Royal Caribbean’s Freedom and Oasis Classes
Royal Caribbean’s three Freedom-class ships — Freedom, Liberty and Independence of the Seas each have 9,700-square-foot fitness centres. In addition to state-of-the-art cardio, weight-training and circuit-training machines, the ShipShape Centre features spinning cycles, a Pilates studio with six reformer machines and a full-size boxing ring, complete with speed bags, jump ropes, heavy bags and padded punching mitts. All cardio machines sport personal LED screens for entertainment options while working out. Group classes on offer include step aerobics, yoga, Pilates, stretching, tai chi, boot camp and indoor cycling. Additional cutting-edge workout equipment on board includes the Cable Motion series of strength training machines and Power-Plate, a device based on advanced reflex technology.

Allure and Oasis of the Seas – the largest cruise ships ever — are in their own league. In addition to the usual fitness equipment, they each have 12 Gravity machines (providing body conditioning through Pilates and resistance training), a Kinesis Wall (circuit exercises utilizing a system of pulleys), Expresso Bikes (with 30 interactive, virtual rides) and Activio Cycling (providing heart rate feedback). Classes unique to Oasis and Allure include Kinesis group training, a combo cycling-and-jogging class called The Brick, and a jogging club, which uses the adjacent Deck 5 track. The track is a runner’s dream, featuring well-marked lanes, shaded ocean views and a series of motivational stanzas that hang from the ceiling, like: “One lap to go / Or maybe three / Tonight’s dessert / Can be guilt free.”

 Princess’ Grand Class

 While no other on board gym can really touch Royal Caribbean’s newest models, Princess’ Grand-class ships come close. The Lotus Spa fitness centres on board the line’s newest ships are prominently set at the front of the ship with sweeping 180-degree views of the ocean. The gyms are equipped with treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes, all with their own TV’s for personal entertainment. Free weights and a wide range of weight machines are also on offer. But it may be outside the typical workout room that Princess gets the most creative. The line offers an exclusive fitness program called “Core. Balance. Strength.” that targets three fitness areas with Pilates classes for building a strong core, yoga for centering and balance, and cardio classes to build strength. As part of the third phase, Princess offers Tour de Spin, a set of three spinning workouts, and high energy Zumba classes, which are frequently packed. Princess ships offer the complimentary Zumba workouts once or twice per cruise, transforming Club Fusion, the Piazza or the outside decks into a high-energy fitness party.

Princess’ larger vessels also offer a swim-against-the-current pool with an adjustable current for endurance training.

Seabourn’s Odyssey Class

Seabourn designers on the Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest have incorporated a more contemporary sensibility into the creation of a two-deck high spa and fitness centre. The most distinctive feature is the Kinesis wall, which is able to accommodate four passengers simultaneously. Kinesis technology uses a series of pulleys and cables to increase flexibility, provide rehabilitation if necessary, and create better muscle definition, all the while being gentler on the body than traditional machines. Private Kinesis is available for a fee.

Other fitness facility features include a range of classes (from stretching to yoga, all complimentary) and state-of-the-art cardio, strength- and weight-training equipment. If you’d like to rejuvenate tired limbs after a tough workout, make a beeline for the “Experience Shower,” a shower with special lighting and sensory adjustments.

In addition, Seabourn Odyssey offers a hydro pool/thermal suite area with heated loungers, aromatherapy sauna and waterbed. Seabourn Sojourn and Quest each feature a Kneipp Walk Pool (instead of a hydro pool). This shallow, circular pool is separated into regions of very warm and chilled water. As you walk around the pool, the combination of changing pressures, temperatures and motion is believed to improve capillary circulation, aid in the cleansing of toxins, increase hormonal balance and reduce stress.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary was the first cruise ship to feature a spa and fitness facility operated by the renowned Canyon Ranch.  The Canyon Ranch Spa Club offers a wide variety of cardio machines (elliptical trainers, recumbent and stationary bikes, steppers, rowing machines and treadmills), as well as a large strength-training area with machines and free weights. Group classes run the gamut from standard offerings like spinning and Pilates to more creative options, such as “Totally Tubing,” “Dance to the Beat,” “Cardio Blast” and “Fitball.” Passengers can book private sessions on the gym’s Pilates reformer machines.

The vast wraparound outdoor promenade (remember that Queen Mary 2 was, prior to the launch of Royal Caribbean’s behemoths, the world’s largest cruise ship) is a great spot for active walking and jogging.

Most Innovative Fitness Options
P&O Cruises’ Ventura

On this ship, the fitness facility and spa are more than adequate — but it’s the fun stuff that makes this different. Within its gym, Ventura offers Tixter bikes, the latest in indoor cycling. The bikes have movable handlebars to mimic real-world biking and cycling routines (complete with video), from scenic roadways in the Scottish highlands to deserts, highways and city centres. It’s like a PlayStation or Wii Cycling. Out on deck, an endless pool with a current machine propels you to swim against the current.

Hopefully this may help you in choosing the right cruise…..