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Cruising 101: Spa

In:
01 Aug 2011

There are just some things that go hand-in-hand with going on a cruise - umbrella drinks, hair braiding and the spa.  Every Royal Caribbean ship features an onboard Vitality Day Spa and Fitness Center that offer a variety of services that you can purchase to help relax, ease tension, make you look/feel better or just plain splurge.

What can I have done at the spa?

There's a number of services offered at the spa on a Royal Caribbean cruise.  Exact services can vary from ship to ship, but in general there are these services

  • Massages
  • Facial Treatments
  • Wraps and body therapies
  • Cosmetic services (BOTOX, Teeth whitening)
  • Acupuncture

Who can use the spa?

The spa is open to anyone at least 18 years old or older.  There are also services available for passengers age 13-17 called the special YSPA menu for teens.  You will have to inquire at the spa for more details on teen programs.

Which treatment is right for me?

The Vitality Day Spa usually offers free tours of the spa, especially on embarkation day.  On your first day of your cruise, you can usually drop by and get a tour and see the facilities as well as hear descriptions of what's available on your cruise.  We've found these tours to generally be fairly low sales pressure and it can be a fun activity for the family to look at.  

In addition to the tour, you can speak with a spa staff member about what you're interested in.  Given the slew of treatments and services available, there's a lot to choose from and everyone's needs are different.

Spa treatments are a nice perk for yourself or someone you're with.  They cost extra and some can cost as much as a few hundred dollars.  They are far from a necessity but many cruisers love to take the opportunity to indulge in one.

How do I book a spa treatment?

You must make a reservation for a spa treatment at the spa desk or by calling the spa.  Generally speaking, the spa books up quickly on sea days and is easier to get into on port days.

You may also book the spa online prior to your cruise via the Royal Caribbean website.

How much do treatments at the spa cost?

Prices for spa treatments vary and can change often.  While we can't quote you exact prices for your cruise, we can give you some ball park ideas of what prices will roughly cost. Keep in mind, these are generalizations and your actual cost may be less or more.

  • Full Body Massage 50 minutes - $109
  • Aroma Stone Therapy - $175
  • Hydra-Lift Facial - $109

 

What about tip?

It is customary to tip the person who provided the spa services to you after your treatment is complete, but be sure to ask if gratuity is already included in the price they quote you.  Often gratuity is included and while you may tip extra if you feel the service was extraordinary, it isn't necessary.

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