Avoiding Weight Gain on Your Cruise

Just bring up the topic of a cruise, and you'll hear all about the stunning ocean vistas, adventures at the ports of call, and the delectable cuisine. Indeed, the food is a highlight! Whatever your craving—smoky barbecue, rich pasta dishes, pizzas, or tacos with your preferred toppings—you’ll find it all and more aboard our ships.

With such easy access to delicious meals, snacks, and beverages, you might be concerned about returning home with a snugger waistband. But don’t worry! We have some great tips to help you avoid weight gain while cruising. You may even find yourself shedding a few pounds at sea. A bit of planning before you set sail can make a significant difference in maintaining your waistline.

At the Bar

Whether you prefer mojitos or classic cocktails like martinis, you’ll easily find a bar serving your favorite drinks. Just keep in mind that liquid calories can add up, so try to limit sugary tropical beverages adorned with umbrellas or drink water between your cocktails. This strategy helps prevent overindulgence in alcohol, which can lead to mindless snacking.

At the Buffet

Open around the clock, the Lido Restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite whenever hunger strikes. Start by surveying all the options available to avoid discovering your favorites after you've already filled your plate. While the buffet is a great opportunity to sample new dishes, remember to keep your portions small when trying something adventurous.

In the Dining Room

While the Dining Room offers main dishes like roasted duck, scallops, and prime rib, you can still indulge in fine dining without straying from your goals. Request that the waiter brings the bread basket with your main course to avoid filling up before your meal arrives.

Consider ordering the main dish as an appetizer to savor the flavors in a smaller serving. Avoid heavy sauces and extra courses. Make sure to leave room for dessert, and order it with two spoons to share with a dining companion.

By the Pool

Even while relaxing by the pool, hunger can strike. Keep those hunger pangs at bay by staying hydrated with still or sparkling water, or enjoy fresh fruit from the buffet. For something heartier, try a burger but with only half the bun.

Avoid calorie-dense toppings and condiments like mayonnaise and sour cream. Instead, pile on delicious vegetables to keep the calories in check.

In Your Stateroom

It’s undeniable that room service on board is incredibly convenient. Having chicken wings brought to your room at 3 a.m. can be a dream come true for some. However, for others, it might spell disaster for their weight loss goals. If you think you might struggle to resist temptation, opt for lighter choices like garden salads, turkey sandwiches, and diet beverages.

Get Moving

While your cruise offers an abundance of food, it also presents many chances to stay active. Begin your day with a quick workout in the fitness center, equipped with treadmills and free weights.

Run a few miles on the jogging track, enjoying refreshing ocean breezes and stunning water views. This allows you to focus on the enjoyment of your cruise rather than what you might miss eating.

Invite some friends to join you for a game of basketball or volleyball at SportSquare. Look for small ways to stay active, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or participating in a dance competition.

Shore Excursions

A significant part of the cruising experience is exploring the ports of call. At the very least, step off the ship and take a leisurely walk on land. If you’re seeking more excitement, consider signing up for one of our active shore excursions. Picture yourself biking to visit the top attractions in Key West or discovering the Klondike Summit in Alaska.

Work your arms as you kayak down the Chavon River in the Dominican Republic, or engage your core on a paddleboard off the shores of Mexico.

Explore these additional shore excursions to keep active:

• Scuba diving off the shores of Catalina Island, Grand Cayman, or Cabo San Lucas
• Snorkeling in the Caribbean waters or along the coasts of Alaska and Hawaii
• Strolling through the historic streets of St. Croix, Cozumel, or Boston

We want you to return with memories rather than extra inches from your cruise vacation. You can achieve this—while still relishing the fantastic food available on the ship—by planning ahead and committing to balance while having a blast.

Please note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining choices may differ based on the ship and destination.