Some cruises offer creative ways to stay fit while at sea. In this Travel with Val report, Time Warner Cable News’ Valarie D’Elia lists the most active cruises to keep your kids moving while on vacation.

Historically, cruises have been more about food than fitness, but that concept is experiencing a sea change.

“Instead of thinking of your cruise as a place to gain weight, you can think of it as a place to get fit,” says Kyle McCarthy of Family Travel Forum.

With the launch of each new cruise ship, families are finding that they do not have to leave their fitness routine back on shore.

Royal Caribbean’s latest, Quantum of the Seas has blown out of the water the range of options available for active cruisers - going well beyond their trademark rock climbing walls and surf simulators to offer a skydive air tunnel and bumper cars.

The Vista, Carnival’s newest ship, due out next year, has the latest what-will-they-think-of-next attraction. The so-called Sky Ride will be suspended from an 800-foot long track positioned above the top deck, allowing passengers to actually propel themselves on a souped-up bicycle.

Perhaps the most luxurious ship at sea, the Europa 2, is a bit more down to earth, offering mountain biking excursions in many of its exotic port of calls.

The New York-centric Norwegian Breakaway gives passengers an opportunity to get their kicks from some long-legged dancers. Members of the legendary Rockettes are onboard once a month, teaching choreography and fitness classes.

Finally, getting into shipshape does not have to mean trying some flashy exercise gimmick because every cruise liner has an ad-hoc stair master.

"Use the steps, they’re carpeted, they’re lavishly decorated with art work, so it’s really entertaining. No reason to get on an elevator, no reason at all. You need a way to work off some of those calories," says McCarthy.