Questions Re Thermal Suite on Oosterdam by Newbies

[Golfette]

I did a search on Thermal Suites & I think I understand what it involves. One thread mentioned an additional charge for the hydrotherapy pool. My questions are:

1. Can you buy one day in the Thermal Suite & if so, what does it cost?

2. What is actually included - the ceramic loungers, aromatherapy showers, rainshowers, small steam room. Anything else?

3. Is the hydrotherapy pool different from a regular "whirlpool" hot pool? Is it included or does it cost extra?

4. Can and should you book it if you want it a specific day before boarding?

Any information you can provide will be gratefully received:) .

[djhsolara]

The hydrotherapy pool is not as hot as a hot tub or whirlpool. The water is body temperature. There are bars that go across that form like a lounging area and then in the middle there is an area that has more jets and it more similar to a whirlpool.

I'm not sure how the day passes go. I think that they are for both the thermal suite (which I believe would include the steam and special showers because they are all in the same room) and the hydrotherapy pool.

[MercedMike]

We LOVE the Thermal Suite!!

Check out our page at
http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/thermal.html

When the Thermal suite is working to full capacity (occasionally it isn't ... sometimes the cretins in the spa don't know how to make it work ...) it includes the ceramic couches, a full steam room, a dry sauna, and an aromatherapy room, as well as the beautiful showers.

It can be booked by the week, or by the day. AFAIK it is not possible to book it in advance. We have never seen it crowded.

The Hydropool (or Thallasopool) is much larger than the standard hot tubs, and had more variety of lounging areas and bubble strengths. It is very private and has a lot of nice loungers around to relax on.

Pricing seems to be changing all the time. Usually there is a package for the two together, and a further package for couples. AIRC, it was $250 per week per couple for both rooms. I think maybe it is $15 per day for either or $25 per day for both ... but as I said they seem to change it all the time.

It is really well worth the expense, especially on a sea day, but it is very nice to come back to on a port day too!

Have a GREAT cruise!

[KAYEF]

The hydrotherapy pool is amazing. I usually had it all to myself.........it's not at all like the hot tubs.
Once you are all bubbled out, you can lie on a lounge right there by the pool. I usually wrapped up in towels and fell asleep.
ENJOY!!;)

[Solo Cruiser]

Count me as another vote for the week long pass to the Hydrotherapy pool and thermal suite. On the Westerdam it was $139 for the entire week for one person. Yes you can buy a day pass and I was told by spa staff that it would be $40 a day, but you have to buy it after you board. Take a tour of the spa when you board and you will get to see everything for yourself and decide if it is worth it. For me, it was the best shore excursion I never took LOL, well worth the price and much less expensive than some of the 4 hour shore excursions. The area is very private (there were never more than 4 people in the pool and never more than 3 in the thermal suite) and serene. I booked it because MercedMike wrote such glowing reviews and he was right on the money (thanks Mike).

[Golfette]

Many thanks to you all! Solo Cruiser that is a great idea to tour the area upon boarding & check it out. That's exactly what we'll do:) .

[kaiiak]

Thanks for all the info. I will be on the O in April and can not wait to use the thermal suite area!!! They have one similar on the NCL Pearl. We decided to have a very late dinner, and went to the spa about 8:00 in the evening and had the entire place to ourselves!!! It was like our own personal spa. :D