Caribbean Princess Fitness Center
If you are like me, then the Fitness Center is one of the features you take advantage of on a cruise. It is difficult to find details about the fitness center on a ship, so I am writing some posts about the ship fitness centers I have used recently. My first one was on Sky Princess and now I move to another ship in the Princess fleet, Caribbean Princess. This information was current as of my last sailing in January 2025. As before, I will also go over some information about using the fitness center and what type of activities are normally offered onboard but first, let’s take a look at the important topic of gym etiquette and safety.
Gym Etiquette and Safety
If you are not familiar with how a gym works, there are some gym etiquette and safety items that you should follow when you are in the gym. Most are common sense but the novelty of the gym may have some of these slip your mind.
Read the safety information
Wipe down equipment
See if you need to sign up for the equipment you want to use
Check if there is a time limit for the machine you want to use
Gym equipment can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Even if you have used the same type of machine before, read the instructions anyway. There may be a difference on this particular machine that you are not aware of. If there is an emergency, call 911. There are at least two phones available in the fitness center that I could find.
Wiping down the machine is particularly important on a ship. Not everyone is careful about washing their hands, so take precautions. I recommend you wipe down the machine or equipment before and after you use it. The last person may have forgotten to wipe it down after they were done. The gym will have either disinfectant wipe cloths or they will have paper towels and a spray bottle with disinfectant in it. I recommend you wipe down the equipment and then use a clean hand towel, usually available in the gym, to wipe it down.
Some equipment, especially cardio equipment like treadmills, may have a signup sheet. Check to see if there is one on the machine or maybe one hanging on the wall near the machines. To be sure, you can ask the fitness center staff.
Also with cardio equipment, there is often a posted time limit. This allows everyone a chance to get access to a machine. Usually it is 30 minutes if there is one. This may not be long enough for the workout you do, if so then try to go at an off-peak time where other machines would be available for others to use.
Exercise Equipment
On Caribbean Princess the Fitness Center is located on Deck 16 (Sun Deck) fwd. As Caribbean Princess is an older ship (launched in 2004) the Fitness Center is in a prime location and you will enjoy beautiful views over the bow of the ship as you do your exercises. It is a joy to see the sunrise as do your morning exercise routine.
The Fitness Center on Caribbean Princess is smaller than what you find on larger ships but has all the equipment you would expect to find on a cruise ship. The posted hours for the fitness center are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The busy hours are between 7-9 in the morning and then around 5-7 in the evening. The sign at the entrance states that children under 16 years of age are not permitted to use the facilities unless accompanied by an adult however they are not allowed to use the weights. The diagram below is my rough sketch of the layout of the Fitness Center. I’ll break up the area by defining a set of “zones” and then describe the equipment in each of these zones along with some photos. In the diagram you can see I have defined four zones along with the studio where the fitness classes are held. I’ll describe each zone and what equipment or activities are available in that zone.
Caribbean Princess Fitness Center Layout
Zone 1
In Zone 1 is where you will find the dumbbells and two adjustable benches. The dumbbells range in weight from 5 lbs. to 75 lbs. There is also a rack with smaller weights available, an EZ bar, and a roman chair back hyperextension machine.
Zone 2
Zone 2 is where you will find the Technogym exercise machines and a variety of cardio machines. The machines in this area are:
Chest Press
Shoulder Press
Pec/Reverse Fly
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Smith Machine
Leg Press
Low Row
Abductor/Adductor
(2) Rowing Machines
(2) Glide Trainers
(2) Step Trainers
Zone 3
In Zone 3, overlooking the bow of the ship, are the treadmills.
Zone 4
Zone 4 is a small area where you will find two stationary bikes and a Vertical Traction (Lat Pulldown) machine. There is also a water fountain and refill station here.
Studio
The Studio is the workout area where they hold the fitness classes. Princess currently has a partnership with Xponential Fitness. They were no longer offering any free classes in the Fitness Center but you will see Zumba and other classes like that on the ship’s daily schedule of events. Those classes are held elsewhere on the ship such as the Piazza. The classes offered in the Fitness Center were, Stretchlab, Yogasix, Club Pilates (Floor Pilates), Pure Barre and Cycle Bar. There is a signup sheet for the classes on a table in this zone.
Conclusion
The Fitness Center on Caribbean Princess has everything you may need to keep your exercise routine up while onboard. The equipment in the fitness cernter was updaed during the last dry dock with brand new Technogym equipment. Unfortunately, during the remodel, the ceiling was lowered and the universal machine would no longer fit. Despite that, it is now my most favorite gym of any Princess ship I have been on.
I hope you have found this blog informative and that it helps you to decide if Caribbean Princess is the right ship for you.
