WELLNESS - Cruising Along

Some of the world’s most luxurious spas don’t have an address. Instead, they float across country borders welcoming thousands of travellers looking for serenity and beauty bliss. Take a look at these stunning cruise ship spas.

You either love or hate cruise ship holidays, but it’s a fact that the popularity of cruises is on a steep ascent. Demand for cruising has increased 20.5 per cent in the last five years making it one of the fastest growing industries. Over 27 million people cruised the oceans last year, and it’s fair to say that most of them would have opted for a cruise not least because of the overly luxurious on-board amenities and entertainment options.

From over-the-top offerings like Go-Cart racing and bionic bars to planetariums and surf simulators, cruises are no longer just a fancy way to get from A to B – it seems like for many, the journey is the destination.

With more and more people placing importance on wellness as part of their holidays, having a beautiful spa on your cruise ship is crucial to attract clients who enjoy the finer things in life. We take a look at the world’s most gorgeous cruise ship spas that are so grand and luxurious, it’s hard to believe they’re floating.

1. The Spa at Seabourn

Seabourn’s Steiner spas offer a wide range of face and body treatments as well as a fitness center with ocean views, but for anyone wanting more than that, they can book ‘Wellness Cruises with Dr. Andrew Weil’, an exclusive mindful living program at sea.

The Spa at Seabourn

The Spa at Seabourn

A number of complimentary wellness seminars, and interactive sessions led by Dr. Weil and his team are part of the cruise, which also includes the on-board Mindful Living coach. A selection of optional, for-charge shore excursions are also on offer, taking the wellness mindset to enriching destinations ashore.

The spa’s design reflects Seabourn’s emphasis on mindfulness with a contradiction of pale subdued colours and splashes of brightness, and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone.

2. MSC Aurea Spa

MSC Cruises is unique in bringing authentic Balinese spas on-board its ships, offering a massive choice of health and beauty treatments with the added benefit of superb sea views.

MSC Aurea Spa

MSC Aurea Spa

Each lavishly appointed MSC Aurea Spa boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, and is equipped with massage and treatment suites, hair and beauty salons and of course a thermal area.

MSC Aurea Spa

The Shu Uemura Art of Hair suite, traditional Barber Shop and nail boutique are also found in most spas. For those after beauty from within, exclusive wellness cocktails in the Spa Bar based on the concept of the 5 colours of nature are on offer to be enjoyed pre- or post-treatment.

3. The Spa on Celebrity Edge

The Spa on Celebrity Edge

Having recently made its inaugural sailing, Celebrity Edge is home to the arguably most stunning cruise ship spa out there. Boasting marble and black and white tiles, and lush greenery, the spa offers cruise guests over 124 treatments and provides a distinctive sensory experience, uncompromising service and a variety of wellness options that have never before been seen on sea.

The Spa on Celebrity Edge

The Spa on Celebrity Edge

Created in collaboration with world-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, The Spa is inspired by the soothing elements of nature and Celebrity Edge’s mantra of bringing the destination closer to guests. Gone are the days of dark, small rooms on cruise ships. The Spa boasts of natural lighting evoking a sense of calmness. Besides the spa, a fully equipped hair salon, a relaxation lounge, and a fitness center invite guests to make the most of their time on Celebrity Edge.

4. The Crystal Spa & Salon

The Crystal Spa & Salon

On board the award winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, you can find the only Feng Shui-inspired spa at sea. In serene treatment rooms, rejuvenating services such as Aroma Stone Therapy, Japanese Silk Booster Facial and Well-Being Massage are performed with expert care. A private, canopied relaxation area on the Spa’s aft deck invites relaxation before or after a treatment. Separate facilities for men and women include state-of-the-art sauna and changing areas featuring showers with multiple head and side body jets, fibre optic lighting, and a selection of special rain and mist functions.

The Crystal Spa & Salon

The Crystal Spa & Salon

The full service Crystal Salon offers a relaxing experience with sweeping ocean views, and the medispa offers cosmetic treatments under the care of a fully-licensed medical doctor.

5. Mandara Spa on Norwegian Bliss/Escape

Mandara Spa on Norwegian Bliss/Escape

As a part of Norwegian’s Breakaway-Plus class, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape feature some of the most expansive spas in the entire fleet. Mandara Spa is fully equipped with a salt room, a steam room, a sauna, a snow room, several treatment rooms and a thermal suite with over 15 heated beds for ultimate relaxation.

Mandara Spa on Norwegian Bliss/Escape

Mandara Spa on Norwegian Bliss/Escape

Guests can choose from over 50 specialty treatments including a hot-stone massage, acupuncture, seaweed massage and so much more. A Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art equipment and classes such as spinning, yoga or Pilates.