The FlowRider surf simulator is where you catch some waves while at sea.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has got your back when it comes to your health, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts to self-care at the spa. Today’s cruise ships boast state-of-the-art fitness facilities with tons of classes, including yoga, Pilates and spinning, as well as tasty, healthy dining options around every corner.

And as you count down to your cruise vacation, there are plenty of ways to bring your ship fitness experience into your home. Whether keeping up a rigorous routine or sticking to that New Year’s resolution, get ready to feel the burn, relax and live your best life with these wellness hacks.

Here are simple tips to get moving whether you’re on or off a cruise.

Play your favorite sports to a backdrop of endless ocean views at the Sports Court.

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1. Shift Your Mindset

If we’re trying to conquer new fitness goals this year, we’re all going to have to get a little creative with our “gym time.” Though we miss the spa, full gym, basketball courts, FlowRider and jogging track on board, that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of what we have at home to re-create our favorite at-sea workouts. Modern technology is making it easy for us to have the personal training experience right in our back pockets with apps like Peloton, Obe Fitness, Apple Fitness+ and more. Many of the workouts don’t even require equipment, making it easy to get fit just like you would at the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center.

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of vegan options, including a vegan carbonara with chickpeas and eggplant bacon.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

2. Eat Smart (Most Of The Time)

One of the best things about cruising is getting to sample a range of cuisines prepared by our international crew. Craving your favorite Royal Caribbean dish? It’s easy to treat yourself and bring the cruise to your kitchen with simple, delicious recipes sourced from some of our top restaurants and destinations, while also enjoying some green juices and smoothies (like the ones you may find at Vitality Café or Solarium Bistro), hearty soups and fresh salads. It’s all about balance, right?

Of course, being at sea and having fresh fish (perhaps at Hooked Seafood or Izumi) go really well together—and it’s a healthy choice to make! So when you’re craving a little at-sea decadence but want to keep it light, you can’t go wrong with fresh salmon or a good tuna roll.

Bartenders on board craft refreshing cocktails.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

3. Watch The Liquid Calories

It’s hard to resist a delicious tropical drink, like the Coco Loco, the signature drink of Perfect Day at CocoCay—our private island destination in The Bahamas. But too many drinks with plenty of sugar can add up. In between the sweet libations, consider beverages with fewer ingredients, such as a gin and tonic with a few lime slices, or a glass of wine or light beer. Drinking smart applies to nonalcoholic drinks, too—take it easy with soda and fancy coffee drinks, opting instead for water and unsweetened iced tea (both of which are complimentary on board).

4. Get Hooked On Something New

Remember the expert instructors you trained with and spin classes you jammed out in on board? Well, while you may be more limited right now, you can try something new to pique your interest. You can even turn your neighborhood into your playground by running to a new street, finding a new park nearby, or testing out some new boxing moves in your front yard.

Finding new and creative ways to get yourself moving will keep you wanting to work out day after day. It doesn’t need to be complicated, and you can even try replicating exciting onboard workouts. Keep mixing them up, too—that’s definitely added a little extra spice to our fitness regimens.

Hiking is a great way to get outside and keep an active lifestyle.

Credit: iStock

5. Let Nature Move You

Shore excursions like hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, zip lining and rafting are great examples of how you can get active while on board or on land. Even though you may not be immersing yourself in a brand new destination (and a different one almost every day), there is plenty of nature all around you that can be explored. After all, the best kind of workout is one that’s so much fun it doesn’t even feel like exercise!

We know that whichever of these tips you pick up, your next vacation can’t come soon enough. Start planning which cruise you’ll take for a different kind of wellness adventure here.