How I Lost 14 Pounds on a 12-Day Cruise: The Full Story

 

How I Lost 14 Pounds on a 12-Day Cruise: The Full Story

Cruises are often associated with indulgence—buffets, desserts, endless cocktails, and lazy afternoons by the pool. In fact, the average weight gain on a 7-day cruise ranges from 7 to 14 pounds. So how did I manage to lose 14 pounds on a 12-day Caribbean cruise? Not only did I lose weight, but I also trimmed 3 inches off my waist. Let me tell you the full story of how I turned a vacation into a weight-loss transformation.

The Starting Point

This wasn’t a single cruise—it was two back-to-back cruises, a 5-day and a 7-day voyage. I set sail at 209 pounds and returned home at 195 pounds. At 6'1", 209 pounds isn’t considered overweight for me, but I wanted to shed some inches around my midsection. December had caught up with me, and I decided the cruise would be the perfect setting to kick-start my weight-loss journey. While most people were indulging, I was losing a little over a pound a day. Here’s how I did it.

The 7 Secrets to Weight Loss on a Cruise

1. Make the Decision

The foundation of my success started with a decision: my body would not own me—I would own my body. I chose to stop drinking diet sodas, Monsters, and other caffeine-laden drinks, with the exception of black and green tea. I committed to eating sensibly, sticking to my workout routine, and staying active. I decided to take advantage of the cruise to build healthy habits and set a goal to lose 18 pounds. I fell slightly short but was thrilled with the 14 pounds I lost. My first step was simply deciding that this cruise would be the start of a healthier lifestyle.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water was my best friend. I drank plenty of it throughout the day, always adding fresh-squeezed lemon for flavor and health benefits. In the morning and at dinner, I allowed myself tea with caffeine, honey, and lemon. I avoided alcohol, coffee, and soda entirely. Hydration is key to flushing out toxins, keeping energy levels high, and maintaining focus. A person needs to drink half their body weight in ounces of water daily, and I made sure to hit that goal. This was especially important under the hot Caribbean sun.

3. Skip the Elevator

Every time I needed to get somewhere on the ship, I used the stairs. Not once during the entire cruise did I take the elevator. This small but consistent effort kept my metabolism active. My mother once told me to skip every other stair to build quad muscles, so I did just that, walking briskly and skipping a step each time. These bursts of exercise added up, boosting my heart rate and burning calories.

4. Exercise Regularly

Out of 12 days, I worked out for 10. Each session lasted an hour and included both cardio and weight training:

• Three days of cardio: I used a recumbent bike while watching TV.
• Three days of weight training: I used free weights and the ship’s gym equipment.
• Four days of a mix: Combining cardio and weights kept things balanced.

I don’t live to exercise—I exercise to live. Sweating out toxins and excess salt helped me drop water weight while building strength.

5. Stay Active and Engaged

While others lounged by the pool or drank cocktails, I chose to participate in the ship’s activities. Each morning, I reviewed the daily planner and scheduled my day with as many events as possible. Tournaments, games, and activities kept me moving and distracted from food. From morning until midnight, I was busy and engaged. This not only burned calories but also prevented the boredom that often leads to overeating.

6. Walk at Ports

At each port of call, I walked as much as possible. Instead of booking organized tours, I spent time at the beach on four of the five stops. Splashing in the water doubled as exercise, and I even incorporated light water aerobics. Leisurely walking and staying active during shore excursions added to my calorie burn for the day.

7. Eat Sensibly

Here’s the most surprising part: I didn’t starve myself. In fact, I ate well—very well. But I made mindful choices:

• Breakfast: Six slices of watermelon, two cups of yogurt, 12 prunes, three figs, a four-egg omelet with bacon, ham, and cheese, tea with honey and lemon, and water. Sometimes, I swapped the watermelon for other fruits.
• Lunch: I skipped it entirely, opting for a light snack in the afternoon. My snacks included pizza, desserts, ice cream, or frozen yogurt cones—indulgences in moderation.
• Dinner: A feast of 1-3 appetizers, 1-2 entrées, and 1-3 desserts. I focused on the protein, sampling other dishes without finishing them. I also ate bread without butter and chose the early dining option to give myself time to work off the meal in the evening.

Despite the indulgent options, I stopped eating when I was full and avoided snacking after dinner. This strategy kept me satisfied but not overstuffed.

Why Cruises Are Perfect for Weight Loss

Cruises offer everything you need to lose weight: a controlled environment, plenty of physical activities, and a wide variety of healthy food choices. You’re free from distractions like emails and daily stress, making it the perfect opportunity to reset your habits. With no one questioning your choices, you can focus entirely on your goals.

Conclusion

A cruise can be much more than a vacation—it can be a life-changing experience. By staying active, eating wisely, and making conscious decisions, I turned my 12-day trip into a transformative weight-loss journey. The next time you book a cruise, consider using it as a springboard for healthier habits. When you return home, your family and friends will notice the difference, and you might just inspire them to join you. Isn’t it time to plan your next cruise?