Cruising no longer means abandoning your fitness goals or compromising on health. Thanks to innovative approaches by cruise lines, 2025 is poised to be the year when wellness becomes a cornerstone of the cruise experience. Whether you’re an avid gym-goer or simply looking to stay active during your holiday, Iglu Cruise has curated eight essential tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle at sea. Let’s dive in.
1. Book Exercise Classes or Opt for Energizing Shore Activities
Many cruise lines now offer wellness-focused classes that cater to a wide range of fitness preferences. Virgin Voyages, for example, has transformed onboard fitness with options like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), barre, yoga, Pilates, spin, and even bungee workouts. Make the most of cruise line apps by reserving your classes as soon as you board.
Consider hiking up iconic landmarks such as Norway’s Torghatten Mountain for shore excursions. Iglu Cruise recommends The Coastal Express from Bergen, a stunning 11-night voyage starting at £932 per person onboard Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and fitness.
2. Savour Health-Conscious Dining Options
Healthy dining has never been more accessible onboard. Celebrity Cruises, for instance, offers the exclusive AquaClass cabins, which include access to Blu, a specialty restaurant serving health-focused dishes in smaller portions. Additionally, most cruise lines now feature lighter menu options, ensuring something for everyone.
3. Explore Non-Alcoholic Beverage Alternatives
Gone are the days when cruising revolved around alcohol packages. Princess Cruises is revolutionizing the drinks experience with its newly introduced ‘Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection.’ Available on select packages, this premium non-alcoholic beverage range is included in Princess Plus and Princess Premier options from March 2025 onward. Similarly, MSC Cruises delights health-conscious travellers with fresh smoothies and protein shakes—perfect for a post-gym treat.
Try Princess Cruises’ Hamburg Getaway departing from Southampton. Starting at just £460 per person for five nights aboard the Sky Princess, this is a fantastic option for health-savvy travellers.
4. Run or Walk in Port Cities
Ports of call offer unique opportunities for fitness. Running a 5K in scenic destinations like Antwerp, with its flat pavements and riverside paths, is an excellent way to explore while staying active. Apps like MapMyRun make route planning effortless.
Consider being a “Parkrun tourist” when timing permits. Remember to account for local conditions and return to the ship before departure.
5. Experience Open Water Swimming
Embrace the growing trend of wild swimming by planning open-water swims at idyllic destinations. Private islands such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay or pristine beaches along your itinerary offer excellent opportunities. While onboard pools are fun, nothing compares to the thrill of swimming in natural surroundings.
6. Utilize Onboard Gyms and Running Tracks
Modern cruise ships boast state-of-the-art fitness facilities, often with panoramic ocean views. P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Iona feature dedicated jogging tracks, while Ventura offers one of the best-equipped gyms at sea. Maintaining your fitness routine has never been easier.
7. Try Onboard Sports Activities
Cruises are the perfect time to experiment with new sports. Try your hand at Pickleball on Cunard’s Queen Anne or enjoy watersports like standup paddleboarding aboard SeaDream’s luxury yachts. These activities are included, making it an accessible way to stay active while having fun.
8. Ditch the Lifts—Take the Stairs
One of the simplest ways to stay active onboard is by using the stairs instead of the elevator. Cruise ships are often the length of several football fields, providing ample opportunities for walking and step-counting. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s longest cruise ship, offers endless corridors and breathtaking views to enjoy as you move around.
About Iglu Cruise
As Europe’s largest online cruise travel agency, Iglu Cruise has been a trailblazer in the industry for over 25 years. Offering a vast selection of cruises to over 30 destinations worldwide, the multi-award-winning company is recognized for its innovative booking platforms and personalized customer service. Named Cruise Agency of the Year 2024, Iglu Cruise remains committed to sustainable travel and exceptional guest satisfaction, achieving a stellar 97% Feefo customer satisfaction rating.
For more details on upcoming cruises and expert advice, visit iglucruise.com.
With these tips, cruising in 2025 can be as much about wellness and adventure as it is about relaxation. Embrace the opportunity to stay healthy and active, making your next cruise the most fulfilling and energizing vacation yet.
Written by: Charmaine Lu
