There was a time when luxury cruises had seriously bad rep for excess and inactivity, but that’s all changed.

Companies are on board with passengers’ preference for prioritising health and wellness on holiday. No wonder there’s a new generation of travellers looking to set sail.

Here are seven reasons why a cruise holiday could be your ticket to a happier you…

1. Seeing blue

The phrase “our blue mind” was coined by the late marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. It refers to the zen feeling we experience when we’re on, in or near water. Wallace went deeper to explain it’s “a mildly meditative state characterised by calm, peacefulness, unity and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.” Not only that, it’s the antidote to what we refer to as “our red mind”, which he described as the “anxious, over-connected and over-stimulated state that defines the new normal of modern life.” A 2016 study did indeed find that views of blue space are linked to decreased psychological distress – not green as typically assumed. 

2. Stress-busting spas

Cruise ships almost always offer a smorgasbord of relaxing treatments in their wellness spas and thermal suites. Opt for a massage and the benefits are numerous, from improved circulation and reduced inflammation to lowered blood pressure. According to science boffins, just 10 minutes at the hands of a massage therapist promotes higher levels of relaxation, physically and mentally – enough to fight stress. As if you needed an excuse…

3. Plant-based cuisine

Cruises are a magnet for foodies and with menus becoming more sophisticated the options for vegan diners have expanded. Plant-based diets have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. They’re also typically tasty so we advise making a beeline for the buffets bursting with juicy fruit, fresh veg and lean protein. Most cruise companies are happy to accommodate a variety of dietary needs from gluten-free to keto and everything in between. Look out for the healthy choice options.

4. Catching zeds

Mmm, breathe in that sea air! Cleaner, fresher air containing higher levels of oxygen is thought to boost sleep quality. A study by the National Trust found that people sleep an average of 47 minutes longer the night after a decent seaside hike compared to just 12 minutes after an inland walk. So stretch your legs with a few laps of the deck. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be offered a pillow menu featuring feather/down blends, memory foam and hypoallergenic options, along with blackout blinds and a sleep-inducing mattress. There’s something about the gentle rocking nature of a boat that can lull you into a deep sleep, too.

5. Nurturing nature 

When you’re gazing out from the deck you cannot fail to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the skies and the ocean. This connection with the natural world has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Spending time in natural sunlight can be particularly helpful if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D), also known as winter depression. It’s thought to affect up to 1.6 million people in the UK causing low energy levels, irritability, anxiety and poor sleep.

6. Making connections

Humans are wired to be social beings and yet we spend significantly less time connecting with others beyond a hastily tapped out WhatsApp message or a chirpy Instagram post. Cruises are the antidote to the loneliness epidemic that’s causing spiralling anxiety levels. From the staff to your fellow passengers, there are plenty of opportunities to bond. Many ships are abundant in cafes, restaurants, theatres, even libraries. And if you’re more of an introvert, you can easily find space for some alone time, dipping in and out of group situations when you feel like it.

7. Keeping fit

Tempting as it may be to slump onto your lounger sipping a sea breeze cocktail, you’ll find there are way too many reasons to get moving. From fitness suites to deck pools onboard to offshore bike rides and hikes, it’s a great chance to try a new activity. But it’s not only your body that will benefit from a workout. A study at the University of China discovered that cruising can improve your brainpower. Seeing multiple new places as you sail from port to port stimulates the cerebrum, or the thinking area, of our grey matter. 

Who wouldn’t want to set sail and explore the wonders of the world on one of the most luxurious ocean-going liners?

Silver Ray is one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built, welcoming a mere 728 guests on board.

Silverseas’ latest addition to its fleet set out on its maiden voyage in the summer of 2024.

The UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist, ROL Cruise can assist you with every aspect of the booking process. 

For more information visit ROL Cruise