What Equipment Will You Find At The Gym
Cruise ship gyms typically have cardio machines, strength machines, free weights, floor mats, and group exercise areas.
The amount of equipment varies by ship. Generally, newer ships have better equipment. And larger ships have bigger fitness centers and more varied equipment.
Heres some of the equipment weve found on cruise ships:
- Aerobic platforms
Besides dumbells, most cruise ship gyms wont have free weights like barbells and squat racks. But, we have seen them on some ships such as Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas.
But, its probably for the best. Free weights require a lot of balance. And a rocking cruise ship is not the safest place to be working out with heavy weights.
If cardio is more your style, nearly every cruise ship gym has cardio equipment. Youll often find treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowing machines, and the occasional spin class.
Gyms Are Not Open Around The Clock
These days many gyms make a big deal about being open 24 hours. Weve found that on cruise ships its rare to find workout rooms open around the clock.
That said, they do keep long hours. Often gyms are open from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. So unless you are a complete night owl that likes to hit the weights at 3:00 a.m., then the hours should be accommodating.
Workouts Arent Confined To The Gym
While you might think that the fitness center is the only spot where you can shed some pounds on the ship, youd be mistaken.
First, large cruise ships all have jogging tracks that will encircle the pool deck area. Especially in the mornings this is a great place to get a run in, and youll find many people doing just that. As the day goes on the track gets more crowded with people walking around the ship, making it harder to jog on the track without bumping into other passengers.
Most large cruise ships also have a basketball/sport court. If youre the type who likes to work up a sweat but dont want to be stuck in a gym, then you can shoot hoops, do some aerobics, or play other games. Theres sports equipment that can be checked out for free.
Finally, a few ships also have outdoor workout machines similar to what you might find in a park. This equipment gets you out of the gym but still allows you to get your workout in.
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Mornings Are Especially Popular For Workouts
It shouldnt be surprising that mornings are the busiest time for the fitness areas on a cruise ship. Just like at home, people seem to like getting a workout in before the day gets going. Its doubtful the gym will be packed, but you may have to wait for a machine due to someone else using it.
As the day goes on the gym empties out as more people head out to enjoy the activities around the ship or in port. If you want to work out when few people are around, try to schedule your visit for the middle of the afternoon.
Have more questions about working out on a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments below.
When Is The Best Time To Work Out
If you want to work out during quiet time, its best to work out early in the morning, late at night, or during meal times.
Sea days are another great time to work out. If you plan on staying on the ship, the gym remains quiet until around 2 pm. At 2 pm, most people will begin making their way back to the boat, and the gym will be a bit busier as some guests try to get a workout in before dinner.
Ive never found the gym on a cruise ship particularly busy. But, there is the odd time that I need to wait for a specific machine.
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Drinks Are Cheap At The Crew Bar
Drinks at the crew bar are very inexpensive, and the crew definitely takes advantage of it. You can buy beer for as low as $1, glasses of wine for $0.75. Some cruise ships even have a full-on bar where you can order a nice cocktail, whiskey, margarita, etc. I wasnt as lucky because, on Norwegian Cruise Line, they only sell wine, beer and sometimes, Smirnoff ice but on Disney, they had a nice full bar. Some crew bars also sell snacks to accompany your drink while chatting with friends
Cruise Ship Gym Changing Rooms & Facilities
Cruise ship gyms will usually have changing rooms which means that you dont have to get changed in your room and walk across the ship in your gym wear, although this would be okay.
There will also be showers and lockers for you to leave your things. The changing rooms are often shared with the spa facilities as the gym and spa are usually located in the same complex. The changing rooms are almost always split by gender.
On luxury cruise lines you will find bottles of water and towels around the gym room waiting to be used.
On a budget cruise line you probably wouldnt encounter this but there will still be paper towels around to wipe down the machines after use and a water fountain to fill up a bottle or a cup.
Many cruise ship gyms also have scales. I have never felt the desire to weigh myself on a cruise but some people do!
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What Will You Find In A Cruise Ship Gym
- Cardio Equipment Treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines etc.
There will be a number of cardio machines in most cruise ship gyms. On some of the more luxurious cruise lines, each machine will have a bottle of water and a little towel ready for you to use.
Some large ships have a LOT of cardio machines. The Oasis of the Seas has over 150! I do go to the gym when Im not cruising but my gym only has around 15 machines.
