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On a recent visit to the Celebrity Apex’s well equipped gymnasium and inquiring about proper routines for stretching, we spoke with TJ, a warm and energetic staff member trained in fitness and wellness. We were advised of the advances in muscle toning and stress relief with the conversation leading to a new and fascinating percussion therapy, that targets pressure points of muscle and tissue.

Demonstrating the high tech, hand held Hydrovolt machine, we discovered how it delivers pulses of percussive stimulation relieving pain, stiffness and soreness. Sold on the concept, reservations were made for the first day at sea and I’ve filmed a short segment of the process.

Celebrity Apex Gym | Photo: Steve Leland

As a supplemental treatment, dynamic air compression therapy mimics the muscle pump of the legs and facilitates the movement of lactic acid out of the limbs. While a perfectly curated massage is always a staple of any spa visit, an obvious giant step forward has been taken utilizing new technology. 

More Kneading, Less Wanting

In addition to every other spectacular component on the new Celebrity Apex, guests are encouraged to take advantage of the privileged benefits offered by The Spa. This incredible inner sanctum of pampering by leading spa operator One Spa World, is a multi dimensional destination for physical rejuvenation with a staff of 32 trained technicians providing a milieu of treatments. 

The design aesthetic of The Spa is stunning with a brilliant white marble stairway complemented by beautiful stone walls and a centerpiece amethyst crystal all implying the benefits of earth’s natural elements. 

RELATED: Sneak Peek: Celebrity Apex (VIDEO)

Inside the dedicated Thermal Suite, the warmth of a state-of-the-art Desert Infrared Sauna calms the mind and body and stretching out on the heated loungers allows guests to unwind in a perfect zen zone while enjoying panoramic views of the passing Mediterranean Sea. High seas euphoria continues by inhaling the riches of salt in the halotherapy reserve, detoxification of the body in the mist of the steam room as well as the exhilarating rainfall water therapy.  

With a nod towards a traditional hammam, enjoy the cultural ritual of a Turkish steam bath sprawled out on a glistening white marble slab framed by resplendent tile mosaics and stint in the crystal room will induce a true sense of renewal. DIY-ers with good intentions may opt for working out in the exceptionally well equipped gym or participate in the ship’s energetic program of planned activities. 

If the body needs a little nudge from new age technology, the facility offers Cool Sculpting in cooperation with the Ideal Image brand and cellulite reduction via the Ionithermie process. Teeth whitening and acupuncture are also available. 

As for me, I’m making my way to the elliptical, unless it conflicts with lunch time.  Really, this time I mean it 

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Natural Spas Are All Over the World 

Nature has been our pharmacopoeia since time began, with woodlands, grassy valleys, brackish marshes, mudflats, ice fields, tempestuous seas, and flower-filled meadows providing an apothecary to sustain humanity. Botanically, few places on Earth are as well-endowed as Alaska, with its vast and diverse landscape richly abundant in flora and fauna, much of it endemic. Spa therapies are increasingly linking back to natural botanicals and recreating the tinctures, elixirs, oils, extracts, teas, rubs, and scrubs of olden times.

RELATED: Vitamin Sea: Wellness in Bali 

Native medicine and healing plants have been used to calm, soothe, and protect since well before 3,000 AD, with bountiful ingredients harvested from all over Alaska’s rugged 586,400 square miles of land. Mother Earth’s leafy store-cupboard contains a wealth of seeds, berries, bark, twigs, grasses, blooms, roots, sap, honey, and seaweed that are effective in promoting, or treating, human wellness. A seemingly endless supply of curative mineral-rich spring waters and bubbling hot springs have been bathed in, or ingested, for generations.

