Wellness at Sea: How Cruise Lines Are Transforming Fitness and Relaxation Aboard

Wellness at Sea

Cruise ships are unveiling new open-air fitness and wellness spaces, enriching the journey for every traveler. With countless delectable food options just steps away, from lavish afternoon teas to gourmet feasts, it’s inspiring to see cruise lines emphasizing fitness and wellness to maintain a balanced experience. Whether or not you choose to work out, knowing these options are available is uplifting.

### Top Tips for Your First Cruise

We sought wisdom from seasoned cruisers at Sydney Harbour for their best insights.

Right now, the excitement revolves around open-air fitness. Cruise lines are crafting outdoor workout areas, such as those on Explora Journeys vessels, where Technogym equipment awaits on Deck 14, complete with stunning ocean views. Here, you can embrace the fresh sea air while working out on stationary bikes or using free weights. Celebrity Cruises amplifies the experience with open-air sports centers, offering exhilarating activities like pickleball on outdoor courts across nine ships.

Forget about wading pools—on Celebrity's Edge Series ships, you can swim morning laps in a 23-meter pool, complemented by an upper deck walking and jogging track. A diverse array of fitness classes awaits. As Tim Jones from Celebrity Cruises notes, guests can immerse themselves in advanced classes such as Ryde, HIIT, cardio boxing, yoga, guided meditation, and breathwork. Select ships even feature F45 and bungee fitness classes, along with Peloton bikes for live remote participation or high-energy solo workouts.

Enhance your fitness journey with wellness treatments like personalized IV therapies and nutrient injections that support a healthy immune system, along with Salt Float Therapy. For those deeply committed to wellness, booking an AquaClass stateroom or suite opens the door to a personalized wellness program.

AquaClass guests can explore eight distinctive wellness spaces in the SEA Thermal Suites, spa packages, a complimentary fitness pass, and a yoga mat for onboard use. They also gain access to Blu, an exclusive venue specializing in health-focused 'clean cuisine.'

Meanwhile, Viking ocean ships offer an inspiring variety of fitness options. According to Michelle Black from Viking, the first stop should be the sports deck, a perfect place to soak up vitamin D while connecting with fellow travelers and savoring breathtaking views.

Having experienced Viking's thermal suite myself, I can affirm the astonishing feeling that comes from indulging in hot-cold therapy. The free thermal suite is a true highlight, designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit throughout the voyage, whether after a day of exploration or on a relaxing sea day. Guests can embrace the traditions of the Nordic bathing ritual or indulge in luxurious spa treatments in a tranquil setting (for an additional fee).

The invigorating hot-cold therapy takes you from the snow grotto to the sauna, followed by a refreshing plunge into a cold pool and a soothing soak in the hot tub. It’s a revitalizing experience that sweeps away any trace of jet lag, leaving you refreshed and ready for the adventures ahead.

 Vanessa Mariscal / Journalist