ncl cruise thermal suite

Norwegian Joy Spa & New Thermal Suite – First Look!

The Norwegian Joy recently underwent an extensive dry dock and the most extensive work was done adding cabins as well as a beautiful new Mandara Thermal Suite.

What does the new NCL Joy Thermal Suite Include?

The newly added thermal suite is a bit different than some of the spas and thermal areas on other Norwegian cruise ships because this was a refit rather than purpose-built during the initial construction of the ship.

For that reason, there were structural limitations and space constraints that make this thermal suite unique.

What’s missing in the newly added Spa/Thermal Suite on the Joy is the Thalassotherapy pool found in most of these types of spas at sea. Instead, there is only a small jetted hot tub and a cold plunge pool.

Unfortunately, the Thalassotherapy pools are usually the main draw for thermal suites, so it will be interesting to see how well-received this modified space will be.

There are quite a few other features in the new NCL Joy thermal suite that real spa-goers will appreciate including:

• Dozens of heated loungers
• Aromatic steam room
• Massaging “rainfall ritual” area
• Abundant chill spaces with oversized sofas

Everything Is Mixed Gender

Except for gender-specific changing rooms, there are no other gender-specific facilities. Some thermal suites have steam rooms or saunas in the changing rooms, but not with this new refit.

NCL Joy Thermal Suite Price / Cost

The price to use the new thermal suite is $299 per 7 day cruise, with slight adjustments for shorter and longer cruises.

Day passes will be sold on port days only, assuming there is space available for $74 per day

Unfortunately, you can’t access the new space by having a treatment (unlike in the past).

The Norwegian Joy Spa & Thermal Suite, First Look (Photos)

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Our Thoughts

The newly added thermal suite on the Joy is beautiful, there is no question about that. It’s one of the most stunning spaces on the ship.

However, when it comes to whether or not it’s worth the $299/week for access is questionable. We were given complimentary access to the new thermal area for a day and found ourselves bored after about 30 minutes.

With only one small whirlpool that seats about 6 people and no other hot tubs or pools, it’s really questionable whether it’s worth it or not.

For a better value, try the enlarged Vibe Beach Club on the Norwegian Joy

An alternative to the Thermal Suite is the newly expanded Vibe Beach Club. It’s an all-adult, private outdoor space that will likely be a better value for money for passengers looking for quiet time away from the masses.

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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So there isn’t a therapy pool like NCL’s other thermal suites? I was really looking forward to booking a cruise on the joy once they opened this new thermal suite but if that’s the case I will just continue to book the Bliss or Encore.

Hi! Unfortunately no, there is no therapy pool at all 🙁

If the therapy pool is a big selling point for you, then this Thermal Suite will be a huge disappointment. The space has almost all been allocated to heated loungers, which some people will love, but I can’t imaging spending $299/week for that. I’d rather get a Vibe pass In the future (for this ship).

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Home » Cruise » Norwegian Cruise Line » Norwegian Escape » Review: Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape

Review: Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape

On our recent Norwegian Escape cruise, we were lucky enough to get a personal tour of the Thermal Suite but did not get to experience any of the amenities firsthand. Blog readers, and fellow cruisers,

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On our recent Norwegian Escape cruise, we were lucky enough to get a personal tour of the Thermal Suite but did not get to experience any of the amenities firsthand. Blog readers, and fellow cruisers, Steven and Patricia sailed on Norwegian Escape the week before us and purchased a week pass to the Thermal Suite. They were kind enough to give us an in depth review and share their personal experiences of the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape. If you are sailing on this ship and considering the spa options, be sure to check out this week’s guest post.

On our recent Norwegian Escape cruise, my wife Patricia and I decided to do something a bit different and invest in a little pampering. We had read positive things about the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape and shortly after boarding decided to take a tour of the facilities. We stepped through the door into the thermal suite and were immediately ‘sold’! It is a beautiful facility and a true haven from the hustle and bustle of other areas on this ultra-modern cruise ship.

Why did I use the word ‘invest’? Well, the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape is not cheap, and we did get a little ‘sticker shock’ upon learning the cost for the 7 day unlimited pass was $219 per person. We wondered if we would use the facility enough to justify a little over $31 per day… by the end of the cruise, the answer was a definitive YES.

The Norwegian Escape is a large and very busy cruise ship. At full capacity, she carries well over 5,000 passengers. We consider ourselves sociable cruisers as we love to meet people, chat about different places, and share experiences, but every now and then, some quiet time is needed! The Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape is guaranteed to be a quiet, relaxing spot to start your day, maybe have a midday nap, watch the sunset through the panoramic windows, or perhaps have some post dinner chill-out time.

Norwegian issues a limited number of week passes, and on port days, you can also score one of a very limited number of day passes for the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape. The day passes are a bit of a secret! They can be purchased from the Mandara Spa on the morning of almost any port day for $54. We highly recommend that you purchase a pass for at least one day to enjoy this beautiful facility; it is a great value for a relaxing day.

Each time you want to visit the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape, you simply hand your cruise card to one of the very helpful spa employees, and they give you a special card to access the suite. We found that the staff were very friendly and made an effort to remember our names and ask how our day was going. We are on a cruise ship, how could it be bad?

We think it is important to mention that at no point during the cruise did anyone in the spa try to upsell us on any other spa offerings or products. This was something that we were a bit worried about at first because onboard spas are notorious for the upsell, and we did not want to be bombarded with offers every time we entered the suite. Kudos to a great spa team!

