Once you see the abundance of food on board your cruise ship, you'll know that exercise is the only thing that will keep you in your vacation wardrobe!

Very few cruise ships afloat have no gym or fitness facilities at all. The only time you might run into limited facilities, is on the very small ships that offer more intimate cruise vacations with fewer passengers and more personal attention. But these will still offer some type of exercise, and if there is no formal activity, brisk circuits of the deck are not only a great cardiac workout but a fabulous way to view both the ship and any scenery that you're passing.

Those ships offering gyms will vary between cruise lines, with many having the very latest in exercise and weight resistance training machines, as well as personal trainers to advise and guide you on exercises that suit your fitness level and any health conditions.

Larger ships offer enhanced sports options, with such amenities as mini-golf courses, golf simulators, basketball/volleyball/tennis courts, and of course- pools. Some of them have even upped both the fun and fitness value of their pools by adding such features as swimming against the current, and surfing right on board the ship.