The Natural Spas of Alaska 

In the temperate rainforest zone of southeast Alaska, where an average of 500 living things can be found in a square acre, fruits, plants, and seeds are blended for facial masks and scrubs. Coral shards and clamshells, picked up from the sands along the Sitka coast, are used as massage tools to stimulate the lymph function and reduce swelling and water retention. At low tide, the mudflats surrounding Fire Island in the Cook Inlet are scoured for nutrient-laced muds rich in marine algae for treatments. Muds from the slow-moving Kuskokwim River, where sediment and organic matter enrich the riverbed along the deepest parts of the 702-mile stretch, are also highly prized for slathering all over a tired body. The intensity of this natural therapy is astounding — enveloping the body in a rising, healing heat to ease fatigue, sore muscles, and over-stretched tendons, with the wriggling invertebrates, buried deep inside the mud, gently tickling the surface of the skin.

Fungus and devil’s club, used in a plethora of salves, teas, syrups, and steam infusions, sprout out of leaf litter in the damp woodlands of Alaska’s interior. In greener, well-drained meadows, there are dandelion roots, fennel, stinging nettles, and garlic waiting to be picked; add them to safflower oil for a….

By Sarah Woods

^{Photo: Ingram Image}

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One of them was held on Seabourn Sojourn, the other on Seabourn Odyssey, and both were overwhelmingly well received. Based on that success, Seabourn and Dr. Weil repeated the phenomenon last year, with their “Route to Ancient Wellness” cruise aboard Seabourn Ovation. It embarked from Athens on November 13, 2019, bound for Dubai, following the old historic Mediterranean trade routes with stops in Agios, Nikolaos, Crete, Haifa, Ashdod, Doha, Qatar, and other enchanting ports, returning to Dubai on December 2. Lectures on board focused on topics such as energy medicine, medical hypnosis, and the health benefits of traditional diets.

Now, they’re about to do it again. On February 21, 2020, the 15-night “Wellness in the South Pacific” voyage embarks from Auckland, New Zealand, on Seabourn Encore. The journey covers each of the country’s islands. Then it heads over to the most scenic ports of Australia, culminating in Sydney on March 8.

Just the thrill of visiting fascinating ports like Rotorua, Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Halfmoon Bay — and a cruise around the steep peaks and misty waters of Milford Sound — before calling on the Australian arts scene in Melbourne and the aptly named garden city of Eden, New South Wales, is destined to be an unforgettable experience.

But for some health-conscious and serenity-seeking passengers, the wonderful ports are not what matters most. These enthusiasts are coming more for what happens right there on the ship than for where the ship takes them.

Dr. Andrew Weil and Seabourn

Every day, guests will enjoy meditation and yoga classes and take part in hands-on demonstrations led by Dr. Weil and a team of the most sought-after and knowledgeable experts on the planet. Dr. Weil is considered by many to be the world’s leading authority on holistic healing, also known as “integrative” medicine. His bestselling books like Spontaneous Healing and Eight Weeks to Optimum Health, advocate an approach to healthy living that combines proper diet and nutritional supplements, yoga, mindful meditation, and other behavioral changes and habits.

On board, he will be teaching those lifesaving techniques and life-extending practices and answering questions one-on-one, so that guests come away with treasured benefits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Much of his focus will be on mindfulness, a simple form of meditation that keeps practitioners centered in the present moment.

And even though most of the activities will take place on the ship, don’t be surprised to find some special shore excursions dedicated to the practice of holistic health. Last November’s “Route to Ancient Wellness” cruise featured a specially designed “mindful living” stop at the Lassithi Plateau in Crete, walking through scenic farmland and visiting a 17^th-century monastery before….

By Alex Darlington

^{Photo: Ingram Image}

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Clean, Green Beauty

Cruising can be harsh on your skin. Stock up on some clean, green beauty supplies at stores like the Detox Market. You’ll want a moisturizer for after a swim, and chemical-free sunscreen for everyday use. Don’t forget hair products, beauty accessories, and even a calming facial mask. Stocking up on quality supplies is an especially good idea if you had to leave some favorites at home for air travel – simply ship these back when you’re done. The Detox Market only offers products that are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly and does not provide items that promote harmful toxins or health-damaging chemicals.

