Taking a look at Cunard Line’s Healthy Menu Options

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

Cunard Line provides cruisers on the Queen Mary 2 with healthy dining options with Canyon Ranch Spa Selections on the menu. If you’re worried about trying to eat healthy on an upcoming Cruise, when dining on the Queen Mary 2, you will find an abundance of health-conscious options.  

On the menu, next to each of the Canyon Ranch Spa Selections, Cunard gives guests valuable nutritional information on each dish. Diners will be able to find out the calories, fat, and fiber.  This is an important aspect, as I may be watching my calorie intake, while another cruiser may be looking for low fat dishes. The selections also take into account portion size and fresh seasonal selections.  

According to a Cunard press release, “In an effort to provide guests with a more complete experience, Canyon Ranch chefs worked closely with Cunard Culinary Ambassador and Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmerman to design spa selections for Queen Mary 2 restaurants.”

“Our superb menus are complimented by Canyon Ranch cuisine that is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

Sample Menus from Queen Mary 2’s Britannia Restaurant
CANYON RANCH SPA SELECTIONS

Lunch
Appetizer — Fennel Soup with Celeriac 90/4/1
Entrée — Baked Cod with Macaroni and Cheese 405/12/6
Dessert — Freshly Sliced Watermelon 120/tr/6

Dinner 
Appetizer — Artichoke Salad 65/5/2
Entrée —Sausage Stuffed Chicken with Fig Demi Glace 390/13/2
Dessert — Poppy Seed Cake 160/8/tr
Nutrition Key: Calories / Fat Grams / Fibre Grams
 
Click here to check out more of Queen Mary 2’s menus. Look for the Canyon Ranch Spa Selections.

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

According to the Canyon Ranch Spa Club’s chefs and nutritionists, they created meals that emphasize healthy eating with: 
Quality Carbs & Fiber
•    Meals focus on healthy carb-rich vegetables, fruits, legumes and moderate portions of whole grains.

Protein Power

•    All meals, including vegetarian options, are balanced with protein-rich food.
Healthy Fats
•    We use fats that are beneficial to health, including extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil and omega-3 fatty acids. We have never used trans fats or other artificial ingredients in our cooking.
Salt Sense
•    Our food is seasoned with herbs and spices to keep the use of salt at a minimum.
Sweetener Savvy
•    We use a variety of sweeteners in moderation; we do not use artificial sweeteners.
 
The above “pillars” focus on eating well without having to sacrifice flavors. I was glad that they addressed limiting salt and sweeteners. For cruisers who need to watch their sodium intake, it would be great to also showcase any low-sodium dishes on the menu. 

The daily selections are great guidelines when ordering to know what the healthier items are on the menu.  As sometimes the item you think is healthy, it ends up having many hidden fats and calories in the sauce or extras.  You eliminate the guessing and might be surprised at how much you like these items even though they are considered “health-conscious”. 

In preparation for the Queen Mary 2’s eighth birthday in January 2012, Cunard Line announced this week the planned enhancements that will take place as part of the refit. Major updates and redesigns during the 14-day refit includes new carpets, curtains, bedcovers and linens. Click here to read the full press release. 

FreshCruiser Tip: Seek out healthy options!  Some cruise lines have a dining area just for healthy "spa" selections that you might miss if you're not looking for it.

Make your next drink on a cruise a healthy one. Order a Bloody Mary!

Photo Credit: Windstar Cruises

A Bloody Mary ranks as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks on both land and sea. Packed full of rich tomato juice, the Bloody Mary offers a variety of health benefits without sacrificing great taste. I love sitting on deck sipping this delicious drink. It took me a few tries to get my taste buds warmed up to the flavors, but now it’s one of my favorite drinks!

According to LIVESTRONG.com, “The main organic compound in the tomato is lycopene. Lycopene gives the tomato its red color and has been found to have antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties.” Also, “tomato juice is a great source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and C.  These vitamins help the immune system by destroying the free radicals in your blood stream that damage cells.” And if that wasn’t enough to convince you of the health benefits, tomato juice is a good source of fiber and can be a natural way to treat high cholesterol. 

What’s great about this drink is that there are many variations that you can make, including: different varieties of hot sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, pickled vegetables, garnishing with shrimp, and a twist of lemon or lime. If you can handle it, order it extra spicy to give a nice little jump start to your metabolism!

Photo Credit: Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises features their Extreme Bloody Mary on their ships. Their recipe includes fresh vegetables, making it a great choice for a healthy drink. 

Click here for the recipe from Windstar Cruises' Blog.

Enjoy, without guilt, the celery stick that often comes with it!  It can help you to curb unhealthy snacking around the ship.  

The amount of calories in a Bloody Mary can vary depending on the type of mixture you create but, each drink will be around 125-140 calories. The total amount of calories is a lot less compared to ordering a Pina Colada (378 calories) or Margarita (280 calories) plus you get the extra health benefits with a Bloody Mary.

