Departing on an unforgettable cruise vacation does have one caveat. With all that delicious food and pampering, there’s a chance you might come home with a few extra pounds. After all, with so much incredible food around you, who could blame you for going up for a second helping every once and awhile? Embarking on a Princess Cruise ship means enjoying the freshest prepared food around, with bread baked throughout the day and other amazing dishes you won't find anywhere else.

And while you should certainly savor these signature meals, it's worth coming prepared with a few strategies on how to remain fit. Here are some tips on how to eat well and stay fit on your cruise vacation.

Key takeaways

Look for lighter options like grilled fish, salads and fresh fruit across Princess venues like the Horizon Court and Main Dining Room.

Ask for grilled instead of fried, or sauces on the side — most chefs welcome small swaps.

Cocktails and sugary drinks add calories fast; mix in water throughout the day.

Go easy on the drinks

One of the best parts of being an adult on a Princess Cruises ship is relaxing by the pool with a refreshing cocktail or reading a book in The Sanctuary with a beverage from our POURS line. While having a drink or two can be a great way to get yourself into the vacation mood, drink in moderation to keep your eating habits in check. Many alcoholic beverages are high in calories, so be smart about how often you reach for them.

Control your portions

Princess Cruises ships feature incredible gourmet meals that boast a variety of delicious foods. The temptation to eat everything and anything might be great — and it's certainly fine to indulge a bit on vacation — but try to cut your portions down to size to keep your figure.

If you need a little extra encouragement to eat moderately, try skipping an appetizer or dessert course.

Choose lighter meals when you can

Cruise menus leave plenty of room for lighter choices alongside the indulgent ones. Look for grilled fish, chicken, fresh salads, fruit and yogurt at the Horizon Court buffet, or order similar options in the Main Dining Room. Most chefs are happy to accommodate small modifications too — like asking for sauces on the side, swapping fried for grilled or requesting an extra serving of vegetables in place of a heavier side. These small choices add up over a week of dining and make it easier to enjoy the standout meals without overdoing it.

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Don't forget to eat a good breakfast

Believe it or not, eating a good breakfast every day can be a crucial part of keeping those pounds off on your cruise vacation. Not only will this help your body get some of the essential nutrients and energy it needs early in the day, but eating breakfast also promotes a more active metabolism. By simply grabbing a bowl of cereal, a banana or bowl of fruit (all available in the Horizon Court), you'll be kicking your digestive system into gear. Skipping breakfast actually tricks your metabolism into going into starvation mode — holding on to as many calories as it can until your next meal.

Get out there and have fun

Don't forget to stay active and have fun while on your cruise to keep your body healthy. Whether you're touring the ship's deck, diving into the ship's fresh-water pools, exploring sandy beaches on a nearby island or taking advantage of the ship's fitness center, it's important to balance your rest and relaxation with plenty of exercise. And considering all the fun you'll be having on your cruise, chances are you won't even realize you're giving your body a workout.

Sail healthy with Princess

A balanced cruise vacation isn't about saying no to the things that make Princess special — it's about pacing yourself so you can enjoy more of them. Indulge in the signature meals, savor the cocktails and lean on the fitness center, deck walks and active shore excursions when your body needs a break. View Princess cruises and start planning a getaway that lets you come home feeling great.

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