Upon entering the spa, you are met with a warm rush of scented air. The air is slightly humid but not hot or damp. As you pass into the thermal suite, there is a service station with fresh towels, infused fruit water, hot water, and various teas to enjoy. The changing rooms also have complimentary fluffy robes for your use while in the thermal suite.

The Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape has a mix of dozens of high quality padded loungers and 33 heated stone/tiled loungers that are shaped to confirm to your spine. They are heavenly! We found that we spent maybe 30 minutes on a heated lounger and then switched over to a normal lounger to nap, read, listen to music, or just stare at the never ending seascape through the enormous wrap around windows. The thermal suite is high and forward so your view is similar to that of the Captain on the bridge!

The Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape offers a variety of spa rooms and a very large thermal pool. The thermal pool is quite the experience, think of a hybrid between a swimming pool and giant hot tub! The depth varies between 3 and 5 feet with places where you can sit around the edges and soak in the warm water. The pool has high pressure jets all around, each individually controlled so you can choose calm water or a high pressure water-jet experience! The pool is warm; on a couple of days, we felt it was almost too warm (borderline hot).

A corner section of the thermal pool is best described as a wave/whirlpool, or a hot tub on steroids! Just fantastic for a few minutes (if you like being bashed around by intense jets of bubbly water!). In the middle of the thermal pool, there is a waterfall like device which sends a high-flow stream of water over your head and body. If you think that the thermal pool is sounding like a mini-waterpark for adults, you would not be far from the truth!

At most we saw maybe 10 people in the thermal pool, often just 2-3 at a time. Each jet, waterfall, wave pool area, etc. is individually controlled and timed like a typical hot tub (around 10-15 min cycles). Next to the thermal pool is a regular hot tub for those of you who might be a little less adventurous.

Next to the thermal pool is the tropical shower, not much to report here. It is basically a shower with a lot of water spray heads. Then comes the salt room, which to be honest, we never really understood.  It is a brightly colored room with an odd device in the middle which is supposed to release therapeutic salts. These salts are said to improve respiratory conditions such as asthma. If this is your thing, you may love it, but we found it a little boring.

The Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape also offers a traditional sauna, with the best view of any sauna in history, and a sanarium, which is similar to the sauna but with a little more humidity. I preferred the sauna while Patricia preferred the sanarium. It is nice to have so many choices.

Another option is the steam room, one of my favorite locations. It did seem a little funky in its operation though- a lot of steam or no steam at all, with excess water on the floor. The staff explained that the room does frequent self-cleaning cycles but failed to convince me that the unit was not malfunctioning every now and then!

Now onto the piece-de-resistance of the Thermal Suite…. drum roll please… the “Snow Room”! Yes, a Snow Room on a cruise ship! I thought this would be a gimmick, but it turned out to be very cool (or should I say very cold). To move straight from a hot sauna or the steam room into the icy snow room is quite the experience! Now I understand why many Scandinavians love the hot/cold contrasts! And yes, in case you are wondering, it does actually snow lightly in the room. This alternating of hot and cold therapy is said to improve circulation and immune health.

In all other areas of the thermal suite, we found fellow cruisers to be very quiet and keeping to themselves, but that all changed in the snow room.  Everyone seemed to be laughing, chatting, and making snow jokes about coming from Canada or the Midwest just to stand in a snow room on a cruise ship in the Caribbean!

All in all, we LOVED the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape and consider it to be an excellent value for the money. If you choose to sail on Escape and want a place to chill and relax, then we highly recommend the weekly pass. If you just want to experience a day in the Thermal Suite, then pick your port day and wander up to see the friendly staff in the spa at about 8am to score a day pass at a reasonable price.

Note: Prices are accurate as of this post date. Be sure to check NCL’s website for the most up to date pricing.

Have you sailed on a Norwegian ship featuring the Thermal Suite? Do you think this upgraded spa experience is worth the price tag? What are your favorite features? Drop us an anchor below to tell us about your experiences using the Thermal Suite on Norwegian Escape.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://eatsleepcruise.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Steve-and-Patrica-Gauld.jpg.webp[/author_image] [author_info] Steve & Patricia cruise as much as time and money will allow. Home for us is Michigan, and we try to escape the long winter months with a cruise (or 2). We have cruised the UK and Ireland and will be tackling Alaska this summer. We don’t have a particular favorite cruise line and have sailed many of the major lines, each one has its own pros and sometime the odd con as well. Have questions for Steve & Patricia? They can be reached at [email protected] . [/author_info] [/author]

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I always find it worth the investment. After all, YOUR children are adorable angels, but some, not so much. I like that it’s an adults-only relaxing space. I also prefer to lounge out of the sun, so it’s a very peaceful place to while away the time between shore excursion and dressing for dinner.

Thanks for your review. I put in a bid to upgrade to a spa balcony cabin on your review. I bid the minimum, but nothing ventured nothing gained. 🙂

Please excuse my naiveté on this matter, but how does one bid to upgrade their cabin? This is my first cruise on Norwegian, so I don’t know anything about the process and have seen it mentioned in a couple different places. Thanks in advance!

Not everyone gets an upgrade offer. I did receive one and put in three bids because we had the cheapest inside stateroom. I just found out yesterday that my offer was accepted and we now have a spa balcony room that includes the thermal suite pass. I’m am so excited. We sail on the 26th. I hope you are able to upgrade as well. You could call and ask if those emails have been sent to upgrade. Not sure when your cruise is. I got the email a few months ago to upgrade. Good luck!

