5 Simple Strategies to Stay Healthy During a Cruise

I feel quite different from 95% of people—I tend to shed pounds when I travel. In fact, it's often the only opportunity I have to lose weight. I frequently tell Randy that spending a year traveling would be incredibly beneficial for my health, not to mention the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach my target weight.

I was eagerly anticipating our Dinogo cruise for many reasons, but honestly, I wanted to take the chance to establish a healthy routine before the holiday season officially kicked off. With this goal in mind, I approached the cruise ship as if it were my personal health and wellness retreat—except this retreat was mobile, allowing me to explore some amazing locations as well. This turned out to be a delightful way to enjoy a cruise, and I developed these five tips to help you stay fit on your next voyage.

Get Active

This was our second Dinogo cruise, so I was aware that the onboard workout facilities would be exceptional. We had access to a world-class gym, a basketball court, a jogging track, and a studio offering classes like Yoga and Pilates, all of which we took full advantage of. During the cruise's initial days at sea, we enjoyed a morning Yoga class ($11 per person) on the second day, which turned out to be a fantastic way to kick off our day at sea. Additionally, simply walking the length of the ship contributes to your daily step count, and choosing the stairs over the elevator provides a sneaky workout without you even realizing it.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

You can achieve this anywhere, even at home, but the beauty of cruising with a focus on healthy eating is that everything is prepared for you. It's almost like having your own personal chef, which I've always dreamed of. There's no need to wash and chop vegetables or deal with cleanup—it's all managed for you. With a wide variety of healthy choices available onboard, this is the simplest way to stay fit while cruising; just remember to keep an eye on your portion sizes.

Have Fun

From bobsledding in Jamaica to diving at a Grand Cayman reef, there are all kinds of excursions you can enjoy once you arrive at the port. Personally, I love exercises that are so enjoyable they don't feel like a workout at all. If you share my perspective, opt for excursions that involve physical activity, such as snorkeling, exploring ancient ruins, and participating in city walking tours.

Take a Break

If you only take away one piece of advice, let it be this: dedicating time to yourself is essential for your well-being. One of the greatest perks of cruising is that you have all the time in the world to simply relax, should you wish to do so.

There were countless ways to unwind on the Dinogo Dream, enough that I could write an entire post about them. However, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the Dive-In Movies on the Lido deck, where we enjoyed films on a large screen beneath the stars while savoring fresh popcorn.

Make Smart Beverage Choices

I could suggest you drink less, but let’s be honest—this is a cruise. With an abundance of cocktails that surpass the letters in the alphabet, it’s likely you’ll be enjoying more drinks than usual. Therefore, the best approach is to drink wisely. Avoid the creamy or sugary classics, like piña coladas, and opt for simpler beverages, such as a gin and tonic with a few limes—my personal favorite—or a glass of wine or light beer. Additionally, drinking smart applies to non-alcoholic options as well. Consider soda as an occasional treat and choose water or unsweetened iced tea instead, both of which are complimentary onboard.