- Resistance Machines Chest Press, Leg Press, Shoulder Press etc.
Most cruise ships also have some resistance machines. If the gym is smaller it may not have any of these.
Even the smallest gyms have a free weight section. I recently took my first river cruise and even the gym onboard the Emerald Liberte had a free weight section in the gym. I was amazed that a river cruise ship would have a gym at all, to be honest! It was really lovely. If I could have the gym from the Emerald Libertie in my house I would be over the moon.
Best For Dancing: Cunard
Cunard receives top marks in this category for its devotion to ballroom dancing. Professionals teach waltz, tango, samba and other dances during the day, and cruisers can practice their newly learned moves at Royal Nights themed formal balls held in the evenings. No partner? No worries! Gentlemen hosts are present on every cruise to make sure single ladies don’t turn into wallflowers.
If you like retro chic fitness options like ballroom dancing, look for Queen Elizabeth’s 1930s-inspired Games Deck, complete with bowls and croquet plus fencing classes on all three Cunard ships.
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Get A Gsm Unlocked Phone
If you dont live in the US, you should definitely get an unlocked GMS phone. You can purchase a local SIM card in the ports that your ship calls and they are usually much cheaper than paying roaming charges. One such example is in Italy, where you can get a TIM Sim card with 5 GB of internet for $20 Euros.
There are also plenty of internet cafes and crew centers located in the ports of call that caters towards crew members where you can pay for internet usage, buy SIM cards and make phone calls.
Running & Jogging Tracks
Cruise ship running tracks are popular on many ships these days and you will find them on most of the newer ships. If the ship you choose does not having a running or jogging track, dont be put off, as there is always the promenade where you can get your steps in.
The jogging tracks vary in length depending upon the size and design of the ship the worlds biggest ship, Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas, has a running track that circles the whole of Deck 5.
Jogging may not come to mind when you think of keeping fit at sea, but with health and wellbeing at the forefront of everybodys mind, its easy to see why cruise lines are making this a feature on new ships. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the biggest cruise lines to feature the most running tracks on a cruise ship, with over 20 ships to choose from.
Princess Cruises also have their own jogging tracks and have a one way system, with spectacular sea views to enjoy, For example, Emerald Princess is right next to the mini-golf and overlooks the aft of the ship, with the pools below, it really is a peaceful and tranquil place to lace the trainers and hit the track.
Oasis Class ships with Royal Caribbean also have running tracks, one side for runners, and the other for walkers. Look out for the motivational signs on the ceiling too, which provide a nice little pick-me-up.
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What Are The Opening Times Of Cruise Ship Gyms
Generally speaking cruise ship gyms open early in the morning and close late at night. If you want to go at a quiet time I would recommend going either early, late or during meal times. Its amazing how much quieter the gym is at lunch or dinner.
Example opening times:Royal Caribbean, Navigator of The Seas: 6am 10pmCelebrity Eclipse: 6am 11pm
Cruise Ship Gym Frequently Asked Questions:
How old do you have to be to use a gym on a cruise ship?
To use a cruise ship gym alone guests must be 18. Guests under 18 are able to use the gym if with a parent or guardian. Young passengers may not be allowed to use all equipment or take part in classes. On some cruise lines, the age is 16 but it is rarely below this.
Below is Royal Caribbeans policy on gym entry:
Guests must be 16 of over to enter the gym.
*** Guests ages 13 to 15 may be permitted to utilize the Fitness Centre during certain times of the day provided the young guest is accompanied and supervised at all times by their parent or guardian and provided a waiver of liability has been signed by the parent or guardian who is present in the fitness centre. See the Cruise Compass or contact Guest Services for the specific Fitness Centre age restrictions on your cruise vacation.
Do cruise ships have personal trainers?
Most cruise ship gyms will have personal trainers onboard. Personal training sessions can be booked when onboard.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line
Modern Fitness Center, featuring Lifecycles, free weights, striders, Stairmasters, treadmills, weight benches, a Nautilus machine, workout mats and step benches, are what you will find on a Regent Seven Seas ship. Canyon Ranch fitness experts guide you through popular exercise classes, such as Pilates, yoga and aerobics, and they’re on hand to offer advice and demonstrate the use of fitness equipment. Enjoy a gamut of other on-board activities that keep you fit even if you are not working out in a gym. Spend a great time on the ship and also take back a memorable experience!
