Best Spas at Sea

Today even the smallest ships at sea can tout some kind of spa services onboard.  However, many cruise lines have taken spas to the next level – offering services that will rival what you can find back home and inspiring many to take full advantage of these floating sanctuaries.

If spending time at a first-rate spa is part of what you will consider when booking your next cruise, some of today's best and most innovative are listed below. Keep in mind that many appointments fill up even before the ship has sailed – so book early (most cruise lines now offer online booking available before the cruise) and remember that sea days are the most popular and most expensive. 

Cunard
Canyon Ranch Spa
Ship: Queen Mary 2

Never made it to the Arizona or the Berkshires to visit Canyon Ranch? Cunard Passengers can now experience their infamous products and services on the renowned Queen Mary 2. The onboard outpost features a pool and treatments such as a Thai Massage (sort of a yoga class combined with a massage) and the Ashiatsu – a massage where the therapist hangs from a bar and does the massage with their feet!  Treatments can be booked up to three weeks before sailing and Canyon Ranch products are available for purchase onboard.

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity AquaSpa

Celebrity’s AquaSpa has received rave reviews – innovative and basic treatments, a serene setting and it’s AquaSpa Café make it one of the best at sea today. Instead of just having a single spa treatment, choose from one of the five Sensory Heaven options – these ritual treatments last anywhere from 5-12 hours and are the ultimate in mind/body cleansing. Men won’t feel left out with a barber shop and specialized treatments just for them. The AquaSpa also offers the first ever Acupuncture at Sea program in its own facility.

Costa
Samsara Spa and Spa Cabins and Suites
Ships: Costa Concordia and Costa Serena

Inspired by the traditions of the Orient, Samsara Spa offers a variety of massages, mineral spring therapies and rituals. But, spa enthusiasts who want to work even more relaxation into their cruise don’t even have to leave their cabins!  Costa now offers special Spa Cabins and Suites located inside the spa area onboard these two ships. Passengers who book these accommodations will enjoy unlimited access to the Spa pool, the Thalassotherapy pool, a special welcome ritual and other amenities.

Princess Cruises
Lotus Spa and Fitness