Paula Radcliffe’s number one thing to pack for her first cruise

Words by Harriet Mallinson

Renowned long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe, 51, recently took on a new challenge: her first-ever cruise.

She was invited onto the iconic Cunard ocean liner Queen Mary 2 to give a motivational talk, “sharing anecdotes from my career, focusing on overcoming setbacks, teamwork, goal setting, and ultimately how to get the most out of life,” she explained — but the sports star was set to get lots out of it herself, too.

Ahead of her journey, Paula shared with Sailawaze her thoughts on travel, fitness and what excites her most about cruising for the first time. Here’s what we learned.

Is there a gym on cruise ships?

For a former marathon world champion, fitness remains a top priority. “The first thing I did was check [if there was a] gym,” Paula admitted to Sailawaze. “I love being on the sea …[but] that’s one of the things that put me off in the past – doing anything on a boat where you’re kind of stuck and you can’t get out and run.”

Thankfully, all modern ocean cruise ships, including Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, cater to active guests with facilities like gyms, running tracks and fitness classes. Paula’s enthusiasm for staying active was evident as she imagined mixing gym sessions with laps around the ship’s outdoor track, enjoying the fresh sea air and ocean views. Coastal paths are, after all, among her favourite routes, only this one is on the move.

If you’re anything like us, digging out your kit and getting a sweat on can seem like a tall order when all you want to do is lie on a sun lounger, Aperol in hand. Paula’s advice for staying motivated on holiday? “Set yourself a target to work towards. That can be as simple as completing a park run or training for a marathon. It’s easier once you’ve got a goal, and doing it with a group or a partner makes it even better.”

– READ MORE: How just a five-day holiday can improve your health –

Paula Radcliffe and her dream holiday companions

When asked who she’d most like to travel with, Paula’s answer was heartfelt: “My family: my husband [fellow runner Gary Lough, 42] and kids, because as the kids are getting older time together feels even more special.” (Paula and Gary have two children together: Isla, 17, and Raphael, 15.)

Paula’s Cunard cruise was also an opportunity to spend quality time with her mother. “I’m taking my mum with me because I’m not spending Christmas with her this year. She absolutely loves Christmas markets, so this is kind of our pre-Christmas time together.”

Reflecting on her early career (she and her husband used to be “together 24/7”), Paula noted the importance of balancing togetherness with personal space, something she and her family have mastered through years of travel.

If in doubt about who to bring as a holiday pal Paula recommends taking “someone who’s gonna be really, really good fun” and enjoying “quality time with them.” Couldn’t agree more, Paula!

– READ MORE: Complete guide to Cunard drinks packages –

How to pack like a pro

With a life spent jet-setting around the world, Paula’s packing tips are practical and efficient. “I don’t overpack or underpack,” she shared. “I do space-saving things like packing outfits that all go with the same colour bag [and only] one or two pairs of shoes. She also takes travel wash so she can wash her sports kit on the hoof and sticks her socks inside her shoes to save space – wise woman.

Her essentials? “My trainers,” she replied, without hesitation. “My running shoes always go in my bag, my Kindle — I’m a massive reader when I’m travelling — and my computer so I can FaceTime the kids and help with homework.”

Highs and lows of travel

Paula’s love for the sea started early but wasn’t without its challenges. “I remember going on a French exchange as a kid,” she recalled. “It was on this little boat between Dover and Calais, and the weather was horrendous. Everyone was throwing up the whole way back — an absolute nightmare.” Thankfully, she remained confident that her cruise would be a far smoother experience.

Looking ahead, Paula has a packed travel itinerary, including running the Tokyo Marathon and trekking in Iceland for charity. But she’s also keen to explore more cruises. “I think I’d like a warm-weather one after this,” she mused.

– READ MORE: Comedian Tim Vine chats about sea weather & silly wordplay –