Cruise Ship Spas Overview

Video compliments of the Travel Channel

When you're sailing the open seas, surrounded by nothing more than serene ocean waters, it's tough to get into a more relaxed state of mind. But if peace is what you seek, then head to the ship's spa. Most have classics like Swedish or stone massages on the menu, but many also feature interesting treatments that speak to the port of calls on the ship's route or even the ocean itself. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, features an acupressure massage in the Balinese tradition,
while Carnival aims to bust any stress by dipping you into its jet-peppered Thalassotherapy pool. Of course, if you're not the only one in need to chill out, Royal Caribbean offers side-by-side mother-daughter or father-son massages. Couples get special treatment as well, especially in Disney ship spas, which feature alfresco cabana massages with simply beautiful views beyond the ship's windows.

If a day of baking out on the deck has left you a bit vulnerable, then ship spas can come to the rescue as well, with services that include aromatic, skin-softening rubs (Holland America) and even cellulite-reducing treatments (Carnival). Just don't forget that to look good you must also feel good, so swing by the ship's gym to get a workout in, or better yet, take a class in well-being—on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, you can even take a Pilates class with a private instructor. Happy Zen-ing.