Healthy Cruising in Alaska

One of the main reasons I avoided going on a cruise for so many years was the food factor. I’d heard horror stories about cruisers gaining from 2-12 pounds on a weeklong cruise, and the image of me rolling off a ship after seven days at sea was not a pretty picture.

So it was with a bit of apprehension that I made my cruise debut aboard Holland America’s MS Oosterdam. Along with 1,799 other passengers and 795 crew members, I was on the Alaskan Explorer cruise, with stops in Juneau, Yakutat Bay and the Hubbard glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC.

The gigantic floating hotel has 11 decks, nine pianos, two swimming pools and one internet café. There is also the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and Fitness Center. My home for the week was a deluxe verandah cabin furnished in tropical colors with a king-size bed, small sofa and chair, TV, ample closet space and a bathroom with a tub/shower.

The MS Oosterdam serves 11,000 meals a day, which is a lot of calories. This was going to be a challenge! In addition to the Lido Restaurant with its numerous food stations serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is the Vista Dining Room and the Pinnacle Grill. There are also nine bars and cafes, 24-hour room service and a mini-bar in each cabin.

In addition to trying to maintain a healthy diet, I also wanted to spend time outdoors. The Promenade Deck was my venue for daily walks that included six laps (three laps equals one mile). I figured walking two miles a day would keep things in check, even if I did splurge by eating a hot fudge sundae at midnight.

As much as I got into the rhythm of life on the Oosterdam, I was looking forward to discovering Alaska from the outside, too. Seven of us signed up for a bike and hike excursion in Sitka, which was a three-hour trip that included a four-mile coastal bike ride and a mile-long trek through the ­Tongass National Forest. It was an easy ride to the trailhead where we hiked into Thimbleberry Lake. From there we broke into two groups, depending on our biking ability. Our group did some intense peddling, navigating up a steep hill to picturesque Blue Lake. Okay, I pushed my bike part of the way, but the trip back down was a thrill!

In Ketchikan, I was the lone kayaker on a 2.5 hour trip. My friendly guide put me in the front position of a two-person kayak and off we paddled. Our route started in Thomas Basin, and from there we made our way through historic Creek Street, crossed the Tongass Narrows across to Pennock Island and paddled through Whiskey Cove. The grey skies were threatening, but only a spattering of rain came our way. A few days earlier, I wimped out on a rafting trip down the Mendanhall River in Juneau due to a severe downpour.

So how did I fare after a week of all that food and fun? Very well, indeed. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy life on a cruise ship, I didn’t gain a single pound. And yes, I’m ready to get back on board.

Tips For a Healthy Week at Sea
• Use the stairs. Cruise ships have elevators, but I used the stairs instead of getting a free ride
• Use the Promenade Deck. At any time of day, passengers can be seen doing laps around the ship. I always walk with my iPod, mixing my tunes with the spectacular views.
• Use the spa and fitness center. I treated myself to a manicure, pedicure and hot stone massage. Perfect remedies for all that outdoor exercise I was enjoying.
• Sign up for active shore excursions. Whether it’s dog sledding or snorkeling, head for shore and take in the scenery with one of the local guides.
•  Eat wisely. I only dined on the Lido Deck twice; all those food stations were too tempting. I usually ate breakfast and lunch in the Vista Dining Room or had room service. Lunch and dinner menus include a light and healthy section, and special dietary needs can be accommodated.

If You Go
Holland America Line; www.hollandamerica.com.

Sue Frause is an award winning freelance writer and photographer. She has been published in The (Everett) Daily Herald, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The (Vancouver) Province, Boston Herald, Seattle magazine, Seattle Bride magazine, Northwest Travel, TravelAge West as well as on Around the World Travel Radio, www.vagablond.com, www.spas.about.com, and www.tangodiva.com. She can be reached at sue@suefrause.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUE FRAUSE