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

Sheila Cluff's Fitness Cruises

Cruise spa queen Sheila Cluff, owner of The Oaks at Ojai and The Palms at Palm Springs, takes her famous California spas to the seas. Her fitness cruises include a three-mile walk on deck for a bracing before-breakfast jolt (the scenery can't be beat), vigorous aqua-aerobics for joint-friendly toning and calorie-burning, exercise classes and nightly disco dancing. In port, she leads four-mile walks around town for "aerobic shopping."

You have full access to the ship's fitness, spa and dining offerings and will receive a voucher for a free two-night stay at one of Cluff's land-based Southern California spas. Sailings: Aug. 17-24, Caribbean from New Orleans aboard the Carnival Conquest (2,632 passengers), from $908; Oct. 16-26, Panama Canal from Costa Rica aboard the Crystal Harmony, from $1,995; Nov. 2-9, Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles aboard the Carnival Pride (2,600 passengers), from $802 (800-892-4995, oaksspa.com).

YOGA CRUISES

Crystal Cruise Yoga, Health & Fitness Cruises

If you just can't get enough yoga and want an ultraluxury cruise, consider Crystal Cruise's Yoga, Health & Fitness itineraries, which feature yoga classes several times a day, dance classes, plus wellness lectures by celebrity guests, Olympic athletes and best-selling authors. You'll also have full access to the ship's facilities, including well-equipped fitness centers, personal trainers, lowfat menu options and a luxury spa. Spa treatments are extra. Sailings: Oct. 7-19, Montreal to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., aboard the 940-passenger Crystal Symphony, from $4,435; Dec. 8-22, Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles aboard the new Crystal Serenity (1,080 passengers), from $4,145 (800-820-6663, crystalcruises.com).

FIT-TO-RUN CRUISES

Passport to Adventure Running Adventures

Worried that a cruise might ruin your running regimen? Fear not. Passport to Adventure's running camps at sea are held in conjunction with marathons as well as shorter races. After the event, the cruise begins--but the running doesn't end. Daily group runs and workouts for all levels of ability are offered along with the ship's regular fitness and spa amenities. On shore, depending on the port, you can go mountain biking through the forested trails of Puerto Vallarta; hike to the snowline of Alaska's Mount Marathon, then kayak along the glaciers; or jog to a hidden waterfall in Waimea Canyon on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Sailings: Aug. 15-25, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia, aboard Princess Cruises' Dawn Princess (2,612 passengers), from $1,889, includes three nights in Anchorage and registration fee for the Humpy's marathon, half-marathon or 5k in Anchorage; Dec. 12-21, Hawaiian Islands aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star (2,432 passengers), from $1,299, includes two nights in Honolulu and registration fee for the Honolulu marathon (800-955-5769, passporttoadventure.net).

Maryann Hammers is a Los Angeles-area freelance writer who specializes in travel, fitness and health.

IMPORTANT: