, but for everything that is not so healthy you have healthy options available as well. There is a 24 hour salad bar that you can go to instead of the 24 hour pizza bar for example. Dishes in the dining rooms are prepared in portions that are just right. They also offer reduced fat and vegetarian dishes for those who want great dining, but without the fat. Very rarely will you leave the dining room bloated, but you will definitely not be hungry.

The best part about cruising is that you get have your stress-free vacation, explore exotic locations and maintain your healthy lifestyle. What could be a better vacation?

Bill Doane is a regular contributor to Family and Health, Exercise Equipment Review, and Sauna Review. Check out these terrific sites to keep your family happy and healthy.

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