Very helpful info – thanks so much, and CONGRATS that your bid offer was accepted and you got such a fabulous upgrade! 🙂 We don’t sail until September, so hopefully we will get an email about making a bid to upgrade in the next month or so. Fingers are crossed!

I didn’t get an upgrade offer until about 21 days prior to departure, and in the email it said not all guests are offered the upgrade. I believe it depends on how many empty rooms they have and how much you paid initially.

Hi – we’re sailing on the Escape this weekend and I have a quick question about the thermal suite. If you book a spa appointment for a massage, facial, etc. can you use the thermal suite before or after the appointment? Or is the only way to use it to buy a weekly or day pass? Thank you!

Went on Norwegian Escape. The spa served up temps lower than body temp 98.6 how is this a thermal suite? Our complaint got escalated, which meant nothing. The response was how many times we used the spa. We were told repeatedly our concerns would be addressed which is why we kept returning. Still cruising Norwegian because I’m every other way I feel they are superior. Save your money on the spa though

This was SO helpful! I booked this ship and loved all these features, but couldn’t figure out how we will book/access it. You clearly broke it down and I have shared the article with my husband. I plan on buying the7 day pass for sure.

My husband and I are interested in booking a mini spa suite and having access to this spa area. My question is, do they come around and offer drink service in this area? It seems like a pool area, and we do not want to have to leave to get a cocktail. any insight?

Is there a minimum age for the thermal suites? Can teens go in?

I always book the unlimited week and only cruise on NCL with a ship offering the thermal spa. It is well worth the money to be in a pool area without anyone under the age of 18. As for liquor, to my knowledge none is being served or brought in. It’s a spa! You are given free water, with infused fruit, and can make tea. I splurge on this extra and save money on the room. You can use the lovely locker rooms to take your showers, they are larger than what is in most staterooms in the first place. Hair dryers are provided along with lovely amenities. It is by far the best view and most relaxing.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils All-New Thermal Suite, Expanded Spa Offerings And Elevated Suites Aboard Norwegian Joy

March 4, 2024

Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

“Our guests have asked for these enhancements to Norwegian Joy, and we delivered,” said David J. Herrera , president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We strive to evolve the onboard experience based on our guests’ wants and needs, and this is another example of how we put them first in our decision-making. From an expanded spa to additional spacious accommodations, with these new updates, we have given our guests more space to relax, unplug and enjoy their time on board with their loved ones.”

Among the notable updates to Norwegian Joy and the onboard guest experience is the addition of the brand-new spacious Thermal Suite at the Mandara Spa and Salon, which is now the largest within the Breakaway-Plus class ships.

Complete with reinvigorating offerings such as the brand-new four senses loungers, a sauna, an ice room, and a steam room, Norwegian Joy guests will enjoy more amenities as a part of NCL’s renowned Mandara Spa experience, which was named “Best Spa” by the editors at Cruise Critic in their 2023 Editor’s Picks Awards. Additionally, Norwegian Joy’s The Haven by Norwegian® Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony have been expanded to three-bedrooms.

The two new suites include three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; a fully renovated living room, master bedroom and outdoor balcony furniture; as well as a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge.

“Our guests have asked for these enhancements to Norwegian Joy, and we delivered. We strive to evolve the onboard experience based on our guests’ wants and needs, and this is another example of how we put them first in our decision-making. From an expanded spa to additional spacious accommodations, with these new updates, we have given our guests more space to relax, unplug and enjoy their time on board with their loved ones”.

The ever-popular and exclusive adults-only Vibe Beach Club also underwent an expansion and now boasts a similar layout to the Vibe Beach Club available on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, with new private luxe cabanas.

In addition to the ship’s new offerings, Norwegian Joy boasts 21 bars and lounges; 16 complimentary and specialty restaurants; and a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade with breathtaking views of the ocean designed to connect guests to the sea. The vessel also features thrilling activities for every type of traveler such as the Norwegian Joy Speedway; an Aqua Park; a mini-golf course; and world-class entertainment including “Elements” and “Deal or No Deal®”.

Norwegian Joy emerged from her three-week dry dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands on Feb. 11, 2024, before embarking on an 11-Day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, United Kingdom to Miami.

The newly revitalized ship is currently offering seven-day, round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to New York in the summer of 2024, offering cruises to Bermuda with overnights in the quintessential island. Guests can book Norwegian Joy cruises with NCL’s Free at Sea program which offers complimentary add-ons such as unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, and on select voyages third and fourth guests sail free, as well as free airfare for the second guest.

Images at https://www.ncl.com/ar/es/newsroom/images-norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-all-new-thermal-suite-expanded-spa-offerings-and-elevated-suites-aboard-norwegian-joy/

(Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils All-New Thermal Suite, Expanded Spa Offerings And Elevated Suites Aboard Norwegian Joy – NCL )

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Norwegian Pearl Thermal Suite Review

June 28, 2019 by barb

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I just returned from a 14 day Norwegian Pearl British Isles cruise and used the thermal spa almost every day to recover from our intense schedule of ports of call. I have used thermal spas on Disney ships in the past more for general relaxation but my purpose this time in buying the pass was because I knew I would be tired and exhausted each night and would need a way to recover to start the next day. The Norwegian Pearl thermal suite pass was $249 per person purchased ahead of sailing. Price varies according to length of cruise. Check out this post for a full review of the Norwegian Pearl.

Overall Impressions

The thermal suite was by far my favorite part of the ship and I often spent hours rotating between the hot tub, Thalassotherapy pool and the heated stone loungers. The large spouting fountains in the Thalassotherapy pool were perfect to work out knots in your shoulders and the bubble loungers in the pool helped my sore legs get back to all that walking the next morning. The views from the regular loungers can’t be beat while pulling out of port.

