Fitness Classes on a Cruise

Just because you're on a cruise doesn't mean you have to take a vacation from working on your core. Virtually every cruise line boasts a healthy schedule of trainer-run fitness classes that'll make those buffet-line calories cry uncle. If you've never so much as stepped your spanking new kicks into a gym, a cruise can be the perfect time to give a fitness session a try. Not only are most classes free, but you're miles from home—no one you know will ever see you in those spandex bike shorts.

For cardio junkies, aerobic fitness classes (including regular, step, and water) are a sure way to get your heart rate up. Royal Caribbean Cruises adds an aggression-releasing twist to the fitness line-up with sparing sessions in a full-size Everlast boxing ring (alongside experienced instructors, of course). If you're rusty, take your pick of the multiple speed bags, jump ropes, body bags and padded punching mitts at your disposal in the gym (to perfect that right hook).

To beef up those biceps, Royal Caribbean's ships also have a variety of weight-training fitness classes including Shape Up/Firm Up (which focuses on notorious female tough spots including abdominals, hips and thighs) and Shape Up/Pump Up. Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, also offer muscle-lengthening mat Pilates. Or take it a step further by signing up for a private training using the Pilates Reformer, a large apparatus which will work your muscles in ways traditional mat Pilates can't even touch. But if you're simply looking to bliss out, get thyself to a yoga session—pronto.