Doing laps on a cruise ship running track has been on my bucket list for a while.
No more, thanks to my recent maiden sail on a Virgin Voyages cruise (going to Miami-Mexico-Bahamas) and its iconic Virgin-red running track.
The 250-metre Virgin Voyages running track became my morning ritual, as made the most of being an early riser to see in the sunrise in a new location each day and enjoy the track to myself before other passengers woke up.
Precious alone time and exercise on board, especially when the entertainment and food options are so good. It also allowed me to tick off the weekly Joy Runs theme – which just so happened to be ‘Views’.
Add more joy to your runs 💌
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The rundown of Virgin Voyages running track
Rather than run the full length of the ship, the Virgin cruise running track loops around a smaller upper deck. This means you’ll be doing A LOT of laps, with six laps the equivalent of one mile. There’s also a 90m sprint marked out for anybody wishing to take their workout a little more seriously.
Early birds will generally have it exclusively to themselves until sunrise, which in my case was about 7am on the Miami to Mexico, Riviera Maya cruise. Then you’ll be treated to a glorious golden hour sunrise with views that go on for miles.
The track is pristine, just like the other public areas of the ship and cabins.
What I loved about the Virgin Voyages running track
Joy 1: Zero traffic on a cruise ship running track!
I love to run on holiday, believing that running is the best way to explore somewhere new on fast-forward.
A cruise ship running track is a slight twist on that, where new routes and spontaneous encounters are swapped with a different backdrop every day and the calming ebb and flow of waves at sea.
The virgin voyages running track is located on the top deck. It’s open 24-hours-a-day and well-lit after dark, thanks to the glow-up Virgin logo, therefore ready whenever the mood strikes. I tended to go up 6am-ish, grabbing a quick coffee at The Galley en route.
Drenched in the trademark Virgin-red, you’ll find two lanes around the 250 metre oval track – runners generally take the left lane, with walkers and talkers who are there for the views sticking to the right.
The simplicity of the track and quietness early on was a welcome contrast to the labyrinth nature of any cruise ship and the relative busyness of social areas during the day. Welcome calm for an introvert.
That said, it would make for an excellent viewing platform for people watching during the day, as the Virgin Voyages running track overlooks the pool and some of the main chill-out areas. Just don’t forget your sunscreen if running during the day.
Joy 2: Be the first to see in new destinations
Docking times tend to coincide with the sun peaking up above the horizon, so you’ll also have a new country or destination as a backdrop on some days.
On my cruise, it was the vibrant colours of Mexico, the stunning white beaches of the Bahamas, and the skyscrapers of downtown Miami – adding welcome variation to the many laps you’ll end up doing.
Joy 3: The calm of running at sea
Whether it was the endless views for nautical miles or the soothing rhythm of the ocean, I entered an almost dreamlike state doing laps of the Valiant Lady. Moving meditation before ship wakes up for the day. Besides the occasional shopping boat or distant shoreline, it really is just you, the track, and your thoughts.
Check out those sunrises too – next level!
Joy 4: Mix it up with the 8 Legs Run Club
The Virgin 8 Legs Run Club (8LRC) is a fun meet-up for anybody looking to get their steps in on board.
They typically set challenges to complete on your own terms, such as running laps at different paces or hitting milestone distances.
The challenges felt a little basic on my cruise, however I can see the potential here, especially if you could unlock perks or merch for taking part.
Joy 5: Work up an appetite for meal times
Virgin Voyages prides itself on its food options, which I agree are sensational. My inner piglet was happy. I was really impressed by the fitness options on board for anybody wanting to keep fit and/or work up an appetite.
From sunset yoga, to the well-equipped gym, HIIT room, cycle classes, and the running track, it has something for everyone.
As a first-timer to cruises, this was by far the biggest surprise. A niggling back injury meant I couldn’t do them all but I’d love there to be a next time.
The option to run in every new destination
Exercising on a cruise ship with a running track won’t be for everyone, some people are far more free range.
Next time, I think I’d like to explore each new destination with a quick 5km-10km as soon as we dock in port. It’d be a good way to scope out the best places to go and see a more authentic side, as a local would. Then showering back on-board and showing off your discoveries to your travel buddies later in the day.
Have you got any questions about cruise ship running tracks? Or love them as much as me?
Let me know the comments box below…
