Beyond the Basics

Today’s cruise ship gyms offer fun, new fitness choices.

By Theresa Norton Masek

Experienced cruisers know that you won’t necessarily pack on the pounds during your weeklong voyage thanks to today’s dizzying array of exercise equipment and fitness classes offered on board.

Cruise ships are always upping the ante in the fitness center, offering fun new ways to fight those extra cruise calories. Here’s a sampling of just some of the new and unique circulation-pumping offerings.

Punch It Up

Norwegian Fight Klub, available on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway- and Breakaway Plus–class ships, is a cardio boxing class that uses both a heavy boxing bag and foot work. It also incorporates Nexersys, an interactive fight simulator, which lets passengers engage in high-intensity, interval training against an animated avatar.

But don’t worry, there’s no sparring or punching your fellow shipmates. The class uses boxing techniques for an all-over cardiovascular workout. Each ship offers about four classes a week led by qualified personal trainers trained to lead Fight Klub classes, which cost $25 per session.

A Swinging Good Time

Royal Caribbean International’s new Quantum-class ships let you soar on a trapeze in the SeaPlex sports and recreation complex. Those who want to learn how to swing on a trapeze can take a 20- to 30-minute lesson with a member of the ship’s sports staff. Passengers are secured by safety harnesses and then climb up a ladder to a platform where they’re….

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^{Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line}