The Indulgence of a Massage at Sea

Cruise booked, food and entertainment catered for, drinks package (if applicable) sorted, excursions booked or itinerary laid out with places of interest to visit whilst in port.

For most, this is their cruise holiday, a lot of guests may indulge in a speciality restaurant or two whilst onboard, but most will stick to the main dining room and buffet. And why not? Speciality dining is great for a treat or a special occasion and if you have onboard spend why not splash out and use it on that extra special meal.

For me, one of my indulgences is the spa. All ships have a Spa and Gym area and some are even run by the top spa companies such as Elemis, Champneys and Canon Spa ranch.  The spa will offer a range of services from hairdressers, hair removal, teeth whitening, laser treatments and of course massages. You will find an endless list of available treatments onboard a ship.

Most also have spa day packages which allow you to use the spa (excluding treatments) with unlimited use of the hydro pools (if available) and other areas such as saunas, steam rooms, aromatherapy steam rooms and normally there is also a relaxation room, some with hot stone beds. I have been fortunate in the past to have been invited to use some of the facilities in the spa on the Royal Princess and the Cunard Queen Mary 2 without having to pay. On other ships, I have either chosen to pay for a day spa or had a treatment.  It does also depend on whom I am travelling with as to whether or not I use the spa and of course the prices that are being charged.

. Enjoying a day in the Spa on the Cunard Queen Mary 2

Waiting for my massage on the Royal Princess

The average price for a basic body massage is as follows:

MSC – €110, Norwegian Cruise Line – $159, Celebrity Cruises $159, Carnival Cruise Line $119, Royal Caribbean $119, P&O £72 or Marella Cruises £75

Sometimes it is worth waiting for a port day to use the spa as prices can be reduced when in port. You will also find on some ships that they have special offers on certain treatments that are advertised in the daily newssheet.  If you are a loyalty member for some cruise lines, you may get discounts or even free passes dependent on your status level. It is always worth checking the deals before you go or once you are onboard. Some cruise lines will also advertise seminars or demonstrations when onboard (normally sea days) on certain treatments and then offer a discount if you sign up after the event.  Always check with the Spa team to see what deals you could be entitled to.

Trying out the hot stone beds on the P&O Britannia (in the wrong attire!)

The weird thing is I never go to spas outside of a cruise ship! I think it is the indulgence of being on holiday and having that extra special treat that is just for you.

Dawn

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