Top 5 Cruise Line Spas
Part of a holiday should be spent relaxing and unwinding away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. And by opting for a cruise for your next getaway, you’ll not only be able to explore extraordinary destinations, but you’ll have time onboard in between stops to take it easy and unwind. Whilst enjoying these tranquil days on the ship, you might want to treat yourself to a sumptuous spa experience.
With many of the onboard spas offering state-of-the-art saunas, steam rooms, calming lounge areas and indulgent treatments, you can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a morning or afternoon of pure relaxation.
If this sounds tempting to you, but you’re not sure which cruise line has the best spa, this guide will come in handy! We’ve rounded up the top 5 cruise line spas, with information about the features, which ships they are on and more!
Contents:
- MSC Aurea Spa
- Celebrity Cruises’ The Spa
- Norwegian Cruise Line’s Mandara Spa
- Seabourn Cruises’ Spa
- Royal Caribbean’s Vitality Spa
- Cruise Ship Spa FAQs
MSC Aurea Spa
MSC Cruises have so many incredible amenities and attractions onboard their fleet of impressive ships, from dazzling Broadway shows, to the exhilarating F1 simulator and 4D cinemas. But if you’re heading on a MSC getaway and want to spend some time unwinding, there’s no better way to do it than in the MSC Aurea Spa.
Not only does the MSC Aurea Spa offer a range of sumptuous treatments, including Balinese massages, refreshing facials, Swedish massages and reflexology, but there is a revitalising sauna, steam room, whirlpools, treatment rooms and a beauty parlour. And if you’re looking to keep up your fitness routine when on your cruise, then the fitness centre which features state-of-the-art equipment within the MSC Aurea Spa is ideal.
Some of the fleet, such as MSC Euribia, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seascape also offer rain shower rooms, Himalayan salt rooms and a unique snow room.
The beauty parlour offers treatments from manicures to pedicures, and the hair salon has an extensive menu including hair styling, cut and colour and other options that will leave you feeling your best. There’s also a barber shop that’s available onboard MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Euribia, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.
Available at an additional cost, the MSC Cruises’ spa and beauty package have different options to suit your budget and preferences. For example, there’s a day or cruise pass available for either singles or couples granting access to the Thermal Area.
What is MSC’s Thermal Spa Pass?
With the MSC Thermal Spa pass, you’ll get access to the sauna, pool, steam room and other areas within the MSC Aurea Spa. Although no treatments will be included in this pass, the access to the relaxing areas within the spa is a popular choice for many looking for a tranquil place to unwind whilst on their MSC cruise.
The Thermal Area is available onboard all of MSC Cruises’ fleet by appointment only. It’s important to note that the spa facilities will vary depending on the ship.
How Old Do You Have to be to go to the Spa on MSC?
Access to the MSC Aurea Spa is available to guests who are over the age of 18.
Which MSC Ships Have the Aurea Spa?
The Aurea Spa is available across MSC’s fleet. The MSC spa package prices will depend on which treatments you want included.
Celebrity Cruises’ The Spa
Celebrity Cruises offers exciting international itineraries and are known for their modern ships that are full to the brim of fantastic amenities from the decadent restaurants to numerous outdoor spaces offering picturesque sea views. And whilst a big highlight is the adults-only Solarium, that’s available across the fleet, another popular space on the ships is The Spa.
With wellness and relaxation at its heart, Celebrity Cruises’ spa encourages you to start a holistic wellness journey, with 120 rejuvenating treatments (as well as Destination Inspired Treatments), including salt stone massages and acupuncture, saunas, a hair salon and a barber shop. A luxurious and tranquil sanctuary, it’s a wonderful place to visit whilst on your getaway.
Onboard Millennium Class ships (Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Constellation) and Solstice Class ships (Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection) there is the Persian Garden. With a Persian Garden pass you can access steam rooms, saunas and a relaxation lounge with heated loungers (on Solstice Class ships only).
Onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class (Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Ascent), there is also the SEA Thermal Suite. Complimentary for those within Aqua Sky Suites and AquaClass staterooms, the SEA Thermal Suite features 8 different spaces, including a traditional Turkish bath, crystalarium and salt room.
Is the Spa Included on Celebrity Cruises?
Whilst AquaClass guests will receive complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite/Persian Garden, there is a range of spa packages available for other guests, giving you the freedom and flexibility to choose which one suits your tastes and budget. The cost of a Spa Pass varies from $69 per day to just over $200 for a single week pass.
Can You Pre Book Spa Treatments on Celebrity Cruises?
The spa can be booked ahead of time, between 6 months and 3 days of your cruise.
Is There an Age Restriction for The Spa?
Whilst you have to be over 18 to experience The Spa, including the different treatments available, there are teen spa menus available that are designed especially for 13 to 17 year olds. This extraordinary experience includes treatments such as facials and manicures. All teens must be accompanied by an adult.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Mandara Spa
Popular with families and couples alike, Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet has something for all ages, from thrilling bumper cars to award winning shows and themed events. Another main attraction is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Mandara Spa and Salon.
Providing treatments including massages, facials, acupuncture and more, you can treat yourself to a wonderfully relaxing experience in-between taking advantage of all that this extraordinary cruise line has to offer.
