While health and wellness are an important consideration for vacationers, a new survey shows Americans are reluctant to try new spa and fitness activities – 40 percent say they never try anything new, citing cost and availability as top barriers. However, staying fit on a cruise vacation has never been easier, according to Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise organization. Expansive cruise ship fitness centers rival those on land – with the bonus of ocean views – and world-class shipboard spas boast the latest and greatest in relaxation, beauty and wellness treatments.
“Consumers would have to visit numerous spas, fitness centers and personal care places to gain access to the same diversity of health and wellness services and facilities that are now being offered on cruise lines,” said MaryAnna Estomba Rousseau, editor in chief of Onboard Media and Onboard.com. “Cruise lines have responded to wellness trends with everything from state-of-the-art fitness centers, personal trainers and workout classes, to thermal suites and spa treatments,” Estomba said. “Some have gone even further, offering medi-spa treatments — like teeth whitening and Botox injections — giving cruise guests the opportunity to return from their vacation not only relaxed, but also looking good and happier than ever before.”
With so much variety and many indoor and outdoor facilities available at no cost, and restaurant menus including low-cal options, cruise ships are a great place to start, continue and maintain a personal fitness routine.
Following are offerings from North American cruise line members of Cruise Lines International Association:
Disney Cruise Line. Senses Spa & Salon facilities include massage villas with private verandahs for couples. On cruises that call at Disney’s Castaway Cay, you can start your day with sunrise yoga and an organized morning 5k run.
Carnival Cruise Lines. In SportsSquare (on select ships) challenge yourself high above the sea on a SkyCourse ropes course. Warm up with ocean views on outdoor fitness and weight-lifting equipment or hit the jogging track. Guests in Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites (on select ships) receive complimentary access to spa facilities.
Cunard. At the two-deck Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Queen Mary 2, indulge in a huge variety of massages and other treatments or relax in the Aqua Therapy Centre. Try the Pilates Institute at Sea or burn off calories at dance classes. Canyon Ranch spa cuisine is a menu option.
Holland America Line. At the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, relax in a hydrotherapy pool (on select ships) or in a heated ceramic relaxation lounge. Or energize with such classes as Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit Training or Aquarobics in the pool. Book a spa suite or stateroom for special spa amenities.
Seabourn: All therapies at the line’s spas incorporate natural ingredients. Relax in water-focused relaxation areas when you’re not hitting the Technogym equipment or trying the low-impact Kinesis System. Guests in penthouse spa suites have 24-hour access to spa facilities. Everyone gets a complimentary mini-massage on deck.
Costa Cruises. The Samsara Spa includes some of the largest spa/fitness facilities at sea. In the Asian-themed spaces try an Ayurvedic massage or unwind in a thalassotherapy pool. Guests in spa suites and cabins can do a full destination spa experience including dining in a spa restaurant.
Princess Cruise Line. At the Lotus Spa, try a signature body wrap or head up to the adults-only outdoor enclave, The Sanctuary, for a massage in an open-air cabana. The exclusive Core.Balance.Strength.Fitness program puts you on a take-home wellness track. Make time for the complimentary Zumba classes on deck.
Norwegian Cruise Line. In the huge, two-deck Mandara Spa aboard the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway check out facilities that include a first-at-sea Salt Room. Get fit with unusual options such as Flywheel Sports cycling or Nexersys, where you workout against an avatar. On Breakaway, you can also take a class created by The Rockettes.
Celebrity Cruises. At the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, relax with a signature hot stone massage or luxuriate in the thalassotherapy pool. Try Zumba in many forms including Aqua Zumba. Book an AquaClass stateroom or suite for unlimited access to spa facilities and dining in the “clean cuisine” restaurant, Blu.
Oceania Cruises. Canyon Ranch SpaClub facilities include serene, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Fitness classes such as yoga and cycling are complimentary. Watch calories with Canyon Ranch spa selections and get take-home advice from fitness pros.
Crystal Cruises. Well-being includes Feng Shui-inspired spas where you can indulge in such treatments as a Japanese Silk Booster Facial. Get a workout with classes such as the Tour de Spin cycling program.
MSC Cruises. On the MSC Divina, the Asian-inspired Aurea Spa offers an oasis of calm, including a menu of 21 types of massage, from Shiatsu to Thai, and a juice and tea bar. Fitness classes include the first-at-sea option of Aqua Cycling.
