Cruise Ship Sports Overview

Going on a cruise doesn't mean you have to put an end to eating modestly and, by the same token, working out. In fact, most cruises have full-size gyms that offer the requisite exercise machines plus classes such as boxing lessons and weight-training instruction. If you want more engaging ways to get fit, then you'll also have no shortage of energetic and, most important, fun sports to try on board.

Golf is a given—it's a popular and universal sport and, thanks to amazing new technology, it's also extremely portable. Many ships are outfitted with virtual driving ranges that are ahead of the curve in technology: not only can you perfect your swing in a golf clinic, but you can also hop around the globe and play some of the world's most famous greens. Expert duffers will want the real deal, though, and thanks to a partnership between the PGA and Norwegian you can take a real-time cruise to hot links in Bermuda and Hawaii.

If you prefer to be above the green during your port of call, head to Jamaica, where Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas features a canopy tour, which takes daredevils zipping over tropical rainforests on rigged ropes.

Not extreme enough for you? Then take lessons in rock climbing. Royal Caribbean rules the roost by putting climbing walls in most of its ships. All you'll need to bring is good sneakers and some courage—the cruise will provide the rest. Heights not your thing? Then go down to earth—or water, rather—with kayaking excursions, which many lines offer as well through sponsored tours. Alaska and the Caribbean are popular destinations for kayaking, but lines like Holland America also go off the beaten path with a nighttime paddle in Puerto Rico.

Keep things water-bound and explore the ocean waters with snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course, these sports almost go hand in hand with the tradition of cruising, so it's no surprise that most lines offer expert guidance and tours. While Princess and Norwegian show you just how bright fish and reef can be with lovely snorkeling excursions in the Caribbean, Carnival whisks you away to deep-sea dives in the waters of Belize.

Of course, those who prefer frozen water, onboard options at some ships—such as the Royal Caribbean—won't disappoint. Some of the line's 138,000-ton cruise ships have built-in ice-skating rings, where adults and kids alike can glide and slide to their heart's content. After all, isn't that what sports should be? Fun.