How It All Works

There was a slight discount to buy the pass prior to the cruise for the entire length. They also sell day passes on the first day of sailing and, I believe, throughout the cruise based on capacity. On this sailing they did a wonderful job managing capacity and there were always loungers available and it never felt crowded. On Day 1 you need to go and have a sticker added to your room key that signifies that you have the pass. This was the most annoying part of the process for me as they insisted on showing me the whole spa and kept trying to upsell me on everything they could. My “tour guide” actually attempted to link arms with me and walk me around like school girls. Um, no thank you. After you have the sticker you can just show up and hand them the card each time. They hold onto it until you leave. There was a very sweet lady, Reobeka, who always took my card and made sure to get to know our names right away. She was a real bright spot here. You can then go and change in your respective locker room or if you are ready, enter the main part of the suite immediately. The main part of the suite is for both men and women and then there are separate amenities in both locker rooms. The pictures and videos I have show the main part and the women’s locker room. My son assured me the mens was quite similar. Many people used the robes to take to their room and return the next day.

Photos of the Norwegian Pearl Thermal Suite

There was always water on the floor as all the water features seemed to overflow constantly. Don’t forget your flip flops which is on my 14 Day British Isles Cruise Packing List . The staff is always trying to upsell massages. There were no real amenities in the locker room beyond a hair dryer, cotton balls and the same body soap and shampoo/conditioner dispensers mounted in the cabin bathrooms. These were all small issues and really didn’t detract from the overall experience but they were negatives in my opinion compared to other cruise ship lines I have experienced.

Video Walkthrough Norwegian Pearl Thermal Suite

You might also like this:.

June 29, 2019 at 12:21 pm

Loved the honest review. Having been on the same cruise, I couldn’t agree more. The water spillage was awful and I felt that there were spa amenities missing. Such as body lotion and decent shampoo & conditioner.

February 11, 2020 at 4:09 pm

I am considering buying the Spa Pass for our one week ‘Blues Themed’ cruise so that I may shower and get ready (hair & makeup!) while Hubbie uses the cabin bathroom – Do you know if the spa is open past 6 PM so I could accomplish the hair and makeup before dinner here?

Thanks! Angie

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Dawn Thermal Suite Pass

By CozGurl , January 11, 2019 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Anyone done this lately? How was it? I read on another thread about another ship and salt scrubs in the thermal suite. Do they have that on the Dawn?

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valleyvillage

The thermal suite and the spa differ in that treatments (massage, etc. not sure about salt scrubs...I know they have wraps) are done in the spa. The thermal suite is for soaking in a hot tub or relaxing on a heated tile lounger with a magical view of the ship's wake. The Dawn and the Star have one of the older thermal suites, not a lot of variety, but very relaxing and well worth it!

BirdTravels

3 hours ago, CozGurl said: Anyone done this lately? How was it? I read on another thread about another ship and salt scrubs in the thermal suite. Do they have that on the Dawn?

You can  purchase   salt scrubs on the ship and use them in the thermal suite. Some photos can be found at 

Thanks Bird.

The passes are on sale now for $220 or so. Will that be the same price on embarkation day?

Elementstorm

CozGurl, passes are typically cheaper before the cruise and will cost about 20-50$ more once on board.  That said, if you have port intensive itineraries, it's often possible to just pay for the day (about $20) that you want.  Some ships limit that though even if the Thermal spa is empty. 

According to my research, the Dawn has a warm pool, a hot tub, a super bubble pool (thelasotherapy) or something like that, a number of showers and heated loungers in the shared area along with a stand for cool water and tea.  Both hot tub style tubs require you to climb steps to get in and out.  The change rooms have saunas and I think the men's side has cool plunge baths but I'm not sure if the women's side has that.  I haven't been able to get anything definitive on the plunge baths.  Prices tend to vary based on how long the cruise is as well.

Thanks for the great info Elementstorm!

1 hour ago, Elementstorm said: CozGurl, passes are typically cheaper before the cruise and will cost about 20-50$ more once on board.  That said, if you have port intensive itineraries, it's often possible to just pay for the day (about $20) that you want.  Some ships limit that though even if the Thermal spa is empty.    According to my research, the Dawn has a warm pool, a hot tub, a super bubble pool (thelasotherapy) or something like that, a number of showers and heated loungers in the shared area along with a stand for cool water and tea.  Both hot tub style tubs require you to climb steps to get in and out.  The change rooms have saunas and I think the men's side has cool plunge baths but I'm not sure if the women's side has that.  I haven't been able to get anything definitive on the plunge baths.  Prices tend to vary based on how long the cruise is as well.

 No tubs in the women's side.

We got the pass once on the Dawn. It was a 7 night Bermuda cruise in October out of Boston. While we did like it on the cooler days we found it not useful on the warmer days. On warmer days we wanted to take advantage of the sun. At night we were too busy with other activity’s. When we had bad weather and the pool deck was closed so was the thermal spa pool and tubs which defeated the purpose of getting the pass. We have never gotten the pass since and never missed it.

NH Cruisers

I would not willingly sail on a NCL ship without the Thermal Spa Pass.  Once I did it, I cant imagine or even think of not doing it.

The spa on the DAWN has a pretty big, but only 3 feet deep or so pool.  It is great, and generally not crowded. 

No screaming kids, but sometime loud and obnoxious adults. What happens is the thaloplasy pool and hot tub are real loud, one needs to talk loud to be heard. 

