Cruise Walking

Journal Entry: Weight = 175.2 lbs (2.2 lb slippage since last post, thank Carnival Cruise Lines); Coinage = $5.11, 171 pennies, 16 nickels, 16 dimes, 4 quarters; Glass bottles = 6; Ground scores = 6; Best coinage find = a quarter and dime behind a USA Newspaper stand lost behind a clump of grass; Best ground scores = a discarded designer bed ready to be slightly repaired and recycled.

Journal Entry: Cruise Walking

The MoneyWalkers just completed a five night cruise to the Western Caribbean. The highlight was walking the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the “new” seven wonders of the world. Of the hundreds of Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza is probably the best in terms of excavation and accessibility. While the officials no longer allow walking up the temple, there still remains ample opportunity for fitness walking along the lengthy walks in the park.

We do not recommend money walking during vacation exercise. Still the habit is strong, but Ms. MoneyWalker found our only coin, a penny on the first day. We do recommend maintaining an active exercise regiment and serious consideration for the importance of food discipline. The Carnival line, like most cruise companies prides itself in the quantity and quality of their food and beverage service. In addition to three formal meals a day, there are non-stop eating opportunities essentially 24-7. On the first day, we took the overview tour of the Triumph, the name of our ocean liner. The host, a funny Brit named “Chicken” indicated that on average, cruise guest averaged 1.5 to 2 lbs weight gain a day. His first stops were all food stations. To his credit, the second stops were the health spas and fitness gym. He also pointed to the jogging/walking track high above the bridge.

Sadly, a majority of the guests were either overweight or absolutely obese. The MoneyWalkers budgeted ample time for daily exercise. My regiment included a one hour daily walk on the fitness track. One mile equaled 11 laps and I logged 44 laps each day. It wasn’t enough; the MoneyWalkers both gained a modest amount of weight during the trip. In addition to the formal exercise and the ample amount of walking required by our shore excursions, we actively practiced portion control and judicious portion selection, often selecting the “spa” menu.

There are many joys inherent in taking a cruise vacation, but the trials and tribulations of a cruise are difficult for people wanting to hold the line on weight control. The buyer must beware.

The MoneyWalker