The best fitness cruises: today's ships offer the perfect vacation for losing weight, learning yoga and getting a fitness makeover - Ventureout

Shape, August, 2003 by Maryann Hammers

Get totally pampered. The fleetwide AquaSpa features exotic treatments derived from worldwide traditions. For complete indulgence, sign up for the amazing five-hour "Tahitian Ceremony of Flowers." It begins with a fragrant jasmine flower bath, followed by a frangipani body wrap and Japanese silk facial and, finally, a Hawaiian four-hand lomi-lomi massage.

Princess

This line's fleet of 12 ships carry from 688-2,600 passengers each and sail to all seven continents, with itineraries ranging from seven to 72 days. Destinations include Africa, Alaska, Asia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Holy Land, India, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, South America, the South Pacific, and Tahiti and French Polynesia (seven days, from $799; 800-426-0442, princess.com).

Burn calories at sea. The glass-walled Lotus Fitness Centers feature state-of-the-art machines, personal trainers, fitness testing, health and nutrition seminars and a slew of exercise classes, such as sunrise walk-a-mile, aqua aerobics, cycling and kickboxing. The explosive "Xpress Circuit" combines aerobic and resistance training, while the meditative "Lotus Fusion" blends Pilates, yoga, stretching and relaxation. A jogging track, four swimming pools, lap pools and basketball and volleyball courts make it easy to burn calories and have fun outdoors.

Blast fat on land. Shore excursions include hiking in an Alaskan rain forest, cycling in New England and kayaking in the Caribbean. "The Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Adventure in Alaska and British Columbia" includes a trek through Klondike Gold Rush towns and a raft down the Taiya River, while the "Grand Cayman Wetlands Kayak Safari" takes you past Caribbean coral reefs, secluded shorelines and bird-nesting areas in a two-person kayak.

Feast on lowfat gourmet cuisine. Every menu features lowfat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol and vegetarian options. Some favorites: Moroccan vegetable ragout with pita bread, Swiss chard and baby turnip puree with golden cheese croutons, and ginger fruit salad with lime. Craving carbs? Order a side of crusty new potatoes. Yes, they're healthy.

Get totally pampered. The Asian-themed Lotus Spa has the usual facilities plus thermal suites that feature heated tile couches and rain-forest showers. Treatments range from the "Lime and Ginger Salt Glow," a fragrant, total-body salt scrub, to the "Wild-Strawberry Back Cleanse," which feels and smells yummy. Before your treatment, soak in a "Bath of Sweet Surrender," infused with juniper, lemon, and sea-fennel essential oils.

Four specialty fitness cruises

Learn yoga, jump-start a running program or focus on wellness with special-interest, expert-lead cruises.

CUSTOMIZED FITNESS CRUISES

Cruisin' Toward Wellness

Linda Shelton, training expert, author and fitness director for Shape and Fit Pregnancy, and nutritionist Roberta Duyff, M.S., R.D., author of the American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2002), team up for a weeklong wellness cruise-retreat. The menu of events includes fitness and nutritional consultations, healthy eating and motivational workshops, twice-daily exercise classes, and cooking demos. You also have full access to the ship's fitness, spa and dining facilities and will return home with a personalized wellness action plan. Next sailing: Aug. 9-16, cruising Alaska from Vancouver, British Columbia, aboard Holland America's Zaandam (1,400 passengers); from $1,199, including program, subject to availability (800-688-8500, cruisintowardwellness.com).