Keeping fit on a modern ship is much more fun than simply strolling the promenade deck. From early morning yoga and gym classes to surf simulators and circus schools, there is something for everyone.

Ice-skating

Watch the Royal Caribbean Ice-skating spectacular featuring professional ice-skaters, then test your own skills at the onboard ice-rink. Available free of charge on Voyager class ships.

Ballroom dancing

Classes are offered on P&O, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Princess Cruises, with some included in your fare. On P&O UK and Cunard, you can practice your steps at formal evenings. Holland America offers dance classes inspired by TV’s Dancing with the Stars, while Celebrity offers Dancing with the Stripes, where guests pair with an officer and perform for a panel of judges. If ballroom isn’t your thing, most ships also offer Zumba and modern dance classes.

Boxing

Norwegian Cruise Line’s FightKlub, available on Breakaway class ships is a group boxing class using punching bags. Royal Caribbean’s Freedom and Oasis class ships offer boxing lessons with an experienced coach in a full-size ring (extra fees apply). 

Yoga & Pilates

Yoga, Pilates and morning stretching classes are offered on many cruise lines including Carnival, Disney, MSC, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Azamara Club Cruises and Crystal. Celebrity cruise ships offer a special program with seven different types of yoga.

Spinning

Disney, Carnival, and Cunard all offer spinning classes. NCL and Royal Caribbean have upped the ante with bikes that record your workouts and upload them online so you can track your progress. It also adds a competitive edge, showing you the leader board as you cycle so you can strive to beat the rest of your class.

Surfing

More of a water baby? Catch some waves on the FlowRider surf simulator. Whether you are an experienced pro or a first timer, the simulator is certain to get your heart rate going. Available on selected Royal Caribbean ships (free of charge).

Inline skating

Exclusive to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships and included in the price of your cruise, inline skating is offered on special sports decks with padded barriers.

High ropes

Carnival, P&O, Royal Caribbean and NCL offer a fitness option for the adrenaline junky. Clamber through obstacles high above the top deck, taking in the ocean views.

Circus school

Fly through the air learning to somersault with ease aboard Royal Caribbean Quantum class ships. The flying trapeze is included in your cruise fare.

Trampolining

Jump, leap and tumble on the Bungee Tramp four metres above the ship’s top deck at P&O’s Edge Adventure Park on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden (extra fees apply).

Virtual sports simulators

NCL ships all feature Nintendo Wii games on big screens in their atriums, while Celebrity offer virtual sports on the Xbox 360. Cunard has a golf simulator with 51 different courses to choose from.