Anyone who runs regularly knows the challenge: as soon as vacation starts, training often takes a back seat. On a cruise, however, that doesn’t have to be the case. Most modern cruise ships offer plenty of opportunities to keep up your running routine while at sea.
Almost every larger cruise ship has a fitness center equipped with several treadmills. The machines are generally modern and comparable to those found in a good gym on land. If you want to stick to your normal training schedule, you usually won’t have to make many compromises.
One major advantage is the long opening hours. Fitness centers are often open from early morning until late evening, giving you plenty of flexibility. Especially on sea days, the treadmill is an easy and convenient way to stay active.
This is one of the questions we hear most often. The answer surprises many people: usually not much.
In normal sea conditions, you will hardly notice the ship’s movement while running on a treadmill. Only when the sea becomes rougher does running feel a little different. In those situations, it may be wise to reduce your pace and avoid intense interval workouts. Truly challenging conditions only occur during very rough seas — and at that point, most passengers are focused on things other than setting a personal best.
Many cruise lines advertise an outdoor running track. While this sounds ideal, the reality varies from ship to ship.
Some tracks are quite narrow, while others pass through busy areas where guests are walking, relaxing on loungers, or enjoying the view. In these cases, running can feel more like weaving through obstacles than following a proper training route.
That said, some ships feature well-designed running tracks where getting in a good workout is no problem. A quick look at the deck plan or a walk around the ship after boarding will usually tell you what to expect.
As convenient as treadmills and running tracks are, our favorite option is still running ashore.
Exploring a new destination on foot early in the morning offers a completely different experience. Instead of staring at a gym wall, you can run past harbors, waterfront promenades, historic districts, beaches, and scenic viewpoints. You see more, experience more, and combine sightseeing with exercise.
Of course, not every port is equally suitable for running. That’s exactly why we have created running and walking routes for many cruise ports around the world.
You can find all of our routes starting directly from the cruise terminal here.
Both treadmills and onboard running tracks are great ways to stay active during your cruise. However, whenever possible, we would always choose a run ashore. Many cruise ports are perfect for exploring on foot, and you’ll often discover places and perspectives that most cruise passengers never get to see.