Everyone asks: Does the average cruise passenger gain weight during a cruise?

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This was published 6 years ago

Everyone asks: Does the average cruise passenger gain weight during a cruise?

By Michael Gebicki



While a few cruisers will stay the same weight, or even lose some, most won't. A survey conducted by UK cruise agency bonvoyage.co.uk found the average cruise passenger packs on about 450 grams for every day of their cruise. More than 30 per cent of respondents admitted eating more than double their normal amount. Virtually unlimited opportunities for dining, time to linger at the dining table, freedom from normal fat-burning household chores and limited opportunities for walking and other normal activities were all seen as contributing factors. Buffet dining is never a great option if you're trying to lose weight, yet buffets are a common feature of cruising. The all-inclusive nature of cruising means there is no financial penalty when you go back for seconds, or even thirds, and many do. Afternoon tea is common, with lots of sweet cakes on offer, and there might be a doughnut shop or an ice-cream bar on board. Alcohol is cheap, with opportunities for quaffing around the clock, and the convivial party atmosphere, that many cruise operators promote, encourages consumption. Days at sea are not high activity, and there is often a boredom factor that can activate the need to feed. Waistline watchers advise taking a small plate at buffets and loading it up with vegetables and salads before adding carbs, limiting alcohol to your normal intake, no more than one sweet item a day and taking every opportunity to exercise.

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