The 3082-passenger Emerald Princess.
While there is an amazing selection of pampering treatments, spa products and fitness classes on ocean-going cruise ships these days, they can be pricey. So if you're on a tight budget but don't want to pile on the kilograms on your next cruise, here are a few tips for keeping trim that cost nothing – or very little.
Gyms are free. You only have to travel between a few decks (using the stairs, preferably) to find well-equipped fitness centres where you can use stationary bikes, treadmills and rowing and weights machines. If you don't know how to use the equipment, ask a fitness trainer to show you. Ocean views are a bonus.
Swimming pools are free – but they're usually too small or too crowded to do laps. However, you can go first thing in the morning (when the pool has just been cleaned and everyone else is having breakfast) and do some aquarobic exercises; Google "water workout routines" and you're sure to find one to suit you.
Keeping fit on court on the MSC Splendida.
Walking or running on the deck is free. Most ships have a promenade deck, often marked with the number of laps you have to do to walk or run a mile. Several ships now have outdoor fitness stations so you can power up that early-morning jog with extra stretches and workouts on your circuit. Holland America Line runs a non-competitive, five-kilometre walk around the decks to raise funds for cancer research; it costs a $20 donation and the feel-good factor is worth a lot more than that (HAL has raised more than $6.2 million for On Deck for a Cause globally).
Sports courts are free. Depending on the size of your ship, you can play basketball, volleyball and tennis on netted courts on the top deck. Check the daily newsletter to see when organised competitions are scheduled. Mini-golf doesn't burn many kilojoules but it's fun and you're benefiting from all that wonderful fresh sea air.
Rock-climbing is free. Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class ships, including Voyager and Explorer of the Seas that are in Australia for the new season, have rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and FlowRider surf simulators. Ovation of the Seas has all those and more – roller-skating, bumper cars and a skydiving simulator, to name just three energetic activities.
An aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa.
Dancing is free. Let your hair down at the disco or Zumba class and you'll sweat those cocktail kilojoules off in no time!
MEET THE CREW
NAME Kristen Pyrz-Brown, British Zimbabwean Australian
Cruising off Korcula Island, Croatia.Credit: Alamy
POSITION Cruise Director, APT's MS Island Sky
MY JOB As strategic manager, I am the only person on board with a view of all areas of the cruise – nautical considerations as advised by the captain, hotel aspects as advised by the hotel manager and, of course, the touring elements. It's my job to bring all of those together in a way that provides the optimal experience for the guests. I also find myself at times being host, mentor, nurse, teacher, friend and cheerleader, all of which I love!
A TYPICAL DAY I rise early, stopping at the bridge to check on arrival time and scheduling, at reception to ensure all was well with our guests overnight and I call our tour manager on the ground. Once we're docked and cleared for immigration and customs, we're usually off touring. Afternoons I'm available for guests to ask questions and the evening is for briefings and entertainment. I complete my reports and the next day's daily program before heading to bed about 11pm. Long, interactive and stimulating days are why I enjoy my job so much.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT… a private commemorative ceremony at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair on the Gallipoli Peninsula and seeing every single guest being moved in some way by the memory of those who fought and died or survived those months in World War I.
FAVOURITE CRUISE PORT Split, Croatia. I love the feeling when you walk into a palace from thousands of years ago and see modern, everyday life bustling within its walls.
INSIDER TIPS Do a little research into each port your cruise will stop in. APT'S touring program offers a great mix of guided and free time in every port.
TIP
Douglas Ward's 2017 edition of the Berlitz Guide To Cruising & Cruise Ships, aka the cruise bible, is out now, complete with free app and e-book versions. about $34, published by Insight Guides; insightguides.com
NEWS
Princess rules
It's going to be a big season for Princess Cruises: the line's biggest ship to sail in local waters, the 3082-passenger Emerald Princess, is heading our way and there will be five Princess ships cruising locally over the next few months. Emerald Princess' Captain William Kent says passengers are looking forward to an exciting end to their voyage in November, as Emerald Princess debuts in Australia. "She's a beautiful ship and she's going to make a wonderful sight on the horizon as she sails into ports from Fremantle to Melbourne and Sydney for the first time. We can't wait to add a bit of Emerald sparkle to the Australian summer cruise season." Emerald Princess will be based in Sydney from November until April 2017. See princess.com
Voyages of Discovery
British small-ship company Voyages of Discovery, which operates the 540-passenger MS Voyager, has just released its Winter 2017/18 preview brochure. MS Voyager will be sailing to exotic spots such as Madagascar, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, the Seychelles, the Maldives, South Africa and Dubai, starting with a cruise from Tenerife to Cape Town on November 29, 2017. The ship is renowned for its guest speaker program, extended stays in port and laid-back atmosphere and appeals to well-travelled couples and solos. Voyages of Discovery is offering savings of up 20 per cent for new travellers and up to 25 per cent for travellers who have cruised with the line before, for bookings made by October 31, 2016. See www.au.voyagesofdiscovery.com
Cruise to Tonga
Radiance of the Seas, which is back in Australia for its sixth season, will be making maiden calls to Wollongong on October 30 and the Tongan ports of Vava'u and Nuku'alofa on December 12 and 13. The islands of Vava'u are renowned for their coral gardens and sparkling lagoons, while Nuku'alofa, capital of Tonga and home to the only royal family in the Pacific Islands, is a thriving hub of island charm and regal tradition. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore the islands with a range of optional excursions, including whale watching and snorkelling in Vava'u and a cultural tour in Nuku'alofa. The 13-night South Pacific, Fiji and Tonga cruise departs Sydney on December 3 and arrives in Auckland on December 16. See www.www.royalcaribbean.com.au
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Carnival Cruise Line's Swoosh & Woosh Mega Sale is on until November 4, offering some excellent deals across a range of cruises. A three-day sampler on Carnival Legend, departing January 27, 2017, starts from $500 and a seven-night New Caledonia cruise, departing on February 28, starts from $850; other itineraries and dates are also on sale. Phone 1300 385 625. See carnival.com.au
MORE DEALS
TRAVEL ASSOCIATES Book a 12-night Norwegian Fiords cruise onboard APT's 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky by November 30 and you'll receive a $1500 airfare credit. The cruise, from Tromso (Norway) to Leith (Scotland) departs on August 5, 2017; all-inclusive fares start from $13,995. Phone 1800 044 066. See www.www.travel-associates.com.au
UNIWORLD Save $7500 a person on the 24-day Ultimate European Journey all-inclusive river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam when booked by October 31, 2016. Departing September 25, 2017, fares start from $7499; two nights at the Bucharest Radisson Blu Hotel are included. Phone 1300 780 231. See www.uniworld.com
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