It's true that many people do take too much advantage of all of that gourmet food.
Having gained five pounds on each of my first two cruises, I realized that I needed some doable strategies so that my future vacation souvenirs did not include more weight and guilt.
Try all or some of these:

1. Check the "healthy choice" meals on the menu.
   Many cruise lines now offer entrees that are both tasty and figure-friendly.
   
2. Skip sauces.
   Cruise lines are happy to comply with requests to prepare a meal without the sauce that's in the description.
   
3. Skip desserts or take advantage of the fantastic fresh berries or other fruits that are on the dessert menu.
   
4. Don't skip meals.
   Don't get so caught up with sleeping in, participating in shipboard activities or touring ports that you miss meals.
   Better to have something small and healthy than to be overly hungry later.
   
5. Take advantage of those fresh fruits and vegetables to include a couple of very small healthy snacks between meals.
   
6. Watch your calorie intake through beverages.
   If you enjoy alcoholic drinks, check the calories on some of your favorite ones in advance to make the best choices.
   A pina colada or margarita has as many calories as a small meal.
   Having one as a treat is a better choice than having a couple a day.
   Enjoy a mixed drink with a diet soda mixer.
   Beer and wine have less calories than most mixed drinks.
   Instead of sodas, opt for diet sodas or juice spritzers made with seltzer water, or enjoy the free iced tea, coffee and hot tea.
   Tap water on ships is safe to drink or purchase bottled water.
   The Washington Post's "Alcohol Counts" is one of many good online sources on which to check calories.
   
7. Drink lots of water.
   Whether you are home or on vacation, it helps to fill you so you are less hungry.
   Water has zero calories and quenches your thirst better than sodas and alcohol.
   Plus water will help keep you hydrated which is especially a warm weather bonus.
   
8. Include exercise daily.
   Most ships have jogging tracks, fitness classes and gyms.
   You'll likely find the ship's gym to be nearly or just as good as the one near your home.
   In fact, the gyms on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have more exercise equipment than do any landside fitness center that I've visited.
   Calculate a couple of extra minutes to get where you're going so you can burn more calories by taking the stairways rather than riding on the elevator.
   Don't forget some of the fun options available on larger ships which can include rock-climbing, inline or ice skating and playing basketball!

You can enjoy the things you like best during your vacation, but with moderation.
Using a little thought toward decisions food, beverage and exercise choices, your wonderful vacation memories won't be marred by concern over losing a few pounds you quickly put on the previous week.