Don’t be afraid to order it at any time of the day too! It doesn’t only have to be the drink of choice at brunch. How do you like your Bloody Mary?  Never tried one? Definitely time to start!

FreshCruiser Tip: Watching your sodium intake?  Hold off on the extra salt.

About to leave on a Cruise? Bring this crucial information with you!

Photo Credit: Paul Gauguin Luxury Cruises

Print these items out to be prepared before you sail! 

When traveling, I always make sure everything is organized before I leave.  If any problems or bumps in the road occur, I’ll be prepared as I’ve done my pre-travel homework. In general, I do a quick check of all the documents, emails, order confirmations, etc.  Since I travel internationally often, I can't depend on access to the Internet to grab these documents, that’s why I value printing them and then they are always with me in my carry-on bag.

Cruise Insurance Policy 
It’s good to have this with you in case you need to refer to it for coverage questions.  There are a lot of things that could happen along the way, you might be surprised to find out what’s covered!

Cruise & Airline Itinerary 
I print out copies of my itinerary to go inside all my luggage.  This way, if my bag gets lost or something happens to the tag – it can find its way back to me.  Additionally, as my travels often take me to various locations, especially while on a cruise, whoever has my luggage will know where I am at any given time so I can be reunited with my bags.

Correspondences with the Cruise lines
Print out all documents you’ve sent or related to the cruise.  If you’ve been given an onboard ship credit or made a reservation online for a specialty restaurant, print out the confirmations to have the proof with you. If there are any issues, it will make the process go smoother. 

Passport 
Don’t forget to have a copy of your passport.  My passport is scanned and emailed to myself along with a few people I trust in case I need their help in getting it when I’m abroad.

Currency
I always print out a little cheat sheet with the current exchange rates that I keep in my wallet.  When I was on a Baltic Cruise, every port had a different currency. When we got off the cruise ship each day, we were already prepared and could easily figure out how much items cost. I have found www.xe.com to be useful. 

Calling Card Access Codes 
If you’re like me, your cell phone doesn’t work internationally or is just too expensive.  I often buy a calling card before leaving on a cruise that I can use in every port.  After purchasing the card, I call the Customer Service number to get the local access numbers for each country that I’ll be visiting.  The access numbers are what you need to dial when calling from that country.  I tape the access codes to the card and also do a print out with all the information in case I misplace the card.

In addition to the items I listed above, I also print out local coupons, travel information for the different ports, and any travel guide information if I booked any private tours.  With all this preparation, it helps me relax knowing that I have all the important information at my fingertips.

FreshCruiser Tip:  Going on a cruise can involve a lot of time spent researching and prepping. Don’t ruin your trip by not having the crucial information with you. Take a few minutes to be properly prepared.

Just got back from a Cruise? Time to deal with Cruise Lag!

Similar to jet-lag, I suffer from something called “Cruise Lag” when I return from a cruise and just experienced it again last February when I got back from cruising on the Carnival Paradise. After a cruise, I’m used to eating whenever I want throughout the day. It’s difficult to pass up ice cream as you're walking by it on your way to the pool area or eating a few pieces of sushi to hold you over before dinner. Despite how healthy you may eat, you’re probably still eating more frequently and at different times than normal when cruising. 

Time to transition our stomach back to the real world.

I take my time and don't go 100% cold turkey. I keep a few chocolates for those sweet cravings and try to start limiting those items as the week goes on.  I also normally drink a lot more coffee on the ship then I do in my everyday life; as a result, I slowly reduce my caffeine intake as well.  Cruise Lag may sound silly, but if you experience it, don’t panic and take it one day at a time!

And keep in mind, Cruise Lag not only involves food!  You may find yourself confused and put on a tuxedo for dinner, thinking it is formal night.  Or, upset when your bed isn’t made! What effects of Cruise Lag have you experienced?

FreshCruiser Tip: Start to plan your next cruise! It always helps to get over Cruise Lag!

Want the best view on a cruise ship? Jump on a treadmill!

Photo Credit: Silversea

Don’t be afraid of the fitness center on your next Cruise!
Sweat with a View!

Looking for a great spot to watch the cruise ship maneuver through the inside passage in Alaska or the Norwegian fjords? Or just love the feeling of looking out and being surrounded by water? On most cruise ships, the fitness center has one of the best views on the boat! 
While on shore, gyms can be referred to as stuffy closets with only a few windows.   I sometimes feel silly when I’m inside a gym when it’s a beautiful day outside.  That’s why I love cruise ship fitness gyms.  On a day at sea, I grab a treadmill and enjoy the view!

Photo Credit: Holland America Line

Typically, right after embarkation and some food, I check out the ship’s fitness room.  The cruise staff is normally giving tours, allowing me to get comfortable with the equipment available and to check out the facilities.   That way, I’m not intimidated or “scared” of the unknown.  By the time I leave, I’ll know how to get there and always grab information on the different classes available.  When I decide that I want to work out, I can be confident and know what to expect.

