Imagine discovering the world and working on your health, beauty, mind and a fit body at the same time. Wellness cruises are more popular than ever and the health focussed mindset on cruise ships is always taking things a step further. Detox, botox and high-end make-overs, with the best beauty brands on board a cruise ship everything is possible.
October is #ChooseCruise, a month where we join the cruise industry in highlighting the benefits of a cruise vacation. Earlier we talked about the culinary and family aspects of a cruise, this week we’re focussing on the special wellness options for women, men and adolescents.
A LUXURY HEALTH SPA AT SEA
A relaxing massage or facial during a cruise vacation is always possible. But modern cruise ships go far beyond that and feature large wellness centers that sometimes occupy two complete decks, offering a huge selection of massages, spa treatments and treatments from renowned beauty brands such as Canyon Ranch and Elemis. You can even get pampered in Champneys at Sea, a floating state-of-the-art version of the luxury English health spa, while cruising the Mediterranean Sea.
COOL DOWN IN THE SNOW
We all know that the wellness on board offers a broad choice of sauna and steam baths. But did you also know that you can go for a bit of cooling down in a real Snow Room at sea? These unique spaces offer a constant temperature of 10° Celsius while snowflakes whirl down. According to health specialists it is the ideal way to stimulate blood circulation, relieve pain and increase resistance.
HEALTH RETREATS, DETOX AND JUICE BARS
Nearly all cruise ships have offer extensive spa menus. From massages with hot stones and bamboo sticks to seaweed masks and wraps. But during your cruise you can also work on losing weight, opt for lifestyle coaching or to detox. Cruise ships combine these treatments with healthy, organic restaurants, spa cafés for light lunches and juice bars.
A 24 KARAT GOLD FACIAL
In addition to the various types of facials and hair treatments the cruise ship wellness centers also offer a selection of medi-spa treatments. Think teeth whitening, botox, non-invasive facelifts or reducing cellulite. A top facial treatment (unfortunately also in terms of budget, so be ready to spend some big money) is a facial with caviar or 24-carat gold leaf.
THIS IS A MAN’S WORLD
Admittedly beauty and wellness is still regarded as something rather feminine, but men are not forgotten. Nowadays men can also get pampered thanks to treatments ranging from wet shaves to facials specifically for the male skin. In addition to the mother-daughter and couples arrangements some wellness centers even offer father-son arrangements.
SURFER’S SCRUBS FOR YOUNGSTERS
More and more cruise ships are also adding spas for kids and teenagers. Focused on the specific needs of an adolescent skin, the treatments are given names such as Surfer’s Scrub, a body scrub with sea salt, and Y Care for Your Hair.
FLOATING FITNESS AND PILATES WITH A SEA VIEW
Adjacent to the spa facilities there is usually a well-equipped fitness center where you can work up a sweat while enjoying the fantastic sea view. They are open all day and qualified trainers offer lessons ranging from pilates and yoga to high-intensity work-outs such as spinning.
INSIDER TIP!
While a wellness cruise is the superlative of ultimate relaxation, an afternoon in the spa – during a ‘not only wellness’ cruise – also works miracles. When the ship is docked, with most passengers ashore, it is much quieter and more pleasant in the spa and wellness. And best of all, the prices for the treatments are often cheaper!