The heated tile loungers are better than I would have imagined. 

No Salt room on DAWN, did that on the Breakaway... I didn't  miss it. 

The view to the aft is so relaxing while underway. 

I sailed on Dawn 4  time and always purchased the pass,  it has gotten rough a few times too.  They never closed off the pool or the hot tubs on us.  They probably should have because the water went everywhere.  Good Times for sure.

Men's dressing room has a sauna, steam room, hot and cold dip tubs.

Is there a sauna and steam room available for women?

Beachiekeen

37 minutes ago, CozGurl said: Is there a sauna and steam room available for women?  

Yes there is.  I remember one of them being too hot though but I can't remember which.  I do remember, I could only use one of them.

ETA:  It was the steam room.  I remember I was bummed because I love to go back and forth between them.

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The 7 best cruise ship spas

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The best cruise ship spas are so tranquil and relaxing they may become not just your personal sanctuary at sea but also the “happy place” you visualize the next time you go to the dentist.

Like most onboard spas, these zen retreats typically feature a thermal suite with a sauna, steam room and maybe a hot tub; a menu of massages and facials; and a salon with hairdressers and manicurists. However, our favorites go above and beyond with spa-inspired shore excursions, calming accommodations and unique treatments and programs aimed at bolstering your mental and physical wellness.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Here are our picks for the best cruise ship spas that are sure to wipe all your stress away.

LivNordic Spa, Viking Ocean Cruises

The thermal suite on Viking ’s adults-only oceangoing ships is notable not only for its gorgeous design and unique hot and cold treatments but also because it’s complimentary for every passenger on the ship. You don’t need to book a spa treatment or buy a day pass to relax in the calming space, with its gray stone finishings and beautiful faux fireplace.

Viking’s coed spas are distinctly Scandinavian, and include a resistance pool, sauna, lounge chairs lined in heated tiles, steam room, bucket-style ice shower and a snow grotto. The snow grotto is just what it sounds like — a snow-filled, neon-lit space designed to cool you off, therefore mimicking the Scandinavian tradition of rolling around in the fluffy white stuff after your time in the sauna.

Related: Mistakes cruisers make on sea days

If you’re willing to open your wallet for additional pampering, you’ll find an impressive menu of spa treatments, including a Scandinavian spa night option and an array of hard-to-find Norwegian spa products that take advantage of regional ingredients, such as cloudberries.

The line’s two expedition ships have the added benefit of floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch whales breaching while you relax in the pool.

Cost to access the thermal suite: $0.

The Spa at Seabourn

Seabourn ’s spa stands out from the crowd thanks to the line’s signature Mindful Living program, which was put together with famed integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil.

The program includes yoga, guided meditation, “earth grounding” massages, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine consultations and even crystal sound baths. Other lines also offer Eastern-inspired wellness lifestyle options, but the Dr. Weil branding on Seabourn’s ships provides an air of authenticity.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren’t)

The rest of the spa is also impressive. Seabourn’s newest ships offer spacious spa areas with fitness centers and salons, as well as thermal suites with steam rooms, monsoon showers and heated tiled chairs.

Even the line’s expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, have 3,700-square-foot Adam Tihany-designed spas. Each features an airy sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Cost of Mindful Living program: Some activities — such as seminars, meditation and yoga — are included in the cost of your cruise. Others — such as acupuncture ($29) and earth-grounding massage ($179) — require a surcharge.

AquaSpa, Celebrity Cruises

On Celebrity Cruises ’ fabulous Edge-class ships – Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and the soon-to-launch Celebrity Ascent — you’ll find everything you would imagine in a major city’s top spa and fitness center. Picture a stunning spa with cutting-edge treatments, such as an antigravity massage, and a thermal suite featuring an infrared sauna and a room designed for swinging meditation.

The salon area includes a teeth-whitening program and the first hair salon at sea branded by the Parisian Kerastase line. The 24-hour fitness center is also impressive — with Peloton bikes, barre and high-intensity interval training classes, and even bungee-based classes.

Related: How to turn a voyage on a mass-market ship into a luxury experience

Book an AquaClass category cabin, and you get amenities that take the experience to another level.

Expect complimentary fitness class and Sea Thermal Suite passes, access to a spa concierge, healthy room service options and a yoga mat to use on board. You’ll also find wellness offerings curated by Goop (Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand; she serves as a wellness advisor for the line), including a signature smoothie and in-room fitness menus.

Finally, AquaClass provides guests exclusive access to Blu — a restaurant focused on healthy “clean cuisine” options and vegan choices. Don’t miss the muesli, prepared tableside, which was the best I’ve ever had.

Cost of Sea Thermal Suite passes and fitness class passes: A one-week Sea Thermal Suite pass is $219; fitness class passes range in price depending on the types of classes included.

Serene Spa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Serene Spas on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newest ships are especially striking — picture plenty of marble flooring, a curved wooden desk and Swarovski crystal sculptures. You might never want to leave the stunning infinity-edge pool set on a teak deck at the back of the ship.

The spacious spas have all the usual fixins – yoga classes, sauna and steam rooms, a full roster of facials and massages, and nail and hair salons. The dual thermal suites are single-sex and bathing-suit-optional, with saunas, steam rooms, showers and a cold room.

Related: First look inside the most expensive luxury cruise ship ever, Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor

You could easily spend the entire day at the spa, but you can also take the pampering off the ship. Regent offers over-the-top wellness tours featuring relaxing experiences in the destinations its ships visit. Look for a visit to the Thermal Baths of the Popes in Viterbo, Italy — just outside of Rome — or a meditation class on the Mediterranean island of Palma de Mallorca.

