Spas

Spas
A cruise offers the perfect opportunity to get rejuvenated and whether you are a spa junkie or a first-timer, going to a spa at sea will leave you feeling like a new person. In fact, there are people who go on cruises just for the spa experience. Most cruise ships now have amazing spa facilities that can easily rival the finest on land, with the most respected spa names. They offer a wide variety of treatments, from a basic massage, to the more exotic, such as an Ionotherapy Detox. Most cruise ships, especially the newer ones, have magnificent areas just dedicated to the spa and are for men as well as women. These spas have everything, from saunas to teeth whitening. Many are operated by the best in the business.

There is Mandara (used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises), Canyon Ranch (on Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2) and Paris-based Carita Spa (Regent Seven Seas). London-based spa operator Steiner Leisure is found on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. Celebrity Cruises’ AquaSpa, operated by Elemis Ltd., was one of the first at sea. Some of the line’s ships even have a new program called “Acupuncture at Sea,” offering acupuncture treatments, therapies and enrichment lectures by licensed doctors of Oriental Medicine. Crystal Cruises’ spas use the principles of Feng Shui. The ever popular massage ranges from standard to the more exotic and Windstar Cruises even offers a 50-minute massage with heat “en suite.”

TIP: It is recommended that you make your spa reservation as soon as possible after boarding or in advance of the cruise, as some lines offer this convenience. This may also save you some money, as if you wait and the treatments you wanted are already booked up, you may have to select from more expensive choices. Tipping is handled immediately, but some may automatically bill your account, so this is something you have to ask about. It may be more economical — for you to bring workout clothes from home, but if not, you will certainly be able to purchase them onboard.

Gyms & Other Fitness Facilities
These are not your grandmother’s gyms! Most ships boast modern fitness centers with the most up-to-date equipment. These can easily compete with or outdo the ones back home. Typically, they are equipped with free weights, as well as lots of treadmills and stationary bikes. Some also have Pilates machines and classes, as well as instruction for aerobics, stretching, boxing, spinning, tai chi, BOSU® fitness balls and yoga. You can also get a work out from rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks, as offered on some Royal Caribbean ships; bowling, as found on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl; basketball, in-line skating track, miniature golf and jogging tracks.