IF YOU ARE A TRAVELER WHO LIKES to cruise, try something different — a healthy living cruise. Many travelers associate cruise vacations with unhealthy activities such as excessive drinking, partying and all-you-can-eat buffets served around the clock. This has been the stereotype for cruising for many years. However, the tide is turning for cruises as many travelers now look for healthier alternatives.

More than 42 million Americans are considered conscientious healthy lifestyle consumers; they take care of themselves, eat well, stay active and seek new experiences and healthier vacations.

Health-conscious cruising is a fairly new concept, but the number of specially themed wellness cruises is on the rise, with nearly every premium and luxury cruise line launching its own wellness program. Offerings include everything from spa treatments to meditation and yoga classes to healthy cuisine. Many cruise lines design sports-related shore excursions, from hiking to cycling to kite-surfing and mountain biking, with the healthy lifestyle traveler in mind.

On a traditional cruise, you travel with thousands of people, but many of the smaller ships promoting wellness accommodate fewer guests to meet passengers’ healthier lifestyle needs. They give the voyager more cabin space and individual activity space for personal discovery on board and continue the active lifestyle ashore. Smaller vessels can reach places the mega-ships cannot. They navigate to get active guests closer to the unspoiled reefs, hidden waterfalls and hiking trails not usually found near larger ports of call.

A new cruise line dedicated 100 percent to sports, fitness and wellness, Blue World Voyages plans to transform three 900-passenger ships into 350-passenger vessels, with healthy culinary programs, onboard fitness activities and shore excursions designed to appeal to a growing number of active mid-life travelers.

The ships will provide high-quality equipment with the supervision passengers need to achieve the ultimate adventure, whether it’s snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, golfing, taking photos or just sampling the best food and drink the locals serve. An app will help passengers find that special local cuisine or attraction. Since these ships tend to stay later in each port, you have more time to enjoy yourself on shore.

The top level will become a Spa Deck for relaxation and meditation. There, amenities include a therapy tub, spa pool, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and a solarium. For the ultimate sybaritic experience, 12 private Bali beds allow guests to sleep under the stars and wake up to a butler-served breakfast.

An entire deck devoted to sports and fitness features a spacious training gym; pro-style batting cages; golf, soccer and hockey simulators; spinning and TRX studios; yoga classes and more. Perhaps the most eye-catching amenity: a platform that descends from the side of the ship to create a sea-water lap pool with a safety net to protect swimmers from the surrounding sea life.

Passengers also have access to a healthy juice bar.

For travelers who love golf, Blue World Voyages will offer two golf-only cruises yearly, devoting an entire deck to sports activities including two golf simulators, a putting green, pro shop and a teaching pro. This golfer’s voyage of a lifetime will travel to golfers’ paradises such as St. Andrews in Scotland and Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. Passengers can bring their own golf clubs or use the ship’s equipment.

Dining is an important part of the overall cruise experience. Blue World Voyages will serve delicious and nutritious cuisine while focusing on good health. In each port, chefs will seek out the best local fresh ingredients for farm-to-table and sea-to-table menu choices. Executive Chef Tim Andriola, who worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the United States including Chez Panisse, Charlie Trotter’s and Tra Vigne, specializes in farm-to-table cuisine.

Whether you choose a cruise line offering wellness-themed voyages or a company devoted solely to an active, healthier lifestyle, make a healthier change with a getaway designed to better your mind, body and spirit.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.