B-12 Booster

Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep (all things that can happen on vacation) can affect your B-12 levels. Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient that keeps your blood cells healthy, preventing symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and weakness. Fortunately, you can get a booster shot to help make your vacation-ready in minutes. Sarah Murphy, ND of Realize a Healthy California describes the benefits of a shot over a standard pill. “The best form of B12 is called methylcobalamin. It is the active form of the vitamin so the body can use it immediately. Vitamin injections are stronger and work faster than oral vitamin supplements sending 100% of the vitamin dosage into your bloodstream to circulate throughout the whole body.”

RELATED: Pack These Vitamins for a Healthy Cruise Vacation 

Mindful Meditation

It’s likely been chaotic getting ready for your cruise. Take a break to visit the Self Realization Lake Shrine. A temple, shrine, and meditation garden in one, this lakeside setting practices the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. According to the group, “All are welcome.” There is no charge to visit the Lake Shrine, although there are purchasable amenities on site. Located in Pacific Palisades off Sunset Blvd, this sanctuary offers one thing that is hard to find in cities or crowds — the gift of silence. Enjoy your trip by taking a moment to quietly reflect.

Your cruise is sure to be fabulous, but it can be even more enjoyable if you take a moment to care for yourself first. Add wellness to your vacation list with healthy products for self-care, vital nutrition for your energy and immunity, and a moment of peace before the excitement begins. Los Angeles is the perfect place to take a break before your cruise begins.

Kate Hagan Gallup is a mom, wife, writer, digital strategist, and geek located in West Seattle. A UW grad, she loves writing about all things local from food to fun. 

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Have you ever found yourself out to sea wishing you had brought along the basic vitamins that maintain your overall health during vacation and endless buffets of delectable food? Well, fret no more! Packing these vitamins along with your other essentials will surely keep your skin, bones, and optimal wellness intact.

The idea is to know what activities you plan to partake in, how much sun you want your body to absorb, and whether or not you’ve been following a vitamin regimen up until the moment you set out to sea. Taking a cruise vacation is one of life’s glorious trips, a chance to experience the world from an entirely new perspective, thus caring for your health during the week or two you’re away adds not only to the enjoyment, but shores up your immune system to reap the benefits of relaxation and joy.

Which vitamins are considered essential?

While there might be a host of supplements to take prior to your cruise, it’s also key to factor in your age, your health history, your primary bodily concerns, and the convenience if you’re not obtaining these nutrients through daily dietary habits. You certainly don’t want to be THAT person who overpacks and overwhelms fellow passengers with a bevy of pills in lieu of fabulous meals.

RELATED: Best Cruise Foods for an Energy Boost 

Following are simple and essential vitamins to place into airtight pill boxes or small baggies that you can tote along easily and take routinely:

• Vitamin D3 – Yes, you’ll be getting vast amounts of sun on the ship, however this crucial fat soluble vitamin helps the absorption of calcium, which ultimately keeps your bones and joints strong. A necessity for anyone who doesn’t want to overindulge with sun exposure. Consider taking the minimum amount of 2000 IU’s.
• Vitamin C – A water soluble vitamin that keeps your immune system free of colds, inflammation, excessive bruising, and is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all tissues.
• Vitamin B-complex – Whether you plan to imbibe alcoholic beverages or not, a vitamin B-complex helps alleviate hangovers, increases your energy, and keeps your appetite healthy.
• Calcium – Continue to build strong bones in order to maintain positive and healthy exercising on the ship.
• Magnesium – This vital mineral helps with insomnia, migraine headaches, calcium absorption, and healthy digestion. It also benefits your heart, therefore while out to sea, it’s a good idea to ensure you can keep up with your fellow travelers.
• Probiotics – Enough can’t be said about taking probiotics on a daily basis. Even if the ship offers bountiful yogurt varieties, adding a probiotic supplement to your daily routine will aid in your sleep, your gut health, and your digestion.

