A run in the sun isn't just fun-- it can also be good for your health. (iStock)
Before booking your cruise, look into the health and fitness options it offers. Many ships provide healthy food options, fully equipped fitness centers and on board activities to keep you entertained and help you stay in shape.
Take advantage of your cruise and don’t let the amenities at your disposal go to waste. For instance, spa services offer you a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Fitness activities such as group fitness classes, and top deck running tracks, will help you maintain your fitness while you are on vacation and jetted pools help improve your blood circulation and ease muscle and joint pain.
Many cruise lines offer enhanced spa facilities that provide facials, massages and more. (iStock)
Cruises also give you the opportunity to meet new people from around the world. Experience different cultures and even make some lifelong friends.
Further your education, embrace the benefits of sunshine, boost your social life and enjoy the ultimate relaxation on a cruise.
1) Sunshine
There’s nothing better than lying out by the pool and catching some rays. How about a pool, on a ship, while floating on the ocean? The health benefits of sunshine are endless and exposure to the natural sun is crucial to your wellbeing. Sunshine helps boost immunity, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, reduces cancer risk, promotes weight loss, heals skin disorders and can even cure depression.
2) On-Board Fitness
Improve your health on a cruise with their numerous on-board fitness opportunities. Soak up the sun and enjoy the warm breeze on the ships top deck running track. Also, enjoy their well-equipped fitness centers and group fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates.
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3) Stress-Free Travel
Save yourself the stress and hassle of planning your vacation. Take a cruise and have your entire itinerary planned out for you. Trust me; taking this weight off your shoulders will save your mental health! Just pack your bags, hop on your ship and enjoy the dining, entertainment and activities the ship has laid out for you.
4) Family Bonding
is crucial to your health. We’re not talking about sitting on the couch and watching TV or sitting close to each other on your smartphones. We’re talking about interacting with each other in a meaningful way. Cruising is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family. “The U.S. Travel Association confirms that vacation is good for every member of the family. Vacation can increase worker productivity and reduce burnout; students who have traveled abroad are twice as likely to earn a college degree (blisstree.com).”
5) Time to Relax
Taking a cruise provides you with ample opportunities for relaxation. Enjoy a cocktail and a good book by the pool or book a balcony suite for private time to rejuvenate and unwind. According to Heart of Healing, relaxation gives the heart rest by slowing the heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing muscle tension. This will lead to a better night’s sleep, enhanced concentration and amped up energy.
6) Salt Water
Regardless to whether you are floating on your ship or out on a shore excursion, you will encounter salt water at some point or another. Salt water has a number of health benefits – it heals cuts, treats acne, clears nasal passageways, and may even rid your hair of dandruff.
SLIDESHOW: Check out more ways a cruise can improve your health.
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