Cunard outlines complete wellness program for ‘Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage’

The world's famous ship, Queen Elizabeth cruise ship docked at Circular Quay, in Sydney with Harbour Bridge in background. Australia 28/02/18
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Cunard has announced the full wellness program for its Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage that will depart from Sydney in February next year. 

    The holistic wellness program is in addition to the previously announced sporting greats program which features exclusive experiences with Brett Lee, Adam Goodes, Karrie Webb, and Mark Beretta, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in Australian sport. 

    Over the course of the 7-night sailing, guests can fully immerse themselves in the world of wellness, with daily complimentary movement classes, breath workshops and ice bath sessions, as well as talks and demonstrations hosted by two of the most significant names in Australian health and wellness.

    “Given the growing relevance of health and wellness in our society, we wanted to complement our sporting program on this voyage with a holistic wellness component,” director (AU/NZ), Cunard, Katrina McAlpine, said. 

    “Our Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage is an unmissable, once-in-a -lifetime opportunity for all sports and wellness enthusiasts. 

    “We’re excited to have Dr Joanna McMillan and Professor Fontana – two of the most respected names in the wellness area – joining us on the sailing and know our guests can look forward to educating themselves and leaving the ship feeling invigorated and inspired on their own wellbeing journeys.

    “Our extensive and dedicated wellness program is a first for Cunard, and one we know our guests will embrace with their minds and bodies.”

    Two dedicated wellbeing experts

    PhD qualified nutrition scientist and accredited practising dietitian, Dr Joanna McMillan is one of Australia’s most trusted health and wellbeing experts. For the Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage, Dr McMillan will present to Queen Elizabeth’s guests on how nutrition and lifestyle factors impact body and mind today, while promoting positive ageing to allow us to more life into our years. She’ll also be showcasing food for the brain and gut during a cooking demonstration.

    Dr Jo McMillan. (Supplied)

    Professor Luigi Fontana is an internationally recognised and award-winning physician scientist and one of the world’s leaders in the field of nutrition and healthy longevity in humans with a focus on calorie restriction, endurance exercise and metabolism. On board, he will elaborate on the science and philosophy of health exercise and wellbeing and how their interplay can result in a longer life. 

    Professor Luigi Fontana. (Supplied)

    Extensive wellness activities

    Cunard will offer extensive wellness activities on board Queen Elizabeth specifically tailored to wellness enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The activities include complimentary movement classes such as yoga, pilates, spinning, boot camp, Zumba, ballroom dancing, ‘chairobics’, fencing and stretching. Sessions in the thermal suite and meditation classes cater to reset body and mind.

    An ice bath will also be brought on board, with breathing foundation workshops touching on the theory of how breath influences the body. Participants will then put these learnings to the test with a full ice bath immersion.

    Queen Elizabeth’s extensive and fully equipped gym and expert fitness instructors will be on hand, ensuring guests’ fitness regimes can easily continue. The promenade deck walk is a favourite for guests chasing their step count, with three laps of the outdoor loop deck equivalent to almost 1.5km. Healthy smoothies and juices will be available for refuelling.

    Yoga onboard Queen Elizabeth. (Supplied)

    Queen Elizabeth’s Mareel Wellness & Beauty Sanctuary will be a haven for those seeking wellness and relaxation, offering massage and body work including a Thousand Flower Detox Wrap and Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, plus alternative therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology.

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