Supplementation can all be safely stowed away and adhered to regularly. Why not increase your health while out to sea?

Vitamins to the rescue!

Gerry Ellen is a published author of three books, a freelance creative writer for several publications, a marketing copywriter, and a wellness entrepreneur. When she’s not out adventuring with her pup and guru, Scout, she’s writing new stories about life and travel on her antique typewriter.

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Move it! … Move it! … Move it!

Blue World Voyages is betting that it can get my fat butt out of a deck chair and transform my cruise experience into an active and healthy one with an exclusive focus on sports, fitness, and wellness.

And from what I learned from the line’s founders, health and fitness entrepreneur Gene Meehan and former Residensea CEO Fredy Dellis, they just might succeed.

Blue World Voyages sets sail in Spring 2021 with the first of three cruise ships designed to appeal to fitness and health fanatics who until now have shunned cruising, believing that it’s all about Jell-O shots, massive buffets, formal dress, and being herded around to tourist traps aboard overly air-conditioned motor coaches. BWV is attracting these first-timers through strategic partnerships with health-focused companies like Outside Integrated Media, Yoga Journal, Well + Good and more.

RELATED: Twenty Years of Onboard Innovations

Veteran cruisers can join the party if we’re into the health and wellness thing. | Photo: Blue World Voyages

Fortunately, veteran cruisers like us can join the party too if we’re into the health and wellness thing because the BWV’s ultimate goal is to create an environment filled with like-minded people (and they probably don’t want all first-timers, because having to explain over and over and over what a tender is and how to put on a life jacket would drive anyone mad). Sailings will be open to adults and active kids 16 and older (which I interpret to mean kids who will happily play something besides video games).

I’m always a little nervous when I suspect someone’s trying to transform my hard-earned vacation into something wholesome and healthy — I envision tofu and broccoli for dinner each night and maybe a white wine spritzer — but as Gene and Fredy revealed their plans, I realized that this just might be the innovative line active cruisers have been waiting for: five-star casual luxury for decidedly active folks.

Imagine:

• A full deck dedicated to sports, exercise, and wellness with cool complimentary stuff like a golf and soccer simulator, batting cages, training center, yoga, spinning, and a TRX studio.
• A second deck focused on rejuvenation, including the largest guest spa afloat with a relaxing therapy tub, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, and solarium.
  

  A seawater pool attached to the side of the ship| Photo: Blue World Voyages

• Three swimming pools including, when docked, a seawater pool that’s created by affixing an open platform to the side of the ship — it even has space for deck chairs — and the bottom of the structure is netted, which means Jaws and jellyfish won’t interrupt your laps. Water toys like wave runners and kayaks will also be available … at no charge.

All that activity will sure work up an appetite, so Blue World Voyages plans to offer a selection of healthy and delicious dining options, from a farm-to-table main dining room to Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, an extensive food-and-wine-pairing lounge, and a demonstration kitchen. The focus at all venues will be rave-worthy dishes — NOT diet food!

Blue World Voyages: Shrouded in Intrigue

At this point, the ships themselves are shrouded in mystery although it appears that two of the three vessels have been confirmed and all three are currently sailing with an unnamed cruise line (or cruise lines). Capacity will be about 500 guests and each ship will undergo an extensive refit before it takes to the seas for Blue World Voyages, transporting guests to off-the-beaten- track ports the world over for — you guessed it — active shore excursions that will include things like cycling, hiking, golfing, water sports, and more.

A two-bedroom owners’ residence | Photo: Blue World Voyages

If all of this floats your boat, consider cruising with Blue World Voyages…or maybe moving in! Those who were paying attention might have noticed that BWV co-founder Fredy Dellis had served as CEO of Residensea, the original live-aboard cruise ship. Fredy and Gene have decided to take the owner’s concept to BWV with 40 spectacular one-and two-bedroom balconied residences available for purchase on each ship. While the hefty price tag (apartments start at $2,350,000 with annual maintenance approximately of $200,000) might be a deterrent to all but the crazy wealthy, lottery winners, and embezzlers, owners may rent out the digs to generate income. And don’t forget that apartments include all include furniture, linens, daily cleaning, free internet, food and beverage, most shore excursions, and, of course, all the sports and fitness activities aboard.

