Health is probably the last thing most cruise passengers are thinking about as they board their ship destined for some sunny island paradise. For many, there’s nothing wrong with spending a week at sea in complete decadence, indulging in gourmet cheeseburgers and frosty chocolate shakes, and then popping that top button and kicking back to lounge by the pool. It is a vacation, after all.
However, more and more cruisers are increasingly health conscious. They work hard to eat right and keep fit. Fortunately, cruise lines recognize this, and in recent years have introduced a range of innovations to help their passengers keep healthy and happy.
Eating
With several restaurants on every ship, each offering more delectable cuisine than the last, the temptation to over-indulge is almost overwhelming. Like any other restaurant, of course, these eateries generally offer a range of delicious dishes especially for their patrons who are counting their calories. Increasingly, cruise ships also feature one or two places that cater to those craving lighter, healthier fare. For instance, sushi restaurants have become quite popular on modern vessels. Passengers with special dietary restrictions needn’t worry, either. With a simple call to the cruise line, cruisers can ascertain which restaurants can provide for specific needs, such as gluten-free or vegan diets.
Fitness and Well-being
Most cruise ships provide several facilities to help patrons keep fit, including gyms, pools, jogging tracks, and ball courts. Larger ships even offer more elaborate athletic options, such as cycling, rock-climbing walls, yoga classes, or ropes courses. Additionally, ship spas typically also provide a range of relaxation services and facilities to help passengers recover from unhealthy stress. Whether it’s acupuncture, massage, or sauna, there is a tranquil option suitable for everyone.
Medications and Insurance
The best medicine is to be prepared. Wise passengers bring a well-stocked toiletries bag that includes all the basic over-the-counter treatments they might need: painkillers, sleeping aids, sun block, seasickness pills, allergy medication, and so on. Fortunately, most of these types of medication are readily available on any cruise, so forgetting a basic item is not a problem. However, that is not the case with prescription medications. For this reason, it is important for passengers to double-check that they have enough prescription medications to last for their entire cruise. For added peace of mind, many cruisers also elect to purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen problems.
Ship Doctors
No amount of healthy eating, exercise, or preparation can prevent accidents from happening. For this reason, all cruise ships have a well-staffed medical center and qualified doctor available. Newer and larger ships even have facilities comparable to mini-hospitals. Many cruise lines also partner with land-based medical centers to establish effective tele-medicine channels. With such innovations, cruise lines are taking great strides towards ensuring the health of their passengers.