North & South – June 2019

amidships (towards the centre) and

if you feel queasy, remember fresh air

and a view of the horizon are a better

antidote than holing up in your cabin.

Cruises make the news occasionally

for outbreaks of norovirus and the likes,

but cruise-ship companies are among

the few worldwide required to report

any gastrointestinal illness. They’re

far more sanitary than most of your

local cheap eateries and have rigorous

systems to prevent contagion. You’ll

be asked to disinfect your hands at the

entrance to dining areas; and you’ll find

hand-cleanser stations all over the ship.

• Information also sourced from
  The Cruise Handbook, published
  by Lonely Planet (in bookstores
  or visit shop.lonelyplanet.com).
  In 2020, the Celebrity Solstice will
  be joined by her fully refurbished
  sister-ship Celebrity Eclipse for the
  summer cruising season downunder
  (www.celebritycruises.com).

to overtake the slow-pokes. Wear

a Fitbit and challenge yourself to

10,000-step days. Like other modern

megaships, the Solstice has an

impressive gym, packed with flash

equipment (and with sea views),

and you can join any of a number of

daily fitness classes. Cruise lines are

increasingly catering to passengers

with limited mobility or who are

wheelchair-bound, too, and have no

shortage of cheery staˆ ready to help.

WELLNESS &

OCEAN SWELLS

Big cruise ships have stabilisers to

counter the rocking motion, but if you

suˆer from motion sickness, you’re

probably best avoiding any cruise that

tackles a significant stretch of open

water. You might be fine on a river

cruise or “inside passage” itinerary.

There are seasickness tablets and

patches that can help; book your cabin

STAYING FIT & NOT
GETTING FAT

There is every reason – and no reason
at all – to overeat on a cruise. Be
picky; browse every station of the
buˆet first, then return and choose
a little of what you fancy. We found
the Spa Cafe on the Solstice serving
“healthy alternative breakfasts and
lunches” and often went there for
a light meal. Check the specialty
restaurants and book a “premium”
dinner or two, a treat for a return from
an energetic shore excursion, perhaps.
Ships these days cater for a swathe
of dietary requirements – from
veganism and gluten-free to religious
restrictions. You need to alert the
cruise line in advance, but most
now have a section in their galley
dedicated to special diets. Be aware
that catering to a severe nut allergy,
for instance, may not be possible.
Take the stairs – and that means
up the stairs! Use the walking and
jogging track on the upper deck. It
will be slip-proof and wide enough