With the way my health club membership fee keeps rising, I just might have to look into it.

For more information, visit Blue World Voyages online. 

— Judi Cuervo

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Each morning begins with as many as 10 of us gathering on the top deck of the 90-passenger SS Legacy for a stretching or yoga session led by one of our expedition guides. It’s a nice ritual and a perfect way to get our bodies and minds prepped for another day of adventure and exploration ashore.

We sail on SS Legacy, a turn-of-the-century coastal steamer replica that gleams in the late-autumn sunshine and recalls a bygone romantic era of river cruising. Our voyage from Clarkston, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, has just three dozen passengers on board, and we all get to know one another quickly while exploring a region that is home to the Nez Perce tribes and served as the final stretch for Lewis and Clark.

RELATED: Just Add Land: Alaska & the Pacific Northwest

Our expedition traces through many of the region’s important historical and cultural places — and for fitness-inclined travelers, an UnCruise Adventures’ sailing is a thrilling and heart-pumping way to explore. 

Bird-watching Walks, Hiking, and Kayaking

“Ooh, look, it’s a double-crested cormorant,” expedition guide Sarah Sinn-White says, excitedly, pointing to a black seabird with a long neck that is lazily soaring loops over the river.

The cruise offers a menu of adventures that are suitable for a variety of interests and desired activity levels, and our itinerary begins with this casual bird-spotting walk on a serene morning. We’re stretching our legs and on the hunt for a variety of birds. The sun is barely peeking out, but morning mists are lifting as about 20 of us wander for a mile and a half out and back along a riverside path while also spotting California quail, kingfishers, blue jays, and finches.

The fresh air and smells of the outdoors invigorate throughout the week as we embrace all the thrills. This gentle walk is just a primer for what’s to come.

SS Legacy sits at a small pier along the Snake River, and later this morning, we’ll hop aboard a speedboat for a tour deep into Hells Canyon. We see eagles, falcons, big horn sheep, and wild turkeys in this rugged part of the river.

UnCruise to Alaska

UnCruise Adventures has built an impressive reputation based on its itineraries in Alaska, the Sea of Cortes, Costa Rica, Panama, and other exotic destinations that feature challenging hiking, bushwhacking, and kayaking opportunities each day.

The cruise line amps up the river experience, as well. Your standard river cruises are defined by the bus tour or city walk to….

By John Roberts

^{Photo: UnCruise Adventures}

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Spa Relaxation

Flower-bath rituals are Bali’s signature spa splendor — most spas will run you a warm herbal bath topped with rose petals to relax in after a treatment. Spas are open till late at night all over the island — and there are no shortages of touts handing out leaflets. They are all good and vary in price.

The most opulent of these spas’ baths is at the COMO Shambhala Estate spa in Ubud. Ask for the Javanese Royal Lulur Bath. The therapy begins with a body scrub, followed by an aromatic, flower-filled bath of mixed healing herbs and spices, and then a body lotion to rehydrate. Relax and rejuvenate Balinese style — your skin will thank you. The spa also offers a popular restorative muscle wrap, a warming treatment that relaxes muscles using traditional Indonesian spices. The Warm Muscle Wrap is recommended for those weary from travel and works wonders for those with rheumatic symptoms. The aromatic spices are very relaxing and guarantee a good night’s sleep afterward.

RELATED: 5 Travel Tips for your Bali Getaway

One way to revitalize while giving back to the people of Bali is to pay a visit to Spa Hati for a massage. This nonprofit spa, with an army of highly trained massage therapists offers restorative massage treatments and fund community health and education projects through the Bali Hati Foundation. For only $15 to $30, it’s worth a visit. Reservations can be made online.