Well, these were the cruise line for the fitness freak or the gym junkie in you! Enjoy cruising with your family and indulge in some exciting on-board activities that make you sweat in a fun way! Learn some fitness tricks and keep yourself in shape even when not cruising!
Have a Happy and Healthy Vacation!
Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!
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Unique Ways To Stay Active While On A Cruise Ship
If youre like us, you love the thought of getting in a workout on a cruise, but hate the thought of missing out on the refreshing ocean breeze or other fun around the ship while you do it.
With that in mind, weve gathered six unique ways you can get moving on different cruise ships that will ensure your workout is part of the fun and not a bore, and some will even get you some fresh air at the same time.
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Want To Cruise On One Of These Lines
Does an active cruise on any of these cruise lines look tempting? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate and our Business Department will make sure you get the lowest price, the best value and all the perks. Call us at 1-877-322-3773 to speak to an expert travel professional, or send us a query.
In our series Wellness & Fitness
Can I Use The Passenger Gym
The cruise ship main passenger gym, which is much better located on a higher floor on the cruise ship with excellent views, is also accessible for the crew members. A downside of the crew gym is that theres no view whatsoever and working out while enjoying a nice view is a great motivator.
The problem with the guests gym is that it is exclusively for guest use, however, if you are working in the position grants you guest access privileges, you might be able to access the guest gym. The guests gym is also open 24 hours and you can use it as long as the gym is not crowded with passengers, which is normally on sea days. Management is always reminding you that that guests always come first.
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Fitness Centers Pools & Bikes: Companies That Have All Or Some Of These Onboard
- Viking River Cruises is actually one of the few river cruise companies that does not have fitness equipment on most of its ships. Some of the ships offer them.
- There are only 2 ships that feature a swimming pool onboard, and both sail on the Douro River Viking Hemming and Viking Torgil.
- Bicycles are not available on Viking River Cruises ships.
The Athletic Club Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages ships have a number of fitness facilities for a whole variety of activities, including an area called B-Complex with studios for weight training, yoga, cycling, and more. The ships also have a jogging track that can be used for rollerblading.
But what we want to focus on is what Virgin calls an adult playground The Athletic Club. This outdoor space includes punching bags, boxing rings, a basketball court, an obstacle course, and adult-sized seesaws. This area also includes the Training Camp a space for fitness classes such as spin class, TRX, yoga, and pilates, which are all included in the cruise fare.
When its time to relax, guests can lay back on one of The Athletic Clubs many hammock-type loungers or daybeds, including a massive, continuous one that wraps around the back of the space, as well as a catamaran-style lounging net.
Ships: Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady
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Best Fitness Classes: Norwegian Cruise Line
If fitness classes are more your speed, look no further than Norwegian’s Breakaway and Breakaway Plus-class ships. The offerings on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss are far from the same old yoga, Zumba and spinning classes you typically see on other ships — with everything from boxing and TRX training to spinning in a dark room amped up with hit music and black lights. The wide variety of classes not only make for fun, unique workouts, but they’re also great social settings for making new friends.
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Best Onboard Gym: Msc Cruises
Through a partnership with acclaimed fitness equipment manufacturer, Technogym, MSC has developed one of the most well-designed fitness centers at sea, but it’s only on MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. The ship’s gym is stocked with high-tech and innovative weight machines, resistance equipment, rowers, a heavy bag and gymnastics rings, and various cardio machines including treadmills, ellipticals and exercise, recumbent and spin bikes. Exercise mats, water balls from 6 to 15 pounds and free weights are also available for use.
Perhaps even more than the variety of equipment, though, we love the gym’s thoughtful layout, which includes a vast amount of open space. It feels far from cluttered and allows for plenty of room to do stretches and body weight movements like lunges, pushups and burpees. The gym also has an aerobics studio that hosts classes such as yoga, spinning and Thai boxing.
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Things To Know About Working Out On A Cruise
For most people, a cruise is a relaxing vacation where they hang out poolside, drink, eat, and then grimace at the scale at the end of their vacation.
Gaining a few pounds during your trip is unsurprising given the availability of food all around the ship. Mix that with the fact that you get out of your workout routine that you might have back home, and its an easy recipe for weight gain.
The good news is that there are lots of workout options on a cruise ship. Whether you want to simply get a sweat up to burn off that dessert or you are training hard for a marathon or other event, youll be surprised at how a cruise can actually cater to your workout.
Here are a few things you should know about gyms and working out while on your vacation
