Features
Allison Udy: bucket-list Lapland trip, coach drivers and more
GTO Allison Udy on the uniqueness of her group and how a coach driver can make or break a trip.
Here’s a round-up of some of the wellness and fitness-themed cruises you can enjoy with your group.
Healthy travel is becoming increasingly important for many and cruise lines are responding to that desire with a range of fitness-themed cruises, wellness-inspired itineraries and active on-shore excursions.
A worry-free Weight Watchers cruise
From 20th to 27th July next year, passengers on board the MSC Seaview will be able to explore the Mediterranean, whilst enjoying daily fitness cruises, a healthy array of food options and wellness workshops.
The cruise will feature zumba and yoga classes, suitable for every fitness level, along with Weight Watchers (WW) Wellness Workshops, SmartPoints friendly meals and the option to talk privately with a WW Coach during a one-on-one session. Don’t worry though, it won’t be all go – there will be plenty of time to unwind as you make your way to ports in Spain, Italy and France.
www.weightwatchers.com/us/cruise/destinations/summer
Breathe in the sea air on a relaxing yoga cruise
Star Clippers is set to continue with its offering of free yoga, gym and meditation sessions on its 2019 Yoga-themed sailings. Classes (pictured above) typically take place on deck, enhanced by the fresh sea air and breath-taking views. Guests are also invited to join conferences and thematic lectures on the philosophy of yoga that will provide them with advice for practice at home during selected sailings.
www.starclippers.co.uk/theme-cruises/yoga-cruises.html
Head off on a rejuvenating voyage
A cruise offers the chance to unwind and rebalance yourself, but Crystal Cruises if offering its passengers a step above and beyond that on its Mind, Body & Spirit voyages. With experts in Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates on board, discussions on the health benefits of nutrition, diet and general fitness will be encouraged.
Crystal Cruises is running its Mind, Body & Spirit cruises until 2021, with the next two due to set sail on 21st June 2019 sailing from Reykjavik to Copenhagen and from New Orleans to Fort Lauderdale on 25th October 2019.
www.crystalcruises.com/cruises/cruise-guidebook/shipboard-life/theme-cruises
An active discovery river cruise
If you like the idea of keeping fit but you’re not too keen on the idea of confining yourself to a gym during your cruise, then Avalon’s Active Discovery River Cruise might be the answer.
Available from May until September next year, the regular cruises combine sightseeing with active on-shore experiences. Passengers will have the option to enjoy a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, a guided hike around Duisburg, or to head out on a cycle bike tour along the Rhine, as well as much more.
www.avalonwaterways.com/europe-active-discovery-river-cruises/
Cover more ground with active on-shore excursions
Guests travelling with AmaWaterways next year will be able to benefit from their complimentary fleet of bikes, allowing them to explore wider areas while visiting cities ashore. Additionally, in many of the destinations guests will have the added option of joining guided hikes and biking excursions (pictured above) through cities, vineyards, along scenic riverfronts and up to hilltop castles.
Professionally trained Wellness Hosts will also be on board the ships to offer a variety of fitness classes, alongside occasional health and wellness-related lectures. Plus, in addition to the Wellness Program, the cruise line’s ships are also equipped with a fitness room, walking track, swimming pool and spa rooms.
www.amawaterways.com/explore/wellness/2018/itineraries
Revitalise in an adults-only retreat
Princess Cruises understands the importance of relaxation for the mind, and as a result the cruise line has a number of dedicated wellness on-board experiences available for guests. The ships feature an adults-only top deck retreat, which includes plush lounge furniture, soothing music and the option to enjoy an open-air massage in your own private cabana. On select voyages guests can also benefit from zumba, yoga and tai chi classes, a jogging track on deck and a variety of treatments such as detoxifying ocean wraps and aroma stone therapy messages in the Lotus Spa.
Plus, following a collaboration with sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, Princess Cruises has rolled out over 44,000 specially created Princess Luxury beds across its fleet, ensuring its passengers return home feeling well-rested.
www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/onboard-experience/wellness/
Sign up for ‘Cruise Culture’
To receive the latest cruise news, reviews and find out about the best offer for group trips, go to: www.cruisemagazine.co.uk/newsletter.
Main Image: Woman practicing yoga on deck (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