Cost of wellness tours: Some tours are included in the cost of your cruise (such as sunset yoga in Tenerife and meditation in Mallorca). Others incur a surcharge, such as $139 for the thermal bath experience in Italy.

Senses Spa, Scenic Cruises

The spa on Scenic’s oceangoing expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse, is a gorgeous place to retreat after a day of exploring on land — whether you’re in the Northwest Passage or Antarctica.

Hang your expedition attire up in the mud room (a place to take off muddy boots after a day of hiking in the tundra) and make your way to the thermal suite, with its gorgeous sauna, indoor Scandinavian plunge pool and outdoor pool, too. (We understand if you skip the outdoor pool in Alaska.)

The stunning slate-lined thermal suite is available to all passengers on board, free of charge, regardless of cabin category or whether they have booked treatments. The spa and salon menu includes facials, salt scrubs, manicures, blowouts and hot stone massages — which would be especially welcome after trudging through the snow to see penguins in Antarctica.

Related: These 6 luxury ships are like nothing you have ever seen before

Like the impressive onboard amenities — which include a submarine and a helicopter — the spa also goes above and beyond with its spa suites. The exquisite spa suites on decks 8 and 9 of Scenic Eclipse have Philippe Starck-designed bathrooms with mist showers that incorporate a range of color selections, giant Jacuzzi tubs that look out onto the sea through a private veranda and glass partitions to the main room that become opaque at the touch of a button. They, of course, offer special access to the spa.

Redemption Spa, Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has worked hard to add playful experiences to its adults-only ships, and its spa is no different. In addition to spa treatments and a healthy juice and smoothie bar, the line’s “well-being” program touts the ship’s coolest, most-talked-about feature – the Squid Ink tattoo parlor. Because we all know that self-expression is another way to promote wellness.

Related: I just got a tattoo on a cruise ship — here’s why you should, too

If the thought of needles makes you break out in a sweat, you can turn up the heat with Virgin’s free fitness classes and alfresco yoga instead. Or feel the temperatures rise in Virgin’s thermal suite, which beckons with heated lounge chairs, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub, an unusually large sauna and a steam room.

Then cool off in two cold plunge pools, a mud room (as in a place to smear therapeutic mud all over your body) and a salt room. A three-hour pass to the spa is $39 per person on port days and $59 on sea days.

Another fun feature is a mini salon for men called Stubble & Groom, which features hot-lather shaves and pedicures. You’ll definitely want some manscaping to complement your new tattoo.

Cost of tattoos at Squid Ink: $150 (and up).

Otium, Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ‘ new Otium (pronounced aught-zium) spa concept extends wellness and lavish living from the spa to your suite. The best part is that most of the experiences beyond the actual spa treatments are included in your fare.

The signature Otium Experiences are 100 minutes of heavenly indulgence, combining aromatherapy, massage and body treatments inspired by the gods. Your bliss doesn’t end with the conclusion of your massage. You will be escorted to a relaxation room with indoor and outdoor lounge chairs, access to a steam room and sauna, and decadent nibbles consisting of sparkling wine, cocktails and housemade truffles and marshmallows.

You can keep the hedonistic vibe going upon your return to your suite by requesting an aromatherapy bath with your choice of scents. Or, swaddle yourself in a cashmere blanket on your balcony and ring for lobster and caviar in brioche with lemony mayonnaise or potato fries with truffle oil and Parmesan, all from the Otium Comfort Food Dining menu.

Related: This cruise line is betting big on caviar, Egyptian cotton and other spa-like indulgences

When you are ready to turn in for the night, you’ll find the spa’s reach has extended to your bed. The Otium Soft Touch mattress, with its 400-pocket spring system infused with essential oils and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, by luxury Italian designer Rivolta Carmignani, will soothe your tired limbs and whisk away any residual stress you could possibly be feeling on vacation.

The Otium Spa can be found on Silversea’s Silver Dawn and soon-to-debut Silver Nova.

Cost of Otium in-suite spa amenities: $0

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Soak Up the Serenity Aboard The Best Cruise Ship Spas

The best cruise spas have a knack for bolstering your physical and mental wellness while on holiday.

Published 12 April 2024

Abbie Taylor

Whether you've got tired muscles from a day spent exploring, tired skin after one too many hours in the sun, or a tired brain ready to embrace a much-needed holiday, visiting a cruise ship spa is never a bad idea.  

Beckoning you in with the promise of bougie thermal suites fit with saunas, hot tubs, massages and more, the spa and salon services are the ultimate Zen retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of your ocean liner or mega ship.  

Not all massages are created equal. There is definitely a difference between your everyday spa, and the multi-sensory experience cruise companies that have gone above and beyond to offer you. Liners topping the cruise ship spa ratings boast everything from multi-level spas with dozens of treatment rooms, to cold plunge pools, a snow grotto and even medi-spa treatments like Botox and teeth whitening. 

Keen to know more? You've come to the right place. Pop your feet up, grab a glass of herbal tea and check out our run-down of the best spas currently conquering the seven seas.

• What to expect aboard cruise ship spas?

How much do spa treatments cost onboard?

• Top 10 Cruise Ship Spas in 2024 and 2025
• Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

Viking ocean cruises, virgin voyages, regent seven seas, princess cruises.

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Notable mentions for your next cruise vacation
• P&O Cruises

Photo by Engin Akyurt

What to expect aboard cruise ship spas and adults-only areas

Whether you're on a 5-star liner or family-friendly mega ship, rest assured that most cruises will offer some form of spa and adults-only retreat.  

