Mind/Body Cruise to be held on Carnival Glory

[Jason]

Third Annual Mind/Body Cruise to be held Aboard Carnival Glory Dec. 2-9, 2006

MIAMI – From yoga and tai chi/qigong classes and cooking demonstrations to fitness and nutrition workshops hosted by leading wellness experts, the third annual “Mind/Body Cruise” offers a variety of interesting and insightful activities designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

Sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines and Shape and Men’s Fitness magazines, the week-long health and wellness cruise takes place aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory Dec. 2-9, 2006, departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. Ports of call include Key West, Belize and Cozumel.

“Wellness has become an important part of American’s daily lives. We’re delighted to team up once again with Shape and Men’s Fitness magazine’s to host this interactive week-long wellness cruise which offers insightful workshops and demonstrations to help guests get on the road to healthier lifestyles,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

“It’s easy to understand why consumers today would want a vacation that allows them to feel good while having a good time,” said John Balen, corporate promotion director at Shape and Men’s Fitness magazines. “We are thrilled to partner with Carnival once again to continue to provide this unique health and wellness program that brings the magazine pages to life.”

Classes focus on tai chi/qigong, meditation, yoga, and pilates, as well as nutritional seminars on the effect of different foods on mood and energy levels, and the impact of vitamins, minerals and supplements on the body.

A variety of fitness classes, including “Jamaican/Caribbean Cardio Dance,” strength training, “Shipshape Boot Camp,” and Beginning Capoeria Martial Arts, is also included. There are also cooking demonstrations that provide participants with helpful tips for preparing delicious, guilt-free dishes.

Leading the workshops and demonstrations will be some of the nation’s top experts in fitness, nutrition and wellness, who will also be available to answer questions and conduct one-on-one wellness evaluations. These experts include:

Teri Hanson – A personal trainer and group fitness instructor for more than 20 years, Hanson is assistant fitness editor for Weider Publications, contributing to such magazines as Shape, Natural Health and Fit Pregnancy.

Elizabeth Somer – The author of several nutrition and wellness books and a contributing editor to Shape magazine, Somers is a consultant for NBC’s “Today” and a former nutrition correspondent on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Maria and Kent Burden – Authors of the award-winning book, “Yin Yang Fitness: The Whole Package of Health” and creators of a series of mind and body DVDs, the Burdens have made numerous appearances on television programs in both the U.S. and U.K.

Garth Somerville – The self-described “Fitness Ambassador to the Caribbean,” Somerville is the fitness director for Sandals resorts and known for his high-energy style combines live drumming and Caribbean dance moves.

Steven Stiefel – A fitness instructor for more than a decade, Stiefel is a contributor to Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Fitness, Flex, Hers and Physical magazines, and author of two fitness books with Ulysses Press.

Karen Koumas – A group fitness instructor since 1985, Koumas’ classes are designed to increase strength, balance and flexibility. A certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she has also appeared on numerous fitness magazine covers.

Jeffrey Scott – A Reebok University global master trainer and an international fitness presenter, Scott has starred in more than 20 fitness videos and has made numerous television appearances including “Wake Up New York” and NBC’s “Today” show.

While aboard the Carnival Glory, “Mind/Body Cruise” participants can enjoy a 13,300-square-foot spa featuring exercise equipment and workout facilities, as well as whirlpools, saunas/steam rooms, and health and beauty treatments. Carnival Glory also includes four swimming pools – one with a 214-foot-long water slide.

Dining venues include two two-level main dining rooms, an expansive 1,200-seat casual eatery poolside and an elegant upscale supper club. Health-conscious menu items, including a nightly vegetarian selection and “Spa Carnival Fare,” guilt-free dishes that are lower in sodium, fat, cholesterol and calories, are available in main dining rooms, while the poolside eatery boasts a 35-item salad bar and a 24-hour frozen yogurt station.

Carnival Glory also features numerous dancing and entertainment venues, including a piano bar, wine bar, sports bar, and an elaborate multi-level theater showcasing lavish Vegas-style entertainment.

“Camp Carnival” and “Club O2,” programs offering expansive facilities and age-appropriate activities for children and teens, respectively, are also available.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming “Mind/Body Cruise” aboard Carnival Glory. Prices begin at $679 per person based on double occupancy and include all “Mind/Body Cruise” activities.

Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from more than 170 North American gateways, are also available.

Source: Carnival Cruise Lines