CRUISE TIPS: Cruise ship spas are a heavenly place to relax. After a spa treatment you’ll likely feel like a new person – whether it’s due to a great massage or something more instantly noticeable such as teeth whitening. Cruise ship spa services are getting more sophisticated than ever with their treatments. Here are the top 10 spa treatments to get on a cruise and some that might surprise you!
When you board your cruise on the first day, watch out for special deals such as two-for-one treatments or spa treatment packages. You’ll likely see spa staff handing out cards and flyers by the pool or at the spa, to let you know what’s available.
Book your cruise spa treatments soon since sea days and the day of formal nights are the most popular time and book up fast. Throughout your cruise also watch for special deals of the day or end-of-cruise discounts in the cruise newsletter.
1. Tattoos
One of the newest cruise ship spa treatments is getting a tattoo. Virgin Voyages made headlines when they announced their tattoo parlor called Squid Ink on their Scarlet Lady cruise ship.
To create this one-of-a-kind experience on board, Virgin Voyages teamed up with the ink industry legends from World Famous Tattoo Ink. “Tattooing is a time-honored seafaring tradition, and we’re continuing that legacy with rock and roll style by bringing some of the best ink artists to sea,” said Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages. “Our sailors are looking to make lifelong memories, and we think there’s no better way to commemorate their first voyage with us than with a souvenir they’ll never lose track of.”
2. Teeth Whitening
Your smile will look great if you have your teeth whitened and this is another one of the top 10 spa treatments to get on a cruise that’s gaining popularity. Get rid of those coffee, tea and wine stains quickly and go home with a big, bright smile.
3. Foot Arch Support
Some cruise ship spa services include analyzing the way you walk – or gait – to either advise you on how to ease foot, leg or hip pain or avoid it altogether in the future. Depending on your footprint they can advise and outfit you for orthotics to support your arch or heel depending on what you need. Orthotics can be mailed to your home. You might also find you’ll shop for shoes differently from what you learned from this spa treatment.
4. Facial and Lip Fillers
Increasingly popular spa treatments to get on a cruise include injections or fillers to plump up wrinkles and smooth out fine lines. Women and men are both looking at how fillers can help make them look younger and fresher. These fillers are safe to use and your cruise ship spa staff are specially trained to do these injections and advise on after care while you’re on your cruise. You’ll go home looking younger than ever.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture might help you feel better for concerns ranging from easing pain to quitting smoking. Talk to the cruise ship staff about the benefits of acupuncture and what they suggest.
6. Massages and Body Wraps
As the saying goes, “Treat your body right, and it will treat you right” and massages can help. Massages on board can range from Swedish and Shiatsu, to using hot stones and crystals, or wrapping you in seaweed. The menus for massage options are getting longer every year – to enjoy by yourself or with a friend.
7. Aromatherapy and halo-therapy spaces or rooms
A new evolution in spa treatments to get on a cruise include special rooms or spaces that you can enjoy such as a snow room of snow and ice to cool off in (and then jump in a hot tub or hydro pool) or a salt room to ease respiratory and skin problems. Try these spaces for either an invigorating or super-relaxing experience.
8. Hair Treatments
Hair cutting and styling are the top services at cruise ship salons that are often located inside the spa areas and are certainly not new. But what is new are the increasing options for specialty treatments such as keratin semi-permanent hair straightening. Check out what’s available since on a cruise you likely have more time for something really special.
9. Facials
Facials were often just a way to clear up clogged pores, but now, many different kinds of facials do many different things, depending on what you want from rejuvenating your skin to using deep anti-aging products. Choose a facial that’s combined with a massage and you might find it better value for your money.
10. Manicures and Pedicures
Manicures and pedicures are the original spa treatments offered on cruises and are keeping up with the latest trends from gel applications to fancy designs. A cruise is a perfect time to get a manicure and pedicure since you’ll likely be giving your feet and hands a much-needed rest.
You’ll also look great in sandals and barefoot by the pool!
Photos: Carnival, Seabourn, Genting
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