Vacation Cruising

Modern cruise ships have elaborate spa and salon facilities that offer a menu of massages, body wraps, facials, and skin treatments as well as hair and nail services for both sexes. Unless your cruise plans include this type of pampering, get haircuts and manicures before leaving home and bring along your own polish for fingernail touch-ups.

We would, however, highly recommend you get yourself a spa treatment, if your budget allows. Not only will you feel better, you’ll be more relaxed to enjoy all of the activities you have before you. So many times, we don’t take the time to make ourselves feel better. When you’re on vacation, it’s the perfect time. Just be sure to book early. These activities fill up quickly!

Be aware that the spa employees are usually not employed by the cruise line itself. They are often employed by a private company that requires the staff to try very hard to sell you "treatment" products. $300 worth of goop will certainly do a treatment to your budget. Even a massage can be less than relaxing, as they are hawking their wares while they massage. If you must have a Spa experience, don't hesitate to tell your therapist that you do not want to hear any recommendations on products. Be firm. You can do it!

If you are one of the first to board, run up to the spa immediately. You can volunteer to have a massage, etc. when they have the tour later in the day. It is free but you will have hordes of people coming in while they demonstrate. However, you are usually on your stomach so no one sees your face!

Many ships also have therapy pools, steam rooms, and saunas. Steam and sauna are generally included in the cruise fare; the use of therapy pools often is not.

Large cruise ship gyms feature an array of exercise machines available without charge. Also complimentary are most simple aerobics and exercise classes, but some specialty classes (such as yoga) and personalized instruction are extra. If there is any question in your mind, ask about fees before you join a class. Walking and jogging around the deck are always free and offer the benefit of invigorating sea air.

If your heart is set on a massage, hair styling or other spa treatment during a day at sea, be among the first to board and then run to the ship's fitness center - these are booked first.

However, some cruise lines will discount massages and spa treatments during the last two days. If a spa treatment or massage isn’t high on your list of priorities, you may want to wait to see if they have them discounted. You may have to have your massage poolside, but heck; a massage is a massage!

While you will certainly enjoy a spa experience or a massage, a lot of people have trouble with the rocking and rolling aboard a ship. Sea sickness can be a problem for some people.