Your next cruise can be made even more relaxing and
rejuvenating with a visit to the ship’s spa. These are wonderful spaces
equipped with facilities, equipment, operators and amenities that rival the
poshest spas on land. They’re so popular that appointments can fill quickly, so
make your appointment on embarkation day, if you can.
If you’re not sure which spa experience you’d like to try,
we’ve got the skinny on the most-requested pampering treatments.
Massages. Massage is the practice of using hands to
rub and knead the body, easing tension and pain. Most shipboard spas offer a
few different types of massage; if you haven’t had one before, try a Swedish
massage, a gentle type of full-body massage. In a hot stone massage, the
masseuse uses heated stones in addition to hands to help improve blood flow and
promote relaxation. An aromatherapy massage adds essential oils to help boost
your mood.
A deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish
massage, seeking to relieve tension in the deepest layers of your muscles and
tissues. Some spas offer shiatsu, a Japanese style of massage in which the
masseuse puts rhythmic pressure on certain points of your body. Thai massage
uses a series of yoga-like stretches to relax you. Couples massages are very
popular, not only because you can enjoy the process with a partner, but because
they often include access to additional spa facilities, from saunas to
solariums.
Facials. Deep cleaning of facial skin, followed by
moisturizing, is next in popularity. If you haven’t had one before, start with
the gentlest facial on the menu; more intense facials may leave your face
feeling a bit tender if you’re not used to them. Most ship’s spas offer a menu
of facials, some using vitamins or other substances to help purify the skin.
Scrubs and Wraps. Scrubs that exfoliate the skin and
wraps that detoxify the skin round out the top shipboard spa treatments. Either
treatment may use salt, herbs and other botanicals, or even mud to soften and
nourish the skin.
Some spas also offer treatments like reiki, reflexology and
acupuncture. Your ship’s spa may offer cosmetic services, such as teeth
whitening or cellulite reduction. Many shipboard spas include salons that offer
hairstyling and coloring, manicures and pedicures.
Spa facilities and services do vary by ship, even among
ships from the same cruise line. Ask Anita, your professional travel advisor,
for more information about ships will provide a lovely spa experience.
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
