Guest Author - Aaron Kirley

The abundance of fabulous food on cruise ships makes weight gain a very real possibility but there are some simple steps you can take to keep weight gain to a minimum and even improve your physique.

Buffets, five course meals, tropical drinks, gambling, poolside tanning, and late night snacks make healthy living a challenge on board luxury cruise ships. Frequent cruisers have the following advice when it comes to eating on cruise ships:

1. Indulge in moderation by allowing yourself to try some a little bit of even those foods you know you shouldn't be eating.
2. Keep snacking to a minimum, set a time limit and stick to it so you don't find yourself eating every night at 11.
3. Eat healthy deserts such as fruit - you might even find exotic fruits that are not available in your home town.
4. Avoid fried foods because they are never healthy and you can have them anytime so why not stick to the fancy stuff.
5. If you find yourself trying to decide between two options pick the healthier one every time.
6. Ask several weeks in advance if you have special dietary needs

Cruise ships typically have better exercise facilities than your local gym and it is a great way to meet crew and passengers aboard the ship while staying in shape:

1. Sign up for a spinning class
2. Set a daily exercise schedule
3. Check the activity list for healthy events and classes
4. Try Yoga for the first time
5. Run laps in the sun
6. Ask about water resistance training

Take a break from the sun and treat yourself to a day at the spa. Cruise ships have world class spa facilities offering a full range of muscle and skin treatments.

1. Tone your skin with a mud wrap
2. Improve your complexion with facial
3. Relax your muscles with a full body massage
4. Treat yourself to a new hairstyle at the salon

Although most people don’t take full advantage of the facilities on a cruise ship, the simple steps outlined by this article might just allow you to return home from vacation looking and feeling better.