Taking a cruise doesn’t mean you have to return home carrying several extra pounds of personal weight along with your souvenirs.

Yes, the choice of food is endless and available pretty much 24 hours a day, and dining and relaxation are important parts of the holiday for many people.

However, with most North Americans and Europeans more aware than ever of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and cruise holidays attracting a lower age group, many passengers are using their time onboard to keep fit, try a new sport, or at least keep up with the exercise regime they follow at home.

Most modern ships now have large fitness centres that resemble the gyms found in many towns and cities, with state-of-the-art machinery and experts on hand on help. Some are even open 24 hours a day and have a comprehensive timetable of exercise classes featuring everything from aerobics and kick-boxing sessions to pilates and yoga.

Team sports are catered for too with basketball courts on some ships, and it’s not unusual to see joggers circumnavigating the deck on specially sprung running tracks. Golf enthusiasts will find there are ships with driving ranges, and those taking their fitness really seriously can employ a personal trainer to create a programme for them – particularly popular on longer cruises where the temptation to enjoy the pampering is greater.

The healthy options don’t start and finish in the gym – on most ships low-calorie alternatives are available in the main restaurants and many large resort ships have specialist outlets for lighter food, such as sushi bars or ‘spa restaurants’ attached to the wellness centres.

Some cruise lines have banned trans-fats and if you’re looking for the equivalent of a health farm or spa holiday at sea there are even health and wellness-themed sailings. Depending on your destination there are usually plenty of opportunities to get active onshore, too.

Ask your ACE travel agent for details.