When it comes to picking your spa treatment, you'll find everything from a hot stone massage and steam baths, to Himalayan sea salt scrubs, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and more.  

Beyond specific treatments, many cruise ships also come fitted with thermal suits that play home to a range of pools, saunas, steam rooms, lounge chairs and outdoor cabanas.  

If in doubt, have a squiz online at what each spa offers, and the cruise line's philosophy around relaxation. It will help you understand exactly what to expect when you step aboard. 

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Pricing will differ between cruise lines and packages, however it's expected that most onboard spa treatments (such as massage, hair salon and facials) will incur a small additional fee. Some cruise lines do offer complimentary access to thermal suites, while others may require you to purchase a pass.  

Chat with your agent or check online to confirm before you depart.  

Top tip: Book your spa treatments online before your cruise starts to ensure you don't miss out.

Top 10 best cruise ship spas in 2024 and 2025

Celebrity cruises: the spa & sea therman suite.

If you're craving a spa experience that mimics the level of luxury you'll find on land, look no further than the SEA Thermal Suite found on Celebrity Cruises Edge Class ships.  

While each ship may differ slightly, expect facilities like solariums, whirlpools and an infrared sauna room set against the backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows and water shows. Those sailing on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Epic will instead enjoy the Persian Garden Thermal Suite, which includes hot and cold rooms and a Turkish hammam.  

Guests can ask the spa concierge for advice on what to book from the robust menu of treatments. Think massages that incorporate a zero gravity bed, Botox, skincare regimes, body wraps, scrubs, acupuncture and more. Don't forget the hair, makeup and nail salon, and fully stocked gym. 

For those really keen to supersize their relaxation, we recommend booking an AquaClass spa cabin. These luxe lodgings come fitted with Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop products, multiheaded spa showers, upgraded linens and room service, pillow menus and an aromatherapy diffuser. Add in complimentary use of the spa's relaxation room, sauna and steam room complex, and you've got a one-way ticket to bliss.

Photo by Ze Zorzan

Book a multi-level spa experience aboard Holland America's Pinnacle-class ships. The fleet's biggest and most luxurious offering boasts 17 treatment rooms, saunas, an aromatic steam room, horizontal rain showers and a bubbling hydrotherapy seawater pool. Don't forget to finish off your treatment by lazing on a heated tile lounger!  

For skin care fanatics, rest assured that Holland America's spas are all supported by Elemis products, so your pores are in safe hands.  

If you're keen to level up that post holiday glow, why not get your hair done at the full-service salon, or even dabble in a little something extra at the medi-spa?

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ship is synonymous with luxury, so it's no surprise that the onboard spa is a cut above the rest.  

Mareel Wellness and Beauty Spa boasts all your regulars, plus a few Cunard specialties. Keep your eyes peeled for the Ocean Odyssey treatments, which incorporate seaweed and marine salts in facials and massages. The aromatherapy body exfoliation is also a guaranteed good time, leaving your skin buffed and smelling better than ever.  

Mareel Spa also features a nail and hair salon, gym, wide range of fitness classes and a huge Aqua Therapy Centre that boasts a Finnish sauna, thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, sensory showers and a reflexology basin.  

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If you're after an all-encompassing spa experience, book your next cruise onboard Silversea's Silver Dawn . Here, you'll find the Otium Spa and Wellness Concept.  

Inspired by the Romans with a focus on holistic indulgence, all guests can enjoy access to a steam room and sauna with personalised scrub and loofah. While relaxing in the thermal suite, be sure to take advantage of the complimentary champagne and nibbles.  

Prefer the comfort of your own suite? Otium will send out a butler with sunscreen and drinks in warmer climates, or a cosy blanket and hot chocolate in the winter. Enjoy these while they draw you a bath with your choice of scent, mood lighting and music, before leaving you to soak in unbridled bliss.

Inspired by Nordic traditions which balance out hot and cold therapies to help stimulate circulation, all Viking Ocean cruise ships come fitted with a LivNordic Spa operated by the Stockholm-based Raison d'Etre. 

These serene spas feature everything from a thalassotherapy pool and hot tubs, to Norwegian-style bucket showers, steamy saunas and a snow grotto (meant to mimic rolling in the snow after sweating it out in the sauna).  

LivNordic's spa treatment menu boasts everything from specialised facials and Swedish massage, to a dedicated salon space offering haircuts, styling, manicures and pedicures. The best bit? Unlike many other cruise lines, Norwegian's thermal suite areas are complimentary for all passengers.

Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi

MSC Cruises

Enjoy a slice of island life with MSC cruises Aurea Spa - the only Balinese-style spa at sea. At Aurea Spa, treatment options range from facials and body treatments to massages with options like Balinese, Thai, hot stone and Himalayn sea salt. You can also go for a buff, polish and shine at the onboard salons and gym. 

MSC's newer Seaside EVO-class ships are also home to a huge thermal suite. Here, you can take relaxation to the next level, with the suits boasting:

• chromotherapy shower circuits 
• aromatherapy rain showers 
• arctic showers 
• Himalayan salt rooms 
• snow rooms  
• relaxation areas 
• steam rooms 
• Finnish saunas 
• hydrotherapy pool 
• whirlpools 
• steams baths

If you're travelling on the EVO-class ships, we recommend booking Aurea class to enjoy complimentary access to the thermal suite.

The newest kid on the block has pulled out the big guns in relaxation, with Virgin Voyages Redemption Spa serving as a haven from the upbeat energy pulsing through the rest of the ship.  

