Discover five of the best cruise ship spas and what makes them special.

The ocean is synonymous with relaxation and providing a calming effect to your mind and body. So really, it makes perfect sense that spas have become one of the main fixtures in the grand cruise ships of today. With panoramic ocean vistas to look out on, there couldn’t be a better view for helping you to ease away those knots and tensions as your spa therapist works their magic.

In this blog you’ll find 5 of our favourite cruise ship spas and what makes them special…

1. Canyon Ranch on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises have teamed up with the award-winning Canyon Ranch health resorts to bring you an exquisite spa experience at sea. As a world-class spa brand, Canyon Ranch couldn’t have been a more perfect choice with their extensive knowledge of stress-busting factors from relaxing treatments to nutritional factors and mood-enhancing exercise regimes. As part of the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, onboard Celebrity Cruises you can gain access to the Persian Garden spa – an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. In the Persian Garden you’ll get access to an Aromatic Steam Room, Finnish Sauna, Herbal Sauna and Sensory Showers.

Must try treatment: Seaweed Leaf Wrap – You’ll be wrapped up head to toe in seaweed leaves which are hand-harvested off the rugged coast line of Ireland. You’re then cocooned in a warm blanket as this all-natural Voya treatment gets to work to detoxify your skin, leaving it firm and smooth.

2. Samsara Spa on Costa Luminosa 

The Samara Spa is all about a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation. Their wellness circuit encompasses a four part treatment pathway for optimum results. Begin your journey in the Thalassotherapy Bath where the water is heated to body temperature and  infused with Dead Sea salts. Spa baths such as this have been used for hundreds of years as a way to relax and detoxify the body. As soon as you submerge yourself in the water you’ll find your senses reawakened. Next up is the Tridosha Shrine. Inspired by Turkish baths, this area provides you with a place to lay down whilst your body adjusts to the humid heat that’s released in the form of aromatherapy steam. The Temple of Peace is your next stop. Here your body will rebalance its temperature whilst you unwind on opulent beds that can also be used for meditation. Mystical aromas will enhance your experience. Last but by no means least is the Japanese Tea Room. Known around the world for its health and well-being properties, here you can find a selection of herbal teas designed to revitalize and replenish.

Must try treatment: Ayurvedic Ritual – Ayurvedic massage originates from Indian medicine and is used to restore physical and mental balance and well-being.

3. Lotus Spa on Princess Cruises

If you’re a keen spa enthusiast then you can rest assured that you’re in good hands at the Lotus Spa on Princess Cruises because the spa has in fact been named “Best Spa on a Cruise Ship” by Spafinder Wellness 365™.

Must try treatment: Celluxtox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap – Rejuvenate yourself with this detoxifying wrap by focusing on reducing cellulite, detoxifying, decongesting and stimulating your body systems.

4. Aurea Spa on MSC

MSC Cruises offer an incredibly varied selection of treatments. You’ll find everything from sea-salt peels and Balinese Massage to lymphatic draining treatments for water retention and the revolutionary Mya Advance treatment (an alternative to liposculpture). Whilst you’re waiting for your treatment, why not chill out in the hydro pool or relaxation room where you can gaze out on the ocean vista.

Must try treatment: Sea-salt peel – For baby soft skin!

5. Vitality Spa Royal Caribbean

The Royal Caribbean Spa areas really are a paradise for adults. There’s everything from peaceful relaxation rooms with beautiful views to a tropical solarium where you can paddle in the water lazily. The spa on new Quantum Class ship Anthem of the Seas is one of their best spa areas yet, there’s even a spa area especially for teens! Using some of the most reputable spa brands including Elemis, Bliss, La Therapie and Ionithermie, the Vitality Spa aboard Anthem of the Seas is able to deliver everything from manicures and pedicures to facials, wraps and acupuncture too.

Must try treatment: Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow – Leaves skin feeling smooth, feeling invigorated and looking radiant.

Have you ever enjoyed a spa experience at sea? We’d love to hear about your cruise holiday stories, so why not share them with us in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter?