Story by Carly Milne 

Cruises tend to get a bad rap for being all about the gluttony. And yeah, we get why - the buffets, the non-stop high-sugar alcoholic drinks, the emphasis on enjoyment and indulgence... it's hard to resist all those temptations.

Realizing that they had an opportunity to change people's cruise views, Royal Caribbean set out to create their Vitality ProRoyal Caribbean Vitality Programgram, designed to encourage those seeking to stay on a healthy lifestyle track no matter what their vacation plans.

And they make it super easy, too. On the food end, you're pretty much on your own at the buffet (but if we're honest with ourselves, we can tell the difference between what's good and bad there, right?) If you choose to take part in the more formal dining option for your cruise, the menus feature one or two Vitality-approved options for each course, helping you stay on track with the healthiest meal possible. And it's not cardboard-like, either. Starters of grilled prawns, fresh and crispy salads, and perfectly-grilled salmon or chicken options dot each night's choices, ensuring that what you're eating isn't just healthy, it's tasty, too.

They've even expanded their gym offerings. Certainly you can still take up on the treadmill or recumbent bike if you want, but they also offer classes like Tai Chi, yoga, and sessions with a personal trainer if you really want to go hardcore. They also have fun and informative seminars that help you understand your body and what it needs, with each course focused on an aspect of wellness, like figuring out your fitness level. They'll even help you choose an on-shore excursion that's right for you and helps you advance toward your ultimate fitness goal.

And last but not least, there's the spa. Sure, they have the usual massages and facials, but then there's a handful of fun treatments like a seaweed detox wrap that sucks all the bad stuff right out of you, or a cellulite reduction treatment that gets you on the right road for getting rid of those trouble spots. Better yet? There's on-board acupuncture. So if you see a practitioner at home, you don't have to worry about missing an appointment while you're away on vacation.

So no matter what your fit-minded desires are, there's a good chance the Vitality Program will have something for you. Now if only they could figure out how to make cupcakes healthy...

Got a question for Carly Milne? Email us and she'll answer them and likely throw in a few freebie tips as well.

Read more of Carly's articles on GoGirlfriend:

• How to Completely Relax
• 8 Great Detox Spa Treatments
• Tahiti - Why You Should Go, Even if You're Single
• Mexico Bound - My Second Life in Spanish
• Navigating Royal Caribbean's Wellness Program
• 5 Reasons Royal Caribbean Rocks Girlfriend Cruises
• Finland - Dancing Under the Midnight Sun
• Las Vegas Spotlight - Shows!
• Las Vegas Spotlight - Sleeping
• Las Vegas Spotlight - Food!
• Las Vegas Spotlight - Playing!
• Seattle Fast Facts
• Vancouver Fast Facts
• Fairmont Hotels - Luxury + Green Travel

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