Silversea gets health conscious

Remember the old adage about cruise passengers gaining a pound a day? Faced with extensive menus, midnight buffets, and caloric piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris, I’d be afraid that my bikini would stop fitting halfway through the trip.

But now, Silversea has pledged to fight the cruise industry’s version of the “freshman 15” with its new “Wellness Program.” This foray into healthy vacationing focuses on menu options, fitness activities, and spa treatments.

In the food category, Silversea is now offering healthy dining alternatives that it swears will not compromise on taste or creativity. You’ll find a light/low-calorie menu, a low-carb menu, and vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can also find vitamin boosters and smoothies on the breakfast menu with interesting names like “Mango and Banana Tango” and “Thyme-Scented Plum Crush.”

To encourage lazy guests to exercise, Silversea is expanding the fitness centers on the Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, adding almost 300 square feet that will be devoted to cardiovascular equipment. The Shadow is all set to go after its drydock stay last month, and the Whisper gets her upgrade next year. In addition to bigger workout spaces, each ship will host various fitness programs throughout each day, including morning walks, yoga classes, circuit training, and evening stretching.

Last but not least, the spa is always available for “restorative body treatments.” Many use Elemis aromatherapy products, which supposedly have “unsurpassed therapeutic value.”

If Silversea claims that massages are healthy as well as indulgent, I’m all for it. And I can vouch that Silversea has some excellent vegetarian entrees, though I did think some were clunkers. But if you really think that I’m going to choose the low-calorie, low-carb dish over a cheese-laden entree followed by a gourmet chocolate creation and endless glasses of wine, think again. I guess you’ll just have to find me in the expanded fitness center working off all that good eating.