Cruisin'

So I just returned from my first cruise. We went on the newest ship from Royal Caribbean and it was amazing! I learned that the average cruise passenger will gain between 7 and 14 pounds on a week long cruise. While I kept my eating habits in check during this trip I can see how a gain of several pounds would be possible. The food is endless and unbounded...as are the calories in many of the options. And if the food was not delicious, Houston, we would not have a problem. However, to all of my bread lovers, candy lovers, hot dogs topped with chili lovers and I can't forget the biggest and richest cup cakes I have ever seen and tasted, there was a problem. And trust me, there is plenty more to choose from. Wow!!!

In my opinion the served dinners were the best healthy choice option. Portions were as they should be, menu items were well balanced and taste was outstanding! The only complaint I had is that as long as the family was gathered, there was more temptation to continue eating and when you haven't seen each other in years conversation passes the time, dinner rolls and dessert.

Then there was of course the late night eating and drinking. Because the cruise company wants us all to be happily entertained there is always something to hold your attention, even at 3 a.m. Along with those late nights come the eating patterns you hope don't set a trend in your real life. Hows about a pass time meal of Pizza...at midnight. Ugh! Some of you know what I'm talking about. And if you do, then you know it is not such a pretty picture about a 1/2 hour later or the next morning.

But for all of the habits that may not be ideal there are others to counter it. First there is the gym that is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. There are plenty of classes, i.e. spin- my personal fave, machines and free weights to keep you on track with your work out routine. And speaking of track they even have one that encircles the ship, complete with motivational bits hanging from the upper deck, as if the ocean scenery wasn't enough to get you through. There is an arcade, yes, arcade. My best friend and I burned a few calories on the dance dance revolution game. Yep, quite embarrassing but plenty of fun. And for those of you who are more sporty they have a basket ball court, miniature golf, flow riders, and rock climbing which my BF and I did. (http://www.forty-fit.com/About-Us.html). And if you're just not into the gym thing yet you can skip the elevators and use the stairs.

This ship with all of its grandeur, I'm sure I missed a lot of things. All in all it was a great trip. I was lucky enough to fly under the radar of the seven pounds gained by the average cruiser. And if you were not, well, I guess you have some work to do when you get home.

Thanks for reading

God Bless

Tausha