Five ways to beat the January Blues, cruise ship style

As the New Year sets in and resolutions are promised, improved healthy lifestyle is top of everyone’s to do list.

From eating better to being more active throughout the day, here we take inspiration from some of the top cruise lines to beat the January Blues at home, ensuring you feel your best for the year to come.

1. Pamper yourself at home

What better way to relax than with a rejuvenating at-home treatment or face mask to feel pampered and preened? Capture the feeling of utter serenity with a soothing massage similar to the treatments on-board ships such as MSC, which boasts a selection of Balinese-themed treatments including thalassotherapy scrubs and hot lava stones in its Aurea Spa.

Signature features of the spa include Q-Frequency treatments for tissue toning, treating wrinkles and reducing cellulite – perfect for feeling refreshed.

2. Eat healthier

After feasting on festive foods, January is the time when most seek out salads, fresh fruits and greens – looking to make a bright, well-intentioned start to the New Year!

Take inspiration from Carnival Cruises, who cater to healthy eaters with choices such as breakfasts including veggie omelette, oatmeal and turkey bacon. Make you own Seaday Brunch with fresh fruit platters, grilled salmon fillet and scrambled eggs, or recreate your own salad similar to the ship’s Fresh Creations salad bar, which offers several ways to make a delicious salad just the way you like it!

3. Get active

For those looking to dust the cobwebs off their running shoes or hit the gym this January, broaden your fitness horizons and follow a fun fitness regime – taking notes from one of the leading active cruise lines, Royal Caribbean.

From ice skating to surfing and rock climbing, Royal Caribbean provides more options than ever for an invigorating workout or active exercise. The ship’s fitness centre is also impressive. Featured on both Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas cruises, it is situated on the top deck, offering exceptional views of the ocean.

Aside from running on treadmills or donning your ice skates, why not also get out and about on your own local excursions. Take a leaf out of P&O’s book (who offer some of the most immersive shore excursions), and explore your local area with new eyes. Think whizzing on a zip line through the rainforest of Ocho Rios in Jamaica and walking the steep gorges of the Caminito Del Rey trail in Malaga; seek your own thrills and adventure at home on hiking trails or outdoor picnics.

4. Learn a new skill

Taking up a new hobby or following a new interest is the perfect way to indulge your New Year resolutions and embark on a new journey of learning and fulfilment.

Be inspired by leading experts and celebrities like those seen in Cunard’s Enrichment Programme ‘Cunard Insights’, where you can learn of the challenges and life lessons faced by renowned authors, journalists and presenters such as Anthony Horowitz, Sit Michael Parkinson and Clare Balding.

Learn how to play a musical instrument, learn to ski or even begin dance lessons – taking on a new hobby will leave those January Blues far behind. Princess Cruises provide guests with these very opportunities, offering several activities to keep guests entertained, including meeting Alaskan lumberjacks as you sail to the icy shores of the Great Land, taking hula dancing and ukulele lessons in Hawaii, or learning to play the drums in the Caribbean.

5. Watch your favourite musical with the family

Settling down to watch your favourite film with the family is one of life’s most relaxing moments. Singing along, popcorn in hand, makes for fun-filled moments and happy memories. MSC Meravilglia boasts its very own memory-making show with its exclusive partnership with world-leading entertainers, Cirque du Soleil. Performing twice per night, six times a week, the show is unforgettable and mesmerising; perfect for all the family.

Norwegian Cruise Line also features award-winning entertainment with a whole portfolio of dazzling performances and shows. See Broadway hit the stage with features such as Rock of Ages, a five-time Tony^® Award-nominated musical, or enjoy Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club for fantastic live music and ambience.

Spoiling yourself, getting active and spending time with loved ones are all great ways to chase away the January Blues. But if you really want to get your New Year off to an exciting start? Book a cruise you can look forward to if those winter blues linger!

Have you made any New Year resolutions? Let us know in the comment box below.