Healthier Cruising

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HEALTHIER CRUISING

There have been many health conscious changes in the Cruise industry. Cruise Lines realized that not everyone was excited about the midnight buffet.  They have been replaced with specialty restaurants,
and 24 hour grills and coffee bars. They have also increased the healthy choices significantly in their buffets and developed amazing on board programs and activities.  The large ships offer rock climbing, state of the art equipment in their fitness centers, and a variety of fitness classes for their guests.  And for those who want to relax, the spas have increased their offerings as well.  Many now take a more holistic approach, providing unique treatments to inspire relaxation and over all mind-body wellness.

Celebrity Cruise Lines have made the most significate upgrades to their spa and wellness offerings.  They
have created an exclusive “Take Care Of YourSelfie” Program by partnering with best-selling author, Randi Zuckerberg. Randi encourages people to find a work/life balance and take care of themselves.  Celebrity’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub, operated by the famous Canyon Ranch, allows clients to do just that, and more.   The addition of 5 specialty spa services uses vitamin rich, organic products to both your body and your mind.  They have also added 7 one of a kind shore excursions allowing you to unplug from your devices and appreciate your surroundings.

Seaborn is a great choice for someone looking for a smaller, luxury ship. They offer a surprisingly large 2 deck spa that includes an indoor hydrotherapy pool, and a Finnish sauna.  Spa treatments can be pricey, but are designed for guests that want to be pampered. Guests can pay additional for access to the more peaceful area of the spa, with two herbal saunas, a relaxation room with heated loungers, showers and a private open-air deck. For the more active, they offer complimentary group classes, including yoga, Thai Chi and Pilates.  They also have a state of the art fitness center for cardio and weight training and a trainer that can design a personal nutrition and exercise plan best suited to your wellness goals.

There are many other cruise lines with wellness programs.  However, cruise passengers aren’t asking about the spas or using the term “wellness” specifically.  What they are doing, however is asking for the cruise ships with unique services and activities. People have become more and health conscious and want to continue their lifestyle while onvacation. The activities and services on the ship have become equally important
as the ports themselves. Especially for families with a wide range of interests. The specialty spa and wellness specific programs are relatively new, and will continue to evolve. As yoga, meditation and holistic treatments become more popular, I think we’ll see clients asking for these options in the future.

The Wellness Travel Market is continuing to evolve.  I am amazed at the number of people who don’t take vacations at all. With the growing emphasis on finding the work/life balance, I think this will change over the next couple of years. As marketing increases for these relatively new wellness programs, more people will be asking for them.  I see them becoming very successful, leadingto the development of wellness programs by the other cruise lines as well.