Best

Travel: Good health ahoy!

If you think cruises are all about indulgence, get ready to think again. Here’s a ship where you can get active, and see some of the Med’s most glam cities

- BEST TRAVEL WRITER DEIRDRE O’BRIEN

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT

The image of cruises tends towards loafing in the sun, indulging in non-stop eating and drinking, and perhaps bringing back a little extra baggage... Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can eat and drink well, and still manage to enjoy some ‘me’ time that will have you back on dry land not only relaxed, but fitter and fizzing with energy. A short cruise around the Mediterran­ean – taking in Rome, Naples and Barcelona – could be just the ticket to leave you relaxed, rejuvenate­d and raring to go.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

The Norwegian Epic is one big ship, with capacity for 4,000 people. Escape the crowds in the stateof-the-art Pulse fitness centre, where you can work out while admiring the sea view. There’s a range of exercise classes, too – early-morning yoga on the top deck is a great way to start the day. Or lace up your running shoes for a sprint around the jogging trail. And, if you’re feeling adventurou­s, try the climbing wall. There’s also the Mandarin Spa, where you can indulge in massages and facials, alongside a Jacuzzi and thermal suite.

‘A short cruise could be just the ticket to leave you relaxed and rejuvenate­d’

DON’T MISS

What better way to explore the Italian city of Naples than on two wheels? Burn calories cycling through buzzy streets before meandering along the coastline. You can also climb up dormant volcano Vesuvius or visit Pompeii, the city preserved after one of its eruptions.

GETTING THERE:

The Norwegian Epic departs from Rome on a four-night voyage – with port breaks along the way – to Barcelona. Fly cruises regularly run from April to October 2017. Priced from £1,060 per person based on two adults sharing an inside stateroom and flying from London Heathrow on 4 October 2017. This includes Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Premium All-Inclusive innovation, which sees a selection of premium alcoholic and nonalcohol­ic drinks, service charges and gratuities included in the price of the package. To book, visit ncl.co.uk or call 0333 2412319.

FOOD AND DRINK

You can eat anything from pasta and pizza to sushi and suckling pig. Try Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki, enjoy French fare in Le Bistro, or sample a tasty steak dinner in the Spiegelten­t to the eye-dropping acrobatics of the Cirque du Cabaret.

 ??  ?? The beautiful Gulf of Naples Mount Vesuvius rises above the city
The beautiful Gulf of Naples Mount Vesuvius rises above the city
 ??  ?? All aboard for adrenaline-pumping activities and soothing retreats
All aboard for adrenaline-pumping activities and soothing retreats
 ??  ?? Be sure to stroll through Naples’ historic old town
Be sure to stroll through Naples’ historic old town

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