In years past, simply being on board a cruise ship and being carried from port to port was considered enough in terms of relaxation and entertainment. These days, cruise ship passengers are savvier – and more discerning – than ever. Rather than track down a spa to be pampered at while visiting various ports of call, passengers today can enjoy a bevy of topnotch spa services right on board the ship. Competition for snagging the coveted “best cruise ship spa” reputation is fierce; this is good news for passengers, since there are more options available than ever before.
Here we highlight the top ten cruise ships spas to give you an idea of what current trends are.
Royal Caribbean - Vitality At Sea
Passengers aboard many Royal Caribbean ships – including the Allure of the Seas – can enjoy top of the line spa treatments at the line’s Vitality At Sea spa. A key feature of these spas is the Thermal Suite, which allows passengers to enjoy phenomenal views of the sea while sinking into a contoured chair. As they sit, steam, aromatherapy mists and heat converge to relax and revitalize the senses.
Costa Cruises – Pompeii Spa
A regular feature on many Costa Cruises ships is the Pompeii Spa. With Roman steam baths, Jacuzzis, pools and exercise equipment, the Pompeii Spa runs the gamut of everything passengers could possibly need in order to look – and feel – their very best. Along with all of these amenities and features, Pompeii Spas offer all of the best and most popular spa treatments, delivered with enticing views of the open sea.
Disney Magic – Vista Spa
Clocking in at an impressive 11,000 square feet, the Disney Magic’s Vista Spa is a truly state of the art spa facility at sea. Eleven treatment rooms mean that the spa can hum right along without experiencing major wait times or queues. Meanwhile, the spa’s “spa villas” can be booked and offer truly one-of-a-kind services including a private deck with a hot tub, a 55-minute massage, an open air shower and much, much more.
The Yachts Of Seabourn – The Spa At Seabourn
Many of Seabourn’s top ships – including the Sojourn – include the impeccable Spa At Seabourn as an option for passengers who demand only the best. The spa stretches out over two decks and includes seven private treatment rooms and breathtaking, 750 square feet spa villas that incorporate all of the most modern – and decadent – spa treatments available today.
Regent Seven Seas’ Mariner – Carita Spa
If you’re on board the Mariner and feel the need for a true blue massage, you’re in luck: the ship’s Carita Spa offers seven different amazing massage techniques. You can take your pick from among options like Shiatsu, stone massage, Swedish massage and many others. You can receive your massage right in the spa, out on deck or in your suite. With all of those options, it’s little wonder that the Carita Spa is so well regarded.
Costa Cruises’ Serena – Samsara Spa
The Costa Serena’s Samsara spa is the largest one at sea today. At more than 23,000 square feet, it is a magnificently sprawling, high class facility that offers absolutely everything under the sun. Among the many amenities, passengers can choose from a VIP treatment suite, a rock sauna and a thalassotherapy pool. Afterward, guests can kick back and enjoy some time in the Japanese tea garden with a warm cup of tea.
Crystal Cruises – Crystal Spa
As the only Feng Shui-themed spa sailing the seas today, the Crystal Spa boasts some of the most cutting edge design and techniques around. A broad range of services are offered at the Crystal Spa; guests can enjoy everything from haircuts and styling to facials to Aroma Stone Therapy. Private, canopied relaxation areas allow you to completely unwind and emerge as rejuvenated as possible.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 – Canyon Ranch SpaClub
Incredibly, the Queen Mary 2’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub boasts better services, treatments and surroundings than many land-based spas. Indeed, this 20,000 square foot, tastefully appointed spa offers passengers only the finest in terms of spa treatments. 24 treatment rooms are staffed by 51 health and wellness experts who assist with a dazzling array of topnotch services. When you add the spa’s sumptuous surroundings to the mix, you’ve got an out of this world experience.
Celebrity Solstice – AquaSpa
Spanning two stories, the AquaSpa on board the Celebrity Solstice boasts all of the most popular spa amenities along with a state of the art fitness area. Water fountains and waterfalls make the massive Solarium indoor pool one of the most stunning on the seas, and the Relaxation Room brings the idea of “comfort” to a whole other level with unforgettable views of the sea.
Norwegian Pearl – South Pacific Spa
Three of the twenty treatment rooms at the Norwegian Pearl’s South Pacific Spa are geared toward couples, making this a natural choice for honeymooners and love birds alike. Hydro baths, aromatic steam rooms, hot tubs and other great options make this a multifaceted and impressive facility. The heat and saltwater that make up the thalassotherapy pool offers a remarkable way to soak and rejuvenate your senses while sailing aboard this fine ship. Top it all off with a bit of rest in the unisex Relaxation Room.