While many passengers see a cruise as a time to revel in excess and overindulgence, some can’t afford to do that.
They might be battling with health issues or simply trying to get through their cruise without taking a step or two back in weight and physical condition.
It’s very easy to overeat on a cruise, but you, like many others, might find yourself exercising a lot more than you do at home. That might not be intentional exercise: Many people move more on a cruise because, well, they have to get from place to place on the ship.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares strict rule it can’t break
Visiting ports can also be labor-intensive as sometimes just getting to where your excursion meets can take a lot of effort.
Many cruisers do, however, worry about seeing their cruises throw their diets off track and many are looking for support while they’re on vacation. One Carnival Cruise Line passenger recently made a request to Brand Ambassador John Heald.
And while the request was framed rudely and the passenger went out of their way to insult the kindly brand ambassador, Heald responded with his usual good cheer.
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Image source: Carnival Corp.
Carnival is asked to host meetings
“John I am surprised and I am shocked you did not know what WW meant in the [original poster’s] comment. It is Weight Watchers. I’ve been a WW member for many years and wondered why Carnival does not have meetings during every cruise,” they asked.
Carnival does not forbid hosting Weight Watchers meetings or support groups on board, but it does not officially offer them.
“I have cruised 4 times while on WW program and have never come back with a gain but it was a struggle. John, having support from other WW members in daily meetings would be helpful. There is also not much fresh fruit and vegetables. It is almost impossible to eat healthy on your cruises,” they wrote.
That’s when the email writer went from pushy to ugly.
“You are fat John. Say those words out loud and that will be the first hurdle you can jump over then the hard work begins. WW meetings on each cruise is needed and would be welcomed by many Carnival pax,” they added.
Heald was direct in his answer.
“Thank you and while I do not think we are going to be hosting Weight Watchers meetings on board, I think I must respectfully say that if you wish to eat healthily on board you absolutely can. There are lots of vegetables, a new vegan menu, and massive dollops of fruit,” he wrote.
The brand ambassador also followed up with a joke.
“Oh, and by the way, I know I need to lose weight. I did once attend a weight loss meeting. I got caught in a thunder shower on the way home. I was soaked. It was the funniest example of saturated fat you have ever seen,” he shared.
Carnival passengers weigh in (so to speak)
Janine Calfo suggested that the passenger take the matter into their own hands.
“Here’s a thought — maybe those WW people could just create an event and host THEIR OWN meetings,” she said. “There are PLENTY of options for people to eat healthy.
“On some ships, the Serenity area has a salad bar. So — if you are a person who wishes camaraderie on your weight loss journey, create an event on your ship’s Facebook site and open it for invites. Congratulations, you are now in control of your own lives.”
Other shared that sentiment.
“Most definitely can eat very healthy if you choose. If you want a Weight Watchers meeting on board, create one with your own Facebook cruise group. Plenty of places for you to gather,” suggested Kenna Killion Jackson.
Skip Wagner posted a personal story:
“Was just on a Carnival cruise. My wife is on Weight Watchers. She lost 6 pounds on our 7 day cruise. These people on the Weight Watchers plan that body shame are disgusting. If they go to meetings they know better than that.”
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Many people took issue with how Heald was addressed.
“Such a rude person. So very sorry she spoke to you that way,” wrote Cindy Sanitas Sturtrige. “I help people lose weight for a living and you definitely can eat healthy and lose weight on a cruise. Carnival offers many healthy choices every day both in [the main dining room] and Buffet.”
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