Operating under the motto "detox then retox", Redemption Spa offers a wide range of modern spa and beauty treatments with brow bars, lash extensions, rainbow hair tints, beach braids and more. Grab a mani-pedi by the pool, or mark the occasion with a tattoo from Squid Ink tattoo parlour (the first of its kind at sea).  

No cruise is complete without the infamous thermal suite. Virgin Voyages' comes fit with a mud room, hot and cold therapies, steamy sauna, pool and heated loungers.

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Regent Seven Seas' Serene Spa is known for luxury and relaxation. Fit with marble flooring, Swarovski crystal sculptures and infinity-edge pools at the back of some ships, guests are welcome to indulge in a range of treatments inspired by global wellness practices. 

We recommend combining these cutting edge treatments with the complimentary Aquavana Hydrothermal Experience. Here you can step in and out of experiential showers employing varying pressures and temperatures, marinate in aromatic steam rooms and encourage circulation by switching between a cold room and infrared saunas.  

Depending on your itinerary, you can even participate in luxury shore wellness tours like soaking in the thermal bathes of the Popes in Viterbo, or joining a meditation class in the Mediterranean Islands.   

Princess Cruises' entire fleet is fitted with the Lotus Spa services and body treatments like hot stones, soothing massages, detoxifying ocean wraps, manicures, pedicures and more.  

Beyond Lotus Spa's extensive menu, a fan-favourite onboard is the scrub and shine bar in the Enclave where cruisers can order a tailored body scrub from the mixologists. Sunburn and cracked heels from all that time in flips flops? Not anymore! 

Norwegian Cruise Line 

With more than 50 different specialty treatments offered onboard, Norwegian's Mandara Spa is considered to be one of the most innovative and accommodating at sea.  

Enjoy some well-earned me time and take your pick from spa and salon services that include blissful body wraps, skin polishes, warm milk baths, frangipani and coconut wraps, heated seaweed foil wraps and even a "four hands massage". Double the hands = double the relaxation.  

Beyond the Mandara Spa services, different Norwegian ships will offer unique wellness experiences. For example, Norwegian Epic has a soothing whirlpool, while Norwegian Breakaway , Getaway and Prima boast dedicated halotherapy treatments, aka a salt room to mimic the salt caves in Eastern Europe. 

Notable Mentions for your next cruise vacation

P&o - elemis at sea.

Modelled on the Elemis international day spas, P&O cruise ships feature a comprehensive Elemis menu, medi-spa, traditional Chinese medicine treatments, fitness centre and beauty bar. 

Boasting a mindful living program curated by integrative medicine expert, Dr Andrew Weil, Seabourn guests can enjoy yoga, guided meditations, "earth grounding" massages, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine consultations, crystal sound baths and access to the fitness centre.

Ready to conquer the ocean from the comfort of a massage table? 

Check out our cruising packages online, or chat with your local Flight Centre cruise expert to suss out the best itinerary (and spa menu) for your next holiday.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Unveils Bold New Vision for the Future with Strategic Long Term Fleet Expansion and Enhanced Private Island Development

Plan includes next generation vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises to be built by Fincantieri, along with infrastructure enhancements for Great Stirrup Cay, all while continuing its disciplined multi-year de-leveraging plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) (together with NCL Corporation Ltd., "Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings", "Norwegian", "NCLH" or the "Company") today unveiled the most comprehensive new build order in its history-a total of eight state-of-the-art vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its three award-winning brands-and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the Company's private island destination in the Bahamas and its top-rated Caribbean port of call. This unprecedented decade-long strategy enhances its product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure, supporting the Company's sustained leadership in delivering innovative cruise vacations.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036. Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, which are subject to financing [1] . Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,400 guests in 2027 and 2029. Lastly, following the award-winning Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029. Details regarding the ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining, recreational, efficiency, sustainability and other features will be announced in the coming months.

"This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round."

In partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, each brand will design their new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. Aligning with the Company’s sustainability efforts, the new ship designs are expected to advance the journey towards decarbonization.

This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet. We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round.

"Over the years, our long-standing relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been rooted in a shared vision for the future of maritime travel, consistently setting new standards for innovation, luxury, sustainability, and guest satisfaction in the cruise industry,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director at Fincantieri . “We are thrilled to work on these new build orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.”

The Company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80 percent of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, subject to certain conditions. The ship orders for Norwegian Cruise Line remain subject to financing, currently underway. 

Mark A. Kempa, chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, commented, "we expect that these strategic investments will secure our growth trajectory, significantly boost our earnings profile, and enhance shareholder value well into the future. With a favorable payment structure that includes pre-delivery financing and modest initial installment payments for these ship orders, we still anticipate strong Net Leverage reduction of 1.5 turns by the end of 2024, relative to 2023, and expect the Company to continue reducing Net Leverage each year for the foreseeable future."

New Pier Development at Great Stirrup Cay

The new pier development at the Company's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, is slated to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the Company's current and future ship classes. The pier development will enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay, and along with Harvest Caye, the Company's private island in Belize, continue to provide guests with world-class destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss this announcement. A link to the live webcast along with a slide presentation can be found on the Company's Investor Relations website at https://www.nclhltd.com/investors. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for 30 days after the call.

[1]  Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. expects a four-ship Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) order to replace a separate, effective, two-ship order for Oceania Cruises initially placed to secure availability with the shipyard. The four-ship order for NCL is still being finalized and is subject to financing. Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029. All expected delivery dates are preliminary and subject to change.