Eat Well

Fueling your body with the right food is so vital to good health that Ubud has become Bali’s capital of healthy cuisine. Find a gentle start to a healthy diet at the organic, open-air restaurant at Soulshine Bali, a retreat located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) outside Ubud. The food is mostly vegetarian (with a few chicken and fish options) and there are many excellent vegan items on the menu. As much as possible comes from their own terraced organic garden which surrounds the restaurant. Breakfasts, chicken-satay skewers and turmeric lattes are sought after by visitors. The local vegetable noodles and tacos seem too delicious to be healthy — but they are. Try the traditional Balinese dishes such as the dadar gulung — vivid green coconut pancakes with organic palm sugar. It isn’t the healthiest item on the menu but it is a local treat of natural ingredients.

In Seminyak, there are plenty of local warung (restaurants) that serve wholesome Indonesian food — but if you want organic, Zula Vegetarian Paradise is the healthiest place to dine or pick up local products. Classic vegan options such as chia-seed raw muesli bowls with tropical fruit and coconut milk are on the menu alongside veggie burgers and healthy Asian options like tofu spring rolls and quinoa coconut curry made with local organic ingredients. Cashew cheese and tempeh substitute cheese and meat on sandwiches and pizza very well. Coconut chips and cacao cashews are healthy souvenirs to….

By Terry Elward

^{Photo: Bisual Photo/Alamy Stock Photo}

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If you’re consistent with a travel plan and want to stay in shape, and want to experience the ride with your newly beloved, why not try partner yoga on the ship? There’s no better way to connect further with your spouse than to stretch and flex and meditate in unison. A partner yoga workout is just the recipe for launching your togetherness after boarding for the duration at sea.

What Does a Partner Yoga Workout Entail?

Solo yoga is perfectly fine in a classroom setting or a home environment. If practiced properly, you can learn new asanas and bring them with you on your vacation at sea. The secret ingredient is to have your partner join you, either side by side, or in acro-yoga style.

Side by side yoga on a cruise works wonders for a harmonious flow. Whichever partner is more seasoned at their practice, they’re typically more adept at leading the poses. If one of the partners is a newbie to yoga, the learning partner can stand behind (and a little to the side) of the teacher. The trick is to not allow the practice to be one of control by either partner. In a dual yoga session on the boat, place your mat about a person-length to the tip of the corner of the other mat. Maybe take turns on who guides the practice, this is your honeymoon afterall.

Whenever one partner opts to lead and the other chooses to follow, that’s where the compassion begins. I’ve been to Cancun with my partner and since I had more years of yoga under embedded in my bones, my partner chose to follow my lead. It worked beautifully and allowed our love to grow. Set aside slow movements and calm voices to gain more awareness.

RELATED: Yoga Transformation in Costa Rica

Acro-yoga has been around for years, and involves a more acrobatic skill to it. Balance, precision, TRUST, flexibility, and willingness are the top ingredients when embarking on an acro-yoga partner practice. If you’ve never tried it, maybe watch a YouTube video together or a specific acro-yoga tape prior to your honeymoon. Engage in some of the partnered moves at home before you set out to sea. Then, once on board, further your newly wedded love with an acro-yoga session.

Getting in the Flow

There’s a host of informative and instructional yoga tapes or classes that you can attend before you’re ready to begin a partnered yoga session on a cruise. Some cruises offer private yoga or yoga classes, and it’s within these scenarios that you’re able to practice together and get in the flow.

Partnered yoga can increase the level of your marital future. Why not start on your honeymoon!

Gerry Ellen is a freelance creative writer, a contributor for several publications, a published author of both nonfiction and fiction books, a marketing copywriter, and a wellness entrepreneur. You can find her portfolio HERE. More of Gerry Ellen’s wellness work alongside her beloved pup, can be found HERE.

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