The Luxury Cruise Editorial – Spas at Sea

Luxury cruise ships are more than just a means of travelling the world in ultimate opulence. They are an opportunity to unwind and experience your surroundings from a new perspective – and the spa and wellbeing facilities on board only contribute to this feeling of zen. Immaculately designed, these sanctuaries provide a beautifully intimate space where relaxation isn’t just expected, it’s artfully crafted.

Whether your sights are set on indulging in a thermal suite, or an expert therapist provides a treatment tailored to your every need, relaxation will never be far away. Sit back and take a deep breath, as we explore some of the best luxury spas at sea.

Silver Nova and Silver Ray – Otium

Silversea Cruises first introduced the Roman-inspired Otium wellness programme on board Silver Dawn, and its success has seen it rolled out on the newest ships, Silver Nova and Silver Ray. The programme includes an expanded range of luxurious experiences and amenities, including a redesigned Otium Spa, new Otium amenities, an all-new in-suite experience, and dedicated Otium Suites.

The Otium Suites are a first for Silversea, and offer some of the most spacious accommodations at sea. Guests residing in these suites can enjoy complimentary spa treatments up to a value of $399 per person, and the in-suite experience includes the Otium Shower, designed to offer a moment of relaxation with essential oil-infused shower steamers. Guests will also discover a collection of eco-friendly, refillable Otium bathroom amenities, created with ethically sourced, natural ingredients. 

A new Roman-inspired Otium Spa design made its debut onboard Silver Nova. It was repositioned towards the ship’s bow and encompassed an indoor relaxation pool and eight treatment rooms, amongst other features. The spa design, the thermal area, and the treatment menu draw their inspiration from the ancient Roman baths, intended to provide a soothing experience for guests.

Vista and Allura – Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center

On board Oceania Cruises Vista and Allura, guests have the opportunity to experience the remarkable Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. This exclusive wellness hub provides a holistic approach to rejuvenation, offering an array of exquisite treatments designed to invigorate the body, enlighten the mind, and nurture the spirit.

The spa’s tranquil spaces exude a serene elegance, inviting guests into an oasis of relaxation. Sumptuously decorated, the wellness centre skilfully combines lavishness and comfort, complete with state-of-the-art facilities; as a result, it provides an unparalleled sanctuary for the senses.

In the realm of physical well-being, guests will find a diverse selection of personalised treatments and therapies. These range from traditional massages and facials to wellness practices such as acupuncture and energy healing. Each treatment is expertly delivered by a team of experienced therapists, utilising a collection of world-class products and techniques.

Nutrition and vitality are also integral parts of the wellness journey at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. From restorative green juices and nutrient-dense smoothies served in the wellness cafe to the wellness-focused culinary masterpieces served in the ship’s gourmet restaurants, nourishing the body with wholesome and delectable meals is as important as the treatments themselves.

Seven Seas Grandeur™ – Serene Spa & Wellness™

Regent Seven Seas Cruises made a range of innovative and exclusive spa treatments available on board Seven Seas Grandeur™, which set sail for the first time in November 2023. The ship’s Serene Spa & Wellness™ experience is designed to heighten relaxation at sea, delivered through an indulgent treatment list that brings together world-class techniques with the finest ingredients sourced from all corners of the globe. Each treatment lasts up to 100 minutes and is composed to soothe both the body and mind. 

Highlights of the spa treatment list include a Hot Mineral Body Boost, which targets muscular discomfort and invigorates every cell within the body. Meanwhile, the Poultice-Powered Muscle Release dissipates sore and aching muscles through a stimulating treatment that hones in on tension areas with vibrational energy, culminating in a rejuvenating facial massage. 

Guests residing in the Regent Suite, hailed as The Most Exclusive Address at Sea™, are granted access to a sumptuous new therapy. The Tahitian Hydration Ritual whisks guests away to the exotic climes of the South Pacific, where enriched monoi oil, infused with the heavenly scent of frangipani blossoms and the purest coconut oil, delicately melts into the skin during a body wrap. The Regent Suite aboard Seven Seas Grandeur™ boasts an exclusive in-suite spa, exquisitely constructed to feature a personal sauna, steam room, treatment area and a limitless array of complimentary treatments.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II – The Spa

Embarking upon a journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery is the ethos of Ocean Wellness, the health and wellbeing offering from Explora Journeys. It comprises several key features, each of which is inspired by the healing qualities of the ocean, designed to invigorate the senses and lift spirits. Guests are welcome to relax in the various onboard lounges, peaceful spa, or even the undisturbed solitude of their suite, where the rhythmic sound of the waves and the expansive horizon create a sense of calm.

A distinctive offering on Explora Journeys fleet, encouraging guests to incorporate ocean-wellness into their journey, is an array of facilities open to all guests, not just to those with a spa treatment booked. From the steam room, Finnish sauna and salt cave to an experience shower and ice fall. Explora Journeys ships also feature a sophisticated ocean-front fitness centre. Specially crafted workout classes, including yoga, Pilates and aqua aerobics are conducted under the guidance of skilled trainers, aiming to promote physical wellness whilst at sea.

Among the highlights of the Ocean Wellness principle from Explora Journeys are the holistic spa treatments available on board EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II: These help to refresh the skin and relieve muscle tension; ranging from thalassotherapy to seaweed wraps, each treatment is meticulously devised to bolster natural vigour.

Meanwhile, guests are also invited to relish exquisite meals envisioned by expert chefs. Championing nutritional balance and utilising the freshest produce straight from the sea, the menu is curated to please the taste buds whilst contributing positively to health and wellness.

Celebrity Beyond – The Spa

The Spa onboard Celebrity Beyond is not just a feature; it’s an integral part of the cruise experience, designed to leave guests with a sense of balance and renewal, enhancing both body and spirit through unparalleled pampering and fitness options.

Among the more unique features are Celebrity Beyond’s treatment tables. Including the Iyashi Dome, MLX Quartz, Spa Wave MLW Amphibia, and WellMassage 4D, each table provides completely bespoke experiences crafted to soothe and rejuvenate. The MLX i³Dome is available exclusively on Celebrity Beyond, bringing together three extremely effective detoxification methods in one.

Celebrity Beyond also provides a selection of destination-themed treatments, providing a connection to the ocean and the ports visited throughout your cruise. Indulge in coconut-scented therapies in the Caribbean or embrace rituals revered by Far Eastern royalty – the options are as inspirational as they are vast.

At the core of The Spa on the Celebrity Edge series lies the SEA Thermal Suite, boasting eight unique spaces. This suite is complimentary for all AquaClass guests – or at a supplement for others – and serves as a sensory playground and an exquisite setting for relaxation either before or after their spa treatments. Drawing from the much-admired Persian Garden on the current fleet, this experience has been elevated to an even higher plane of peacefulness.