The Mandara Spa is the perfect place to enjoy a treatment, whether that be hot stone massage, a facial or a couples massage. Available aboard all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, the facilities and experiences will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Within the spa, there is the sumptuous adults-only Thermal Suite which features a calming sauna, vitality pool, thermal suite lounge, cold therapy, salt room and steam room (features may vary on each ship). There is also a salon that offers beauty services, such as waxing, nail services and hair styling. And if you want to enjoy a workout, the fitness centre is full to the brim with equipment from weights to treadmills. There are also pilates, spinning and yoga classes available.
Which NCL Ships do not Have a Thermal Suite?
Whilst the Mandara Spa is available on all ships, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Thermal suites is not onboard the following ships:
The Salt Room is only available onboard Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore.
How Much Does the NCL Thermal Spa Cost?
The price of the Thermal Suite and the amenities vary by ship and itinerary. However, a Thermal Suite Pass can be purchased either per day or for a week at a time.
Which Norwegian Cruise Spa is the Best?
The Mandara Spa is the only spa available onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. With a mixture of spa facilities and treatments, this popular cruise line spa offers plenty of ways for guests to unwind and relax.
Seabourn Cruises’ Spa
Boasting opulence at every turn, Seabourn Cruises offer luxury cruises featuring tailormade shore excursions, dazzling evening entertainment and tranquil onboard activities. One of the most popular amenities onboard Seabourn’s fleet to take advantage of throughout your luxury getaway is the sumptuous spa.
Not only does this expansive spa offer treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, a sauna, a steam room, a serenity deck, a motion studio and a salon, but treatments that are designed in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil - a renowned wellness guru to provide guests with a relaxing wellness and spa experience. Known as the Mindful Living Program, the relaxing spa experience onboard includes certified yoga and meditation practitioners that offer seminars and classes, combining spiritual and physical wellbeing.
Other treatments include facials, massages and beauty treatments carried out by skilled therapists that are guaranteed to leave you feeling your best. If you’re looking for something a little more individualised, then Seabourn’s personalised spa services are just the ticket; provided within a Spa Cabana within the Retreat onboard Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, this exclusive reservation-only spa experience is the ultimate way to unwind or celebrate a special occasion whilst on your Seabourn cruise.
Royal Caribbean’s Vitality Spa
Royal Caribbean is renowned for its fun-filled, family-friendly cruise ships that offer exhilarating and unforgettable cruises to hundreds of destinations throughout the globe. But if you’re looking for some rest and relaxation throughout your Royal Caribbean getaway, there’s no better place to visit than the Vitality Spa. Onboard all of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships, the Vitality Spa not only offers calming treatments, but a world-class fitness centre with classes, a hydrotherapy, saunas, steam rooms and more.
In terms of treatments, there are over 100 on offer, from signature treatments to massage therapies, hair treatments, nail treatments, acupuncture and facials. And whilst you have to be 18 years of age to book a spa treatment, there is a special menu on offer for teens. Known as the YSPA, guests aged 13-17 can enjoy hair treatments, facials, massages and fitness classes, known as “Fitness Frenzy”.
Split into three sections, including the salon, treatment/relaxation areas and the fitness centre, you’ll be able to see the full list of treatments/services available onboard when booking your getaway.
Select Royal Caribbean ships, such as Oasis of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas also have a thermal spa, which includes an infrared sauna, rainforest shower room and other extraordinary amenities for you to take advantage of when purchasing a day pass.
Do You Pay For the Spa on Royal Caribbean?
Whilst access to the Fitness Centre is complimentary (excluding classes, which carry an additional charge), access to the Vitality Spa, treatments and salon services will cost you extra. You can book your treatments prior to embarkation. The range of services and amenities within the spa will also vary ship by ship, so ensure that you research what the cruise ship you opted for offers ahead of your getaway.
Can I Get a Massage on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
There is a wide range of massages available on a Royal Caribbean cruise, whether you’re looking for a Swedish massage, hot stone massage or another type.
Cruise Ship Spa FAQs
Do Cruise Ships Have Spas?
The vast majority of cruise lines offer spas onboard their fleet. However, the amenities on offer, treatments and the size of the spa might vary. There are certain ships, such as Hurtigruten’s MS Maud that do not feature a spa, but amenities such as a fitness room and a sauna.
How Much is the Spa on a Cruise Ship?
The cost of access to the spa, along with treatments varies by cruise line and at times, by the ship that the spa is on. If you are interested in booking a spa treatment or access to the spa whilst on your cruise, make sure to research ahead of time into the cost associated with the experience.
And whilst many cruise lines will allow you to book a treatment whilst on your cruise, there is often the option to book ahead of time. Booking your treatment or spa access ahead of time is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Is the Spa on a Cruise Worth it?
A spa experience onboard a cruise is often considered to be one of the best ways to relax and unwind whilst on holiday. Whether it’s treating yourself to a sumptuous massage or simply taking some much needed rest in one of the heated loungers, a spa experience is perfect. And with so many options available, you’ll easily be able to find a treatment or experience that suits you.
What Do You Have to Pay Extra For on a Cruise Ship?
Whilst a lot of cruise lines offer inclusive food and activities onboard, there are often a few extras that you will have to pay for on top of your cruise. These can include drinks packages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and access and treatments within the spa or salon.
Book a Getaway with Iglu Cruise
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*It is important to keep in mind that amenities, treatments, facilities and prices can vary throughout a cruise line’s fleet.