By Matt Roseboom
When Becky Davis wasn’t selected to appear on the hit weight loss television show The Biggest Loser, she decided to arrange a cruise. No, not to eat her problems away, but to help others get some weight loss advice from former contestants of the show.
Although not an official The Biggest Loser cruise, the Dec. 6 sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral will give cruisers the opportunity to interact with more than 20 former contestants.
Guests will be able to participate in boot camp style workouts, spin classes and other activities with the contestants. The organizers are also planning trips to restaurants in port and on the ship to allow the contestants to give their tips for eating out and navigating buffets. In addition, they are planning active excursions while in the ports to help guests learn how to incorporate workouts into their vacations.
“Our goal is that once guests leave the ship and head back into their daily lives, they can take what they’ve learned and use it to make their lifestyles healthier,” said organizer Becky Davis. “In addition, we are anticipating that once off the ship, the guests will share what they’ve learned with others who struggle with their weight, thus changing their lives as well.”
Why a cruise?
“Being a single parent, spending a long time away at the (show) ranch is just not the most feasible thing for me to do. But a week cruise while learning is a lot easier,” said Davis. “We believe that a cruise has everything in one place. You have the temptation from the wonderful foods. You have the gym, pool and track. And you have stops in ports of call that allow you to experience eating out.”
The seven-night cruise will visit Coco Cay, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten.
Help others and yourself
A portion of the ticket price will go to help children with chronic illness achieve their dreams through the Victory Junction Camp, located in Randleman, N.C. The camp allows kids to attend at no charge through donations. A second camp is in the process of opening in Kansas.
Who’s cruising
Fitness trainer DJ Jordon, who was the home trainer for Amy and Phil Parham from Season 6 and more recently Tara Costa from Season 7, will be giving helpful advice during the cruise. The organizers also hope to announce a physician and a nutritionist for the cruise soon.
Confirmed to attend so far:
Season 2: Andrea Overstreet and Ryan Smith Kelly.
Season 3: Kai Hibbard Zwierstra, Pam Smith and Heather Hanson.
Season 4: Neil Tejwani, Jim Germanakos and Bryan Washington Andretti.
Season 5: Bette Sue Burklund; Roger Shultz; and Mallory and Curtis Bray.
Season 6: Ed Brantley and Heba Salama; Adam and Stacey Capers; Vicky and Brady Vilcan; Amy and Shellay Creman; Phillip and Amy Parham; and LT and Tom Desrochers.
To participate in the cruise, contact Michael Consoli at 800-913-7245 or visit cruisingforacause.org.