Speaking from experience, not recommended if the waters are rough!  Use the stationary bike!

View of Amsterdam from Celebrity Century

On your next cruise, grab a treadmill and go for walk, jog, or run while enjoying the amazing views!

FreshCruiser Tip:  Going on an excursion but it leaves later?  Check out the port from the treadmill! The fitness center should be empty as most of the other excursions would have already left.

Worried about the weather on an upcoming cruise?

As hurricane season lasts from June until November, it's important to be prepared before you leave.  Check out weather and sea conditions so you'll know what to expect on your next cruise!

These are great sites that I like to use before leaving on a cruise. 

Passage Weather

Weather Underground - Marine & Boating

As Irene causes cruise ship itineraries to be shuffled, cruise travelers need to be informed on how the changes might affect them.  To find out the latest information on changes to your itinerary and embarkation times, keep checking the specific cruise line's website.

FreshCruiser Tip: Be prepared and don't be afraid to keep checking for updates as weather can be unpredictable and weather patterns can change.

Try this tasty Summer Soup on board Princess Cruises

Sapphire Princess -- Galley Photo credit: Princess Cruises

I love soups but always think of soups as hot. I rarely think of making a cold soup. When I’m on a cruise, I always find myself always ordering cold soups as it’s such a treat! With peaches, nectarines, and apricots all in season, it’s the perfect time to try the “Ice Cold Peach and Mango Soup” served on Princess Cruises. The soup is light and healthy, and a sweet way to start off a meal.  Surprise your guests coming over for an end of the summer BBQ with this soup! 

Ice Cold Peach and Mango Soup
Yield: 10 Servings

Ingredients:
1½ lbs stonefruit chunks (mango, peaches, apricot, nectarines, keep some dice for garnish)
4 cups plain yogurt
1½ cups milk
4 tbls honey
1 lb ice cubes

Method of Preparation:
•Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth or to desired consistency.
•Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

The preparation is easy, just need to cut up the fruit, combine and blend.  Looking for ways to make this soup even healthier?  I would use non-fat milk and yogurt. Since the fruit is all in season, taste it first before adding the honey as one tablespoon of honey has 64 calories. By trying the soup first, you'll avoid adding calories that you don't need. This recipe also works well as a smoothie.

Princess offers cruisers the choice between Traditional Dining with fixed time and seating, or Anytime Dining with the flexibility to dine when and with whom you choose. Interested in a typical Princess Cruises menu?  Click here to download the PDFs.  Check out their Lotus Spa dishes which are supposed to be lower in fat, cholesterol and sodium. 

Additional recipes from Princess Cruises can be found on their facebook page. 

FreshCruiser Tip: Wondering what else is in a soup that you want to order? Don't be afraid to ask, all the waiters have tried all the dishes and are trained to know the details about each one.

On a cruise? Stop waiting for an elevator and take the stairs!

My advice to people nervous about gaining a little extra weight on a cruise is to always take the stairs!  It’s so easy to wait for the elevators, and convince yourself that it’s too many floors.  Start by taking the stairs and if it gets too much and you’re out of breath or something is hurting, then you can always stop and take the elevator the rest of the way.  I don’t like waiting for the elevators; so, taking the stairs is perfect for me as I can control how quickly I get to where I’m trying to go. 

According to a livestrong.com article by Shannon Torphy, “the number of calories burned when taking the stairs differs depending on your weight. A 150-lb. person will burn an average of 7 calories per minute walking up the stairs, as opposed to 1 calorie per minute when taking the elevator. A person who weighs less will burn fewer calories, while a person weighing more will burn more calories.” 

Torphy also points out that going down the stairs almost burns as many calories, 6 to 7 calories per minute, as walking up the stairs. “By taking the stairs for five minutes a day five days a week, the typical person can expect to lose about 2.5 pounds in a year.”

How does that equate to a typical day on a cruise ship?
By taking the stairs, you’ll burn approximately 2 to 4 calories per flight. On today’s modern cruise ships, assume you’ll take the stairs to and from all your meals and some activities. You can burn an extra 200-250 calories per day just for switching to the stairs!

Want to burn even more calories while taking the stairs?   
Try these tips! 

• Skip some 

As you are walking up the stairs, skip every other step.  This will further engage your legs and core more. Increase the difficultly by not holding onto the railing as you won’t be tempted to use your arms to help pull you up.  

• Run – Walk

Run up a flight of stairs and get your heart rate pumping and then walk up the next flight to recover, and repeat to you get to your destination. 

• Calf Raises

If you’re the only one on the stairs, take a few seconds to do some calf raises. Stop at the top and have your heels hang off the stairs to allow for a good stretch.  Then raise your heel up as far as possible, then lower and do it 10 – 15 times. Hold on to the railing to help you keep your balance.

Freshcruiser Tip: Next time you’re waiting for an elevator on a cruise ship, consider going up a flight or two of stairs and see how far you can go!