Alternative health care, what are cruises able to offer?
At first glance one might be forgiven in wondering what high end ocean going liners might have to offer the world of alternative medicine and health care treatments. Are not luxury based ocean liners mutually exclusive to the notion of alternative anything? Surely the very history and tradition of such an industry would make most operators run a mile from such ideas? Actually, no. As more and more people are becoming concerned with not only health care matters but also exploring alternatives to standard treatments so ocean line operators are offering more to attract us. P&O Cruises for example are now offering a wide range of alternative health care treatments. Aboard the Arcadia there is even a fully equipped thermal treatment suite, complete with aromatic steam rooms, dry float suite and hydrotherapy pool. Chefs will cater to a whole range of dietary needs including, vegetarian, diabetic, gluten free and fat free. Whilst aboard ships from Princess Cruises you are able to work out in fully equipped fitness suites and take advantage of a range of spa and massage treatments. Contrary to popular belief it is possible to have a healthy holiday and perhaps indulge in physical activities that you would not necessarily have time for at home. A quick look at any of the major cruise liners websites will give you an insight into the facilities available and perhaps influence your final decision before you part with your hard earned cash.
Surfing on Indpendence of the Seas
“We found the standard of service in restaurants, Bars and nite club excellent. The quality of food during the cruise, also of a very high standard. Accommodation was confortable and well planned ,considering the space available.” – Fanchini, Bushey Herts. on 9th Jun 2009 (Fred. Olsen Cruises)
Less stress and less anxiety.
In fact the whole idea of booking an ocean going voyage, instead of negotiating the stresses and difficulties of most big international airports is numerous. Right from the start the whole atmosphere is very different. Cruises from Southampton for example offer a far more relaxed start to your holiday than endless queuing, unfavourable baggage restrictions and the noise and confusion of most big airports. The traditional warm welcome aboard ocean liners is a very different experience to that aboard your average modern passenger aircraft. Royal Caribbean Cruises the largest operator in the world who operate around the globe, including Southampton, offer a range of health care facilities aboard all their vessels. They have fully equipped fitness suites as well as a very popular rock climbing wall perfect for getting your heart rate up and stimulating blood flow. To complement this they also provide a full range of massage treatments to ensure that you really are more relaxed and less stressed. The way that passengers aboard Fred Olsen Cruises combat stress and anxiety is through its innovative “smile a mile” walking tour available on the ocean liners Boudicca and Black Watch, where five laps of the deck equal one mile. An innovative idea for everyone who is health conscious. If this doesn’t lower stress levels and anxiety they also have regular Pilates classes as well as Yoga classes and Aerobics classes. Fully equipped fitness suites are also standard on all vessels ensuring for a truly health centred holiday experience.
Fabulous Sanctuary
“Service is very good onboard and the food is brilliant. Dressing up for the formal nights is also very good. Would highly recomend.” – Maile, Christchurch on 9th Jun 2009 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)
The Focus Is On You
One reason that ocean going holidays are becoming increasingly popular alternative health care holidays is the focus is entirely upon you, without any distractions. In the controlled environment of an ocean going liner you can really concentrate on you, making sure that you eat exactly what you need in surroundings that would put hygiene levels on most land based restaurants to shame. You can devise your own alternative health care routine without any distractions or interruptions. Aboard ships operated by MSC Cruises as well as the full range of spa and fitness facilities they even provide a comprehensive acupuncture service. This is popular with passengers who wish to focus on a highly regarded alternative approach to overcoming medical as well as emotional difficulties. All of the ingredients used in the restaurants are fresh and prepared on board, even down to the tomato sauce. No added flavour enhancers on board here. For attention to food and diet Celebrity Cruises have employed the services of world renowned chef Michel Roux who oversees the menus and food preparation services. There is no smoking allowed in any of the restaurants and great attention to detail is made. Even the breakfast croissants are baked fresh every morning. They also boast a full range of health promoting activities such as yoga classes and kickboxing as well as a full range of massage treatments. These include Chakra Balancing Massage and Aromatic Hot Stone Massage. Climb aboard to make sure the focus really is on you.
Internet Cafe Onboard the Norwegian Dawn
“My husband said that most holidays are enjoyable, but there is almost always something that disappoints but that with this holiday there was nothing. It was simply superb.” – Staveley, Calpe, Spain on 9th Jun 2009 (Celebrity Cruises)
A Climate for Your health
By choosing an ocean going voyage you can select any destination and climate in the world from bracing sub zero temperatures of the Arctic to the warmth of the tropics. Caribbean cruises have always been extremely popular with a wonderful health promoting combination of warm weather, stimulating activities and a healthy flavoursome diet. By just being in this part of the world is enough to make anyone feel better. The health benefits of natural sunshine and guaranteed warm weather bring people back to this part of the world time and time again. It is a common destination for a lot of operators including the giant, and one of the oldest Cunard Cruises, who trace their operations back over 150 years to 1839. They offer a huge range of services for those seeking alternative approaches to health care difficulties including fully equipped fitness suites. In fact they were the very first ocean line operator to install a swimming pool way back in 1914 providing healthy activities for nearly one hundred years. In complete contrast to the warmth of the tropics some might prefer the bracing and stimulating weather of the Baltic Sea. NCL Cruises have been offering voyages around the Scandinavian and Baltic coasts for many years. The air here is clean, fresh and bracing and the dramatic landscape uplifting. They offer a unique range of massage treatments, including Jasmine Flower Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Hydro bath. A truly wonderful alternative health care experience.
MSC Orchestra
“We had an excellent cruise on the QV. This was our first cruise with Cunard and we were very impressed with the ship.” - Appleton, St. Helens on 6th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)
