Ultimate Fitness Cruise Ship Charter – WOD on the Waves

CrossFit athletes on WOD cruise ship charter
WOD ship charter - 225 pieces of sports equipment loaded on Mariner of the Seas
The WOD group couldn’t wait to try the equipment while sailing from Miami

The Landry & Kling team recently returned from the first-ever WOD on the Waves cruise ship charter on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. This was the ultimate fitness cruise designed for WOD (Workout of the Day) CrossFit enthusiasts. It was also the first-time event for our client.

The action-packed maiden voyage set sail from Miami January 21, 2019 for a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas. As the group of CrossFit enthusiasts and athletes gathered on deck for the sailaway celebration, the excitement and energy were palpable!

Branding Opportunities

WOD ship charter provided branding opportunities for corporate sponsors.
Deck party with FitAid signage

Our client rented the entire ship to accommodate their 2,800 guests in 1672 staterooms. Because there were no other passengers onboard during the ship charter, they were free to brand the ship.

Signage reinforced brand loyalty for corporate sponsors including Reebok, NormaTec, and FitAid.

The WOD Cruise Ship Charter – Customization Was Key!

WOD ship charter on Mariner of the Seas - classes and workshops on deck
Sports equipment brought onboard

The organizers also took advantage of the ship charter opportunity to customize the entire cruise experience for CrossFit & other fitness enthusiasts.

Landry & Kling helped coordinate shipping and loading of 225 pieces of fitness equipment. Hundreds of weights and kettlebells were also brought on to Mariner of the Seas. This was definitely not a cruise for wimps…or couch potatoes!

WOD ship charter included workshops and classes on deck both night and day
Evening classes and workshops

The Floating “Community of Fitness” offered a once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity with the best athletes and coaches in the world. Four days were packed with over 100 classes and seminars led by health & wellness experts.

In addition, workouts with some of the world’s top CrossFit star athletes were offered. The workout warriors were also treated to a meet & greet dinner with their favorite athletes. Nightly theme parties were a hit! They ranged from an epic 80s dance off to a Neptune Toga Party.

An Unforeseen Challenge and Creative Solution

The WOD Cruise agenda included a 5k run on CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. However, due to rough seas that made tendering from the ship too risky, the cruise line was forced to make a last-minute itinerary change.

A CrossFit 10K was included on Mariner of the Seas during WOD ship charter
Froning Fireball 10K on Mariner of the Seas

The L&K onsite team worked with the WOD Cruise organizers to come up with a creative solution that scored a hit with guests.

The Froning Fireball 10K did the trick. (Rich Froning, four-time individual winner of The Reebok CrossFit Games, was a featured star athlete onboard.).

Fitness enthusiasts were encouraged to form teams of four and divide up the work required to reach 1,000 burpees, 500 calories on an echo bike or ski erg, or 10,000 meters of rowing.

Mariner of the Seas Doesn’t Disappoint!

Mariner of the Seas sports deck
The Mariner of the Seas’ expansive sports deck

Along with classes, seminars, and training sessions, WOD cruise charter guests took advantage of Mariner of the Seas’ ship amenities. These included a vast variety onboard activities, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and 12 dining options.

After a day of workouts, this group of “train hard/party hard” CrossFit cruisers were ready for an exciting nightlife scene. They found it at the ship’s multiple bars, lounges, and entertainment venues.

Mariner of the Seas Bamboo Lounge
Mariner of the Seas Bamboo Lounge

Another bonus: Mariner of the Seas recently completed an extensive $120 million amplification that added new venues and experiences.

These included a new tiki-chic Bamboo Room, virtual reality bungee trampoline, an escape room, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. The WOD on the Waves group loved it all!

The Bottom Line: Was the WOD Cruise Charter a Success?

Running track with WOD cruise runner on Mariner of the Seas

Absolutely YES! Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, athletes, and sponsors, our client signed a 3-year contract with Landry & Kling for more cruise ship charters.

We are currently working on dates and rates for 2020…stay tuned for more details!

Looking for a ship to accommodate your special interest group or music theme cruise? Let us do the heavy lifting! Contact Landry & Kling for a group or charter quote!

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