AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program with Fitness Classes on a River Cruise
Selina Wank is the sports director on AmaWaterways' AmaLyra, and she leads up to six fitness- classes a day on the ship that sails in France. Classes include yoga, jogging and cardio.
The river cruise line that first brought you the biking and hiking/walking tours through its partnership with Backroads is adding even more fitness and fun to its voyages.
AmaWaterways has launched a wellness program onboard its AmaLyra ship that sails in Paris and Normandy. The program is led by "sports scientist" Selina Wank and features four to six classes daily, including morning stretches, jogging, yoga, cardio and core strengthening and circuit training.
For several years, I have been taking more and more river cruises and loving the food, tours, cultural aspects and overall pace of these trips. I always have been able to seek out my own extra activities that satisfy my craving for exercise, too.
In recent years, though, cruise lines have been developing itineraries and programs that appeal more directly to fitness-inclined travelers. Travelers of all ages are craving these types of challenges and exciting voyages, and AmaWaterways continues to lead the way.
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With the new wellness program on AmaLyra, activities will be complemented by discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation techniques.
"Being active and healthy while traveling is something that is personally, so important to me, and as a company, AmaWaterways has been embracing active travel for more than a decade," said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "We believe guests are looking to take steps to ensure that their vacation time is an extension of their wellness-oriented lifestyle, and we are so happy to continue introducing new ways for travelers to remain healthy while on board our ships."
AmaWaterways began focusing on active travel trends in 2006, becoming first to add 25 bicycles onboard each European ship. AmaWaterways also expanded its award-winning biking and hiking shore excursions to offer each type of excursion at different paces to meet the fitness levels and give passengers options. Additionally, the company increased its relationship with Backroads — a leader in active travel — in 2017 and offers more than 50 fitness-themed sailings.
AmaWaterways also is well known for carefully curating its menus to give cruisers healthy options -- using locally sourced ingredients. Gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian options are always available.
"Wellness has now become more of a lifestyle, than just a single activity, and we know the importance of sticking to a healthy regimen when onboard," Karst said. "We will always look at ways to connect the pleasures of travel and cuisine and to accommodate our health-conscious guests."
AmaWaterways expects to introduce its wellness program onboard additional ships in 2018. Additionally, in 2019, the line debuts of AmaMagna, an innovative ship that will be twice the width of traditional European vessels. AmaMagna will feature a river cruising first: a retractable water-sports platform and expanded fitness and spa facilities.
Exciting stuff! Who's set to meet me onboard?
Thanks for reading.
Travel fit! Travel happy! Travel often!
JR
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