Is the spa pass worth it?

[DMLyons]

Okay... To put this in perspective... My husband and I are taking a cruise (the 28 June 2013 Dawn, Boston to Bermuda). We'll be celebrating our 25th Anniversary aboard ship, and this is only the third time we've been able to vacation alone (without children) since the oldest was born almost two decades ago. In short, we want to find quiet places to just be together...tables for two, meals in our cabin, couples massage, etc. We probably will never darken the door of the casino or a night club while we're aboard...and will probably never venture close to the main pool or kids' pool, at least during the height of the day.

 

So my questions are...

 

1. How crowded does the "quiet sun deck area" on 13 forward get on a summer cruise? Is it overrun with children, or do they actually enforce that it's a quiet area? It's not that I hate kids or anything. Love them. But they aren't exactly part of a "romantic getaway without the kids." :rolleyes:

 

2. Have you found the spa pass worth it? I know some people say it's crowded and noisy there. If so, what are the perks to spending almost $20 a day for it? To be honest, I'm not sure we'd use it enough to make spending the money worth it, so I'm really weighing what we'd gain on the purchase right now.

 

3. How common is it for them to sell spa day-passes on shore days? That might be a good middle ground for us, since we plan to be aboard two of the three shore days anyway. I wouldn't mind spending that for a day or two, and especially on the day we'll be having our massages, so we can use the steam room, shower, massage, hot tub... And how much do they charge for day passes?

 

4. If I wanted to use the main pool to get in some PT exercises, what would be a fairly empty time to do so? I don't need deep water...just three or so feet of water and 30 or 45 minutes without being overrun.

 

5. Any other little nooks you can recommend for people looking for a quiet couple time aboard the Dawn? :) Where would you go if you wanted a quiet conversation?

 

DML

[Laszlo]

We have had a week spa pass twice on the Gem. Never found it crowded or noisy. Its suppose to be a quite zone.

 

Doing PT in the main pool is going to be difficult, unless you are there as soon as it opens - 8:00AM????

 

If this is your first trip to Bermuda........get off of the ship and go to the beach!!!:D

[DMLyons]

We have had a week spa pass twice on the Gem. Never found it crowded or noisy. Its suppose to be a quite zone.

 

Doing PT in the main pool is going to be difficult, unless you are there as soon as it opens - 8:00AM????

 

If this is your first trip to Bermuda........get off of the ship and go to the beach!!!:D

 

We'll be ashore one day in Bermuda, but we're unlikely to spend a lot of time on the beach. Neither of us are particularly beach people. We both prefer a quiet pool or hot tub to a beach.

 

Since my current PT pool time (at home) is 8 am, it's not a hardship to do it onboard ship at the same time. ;)

 

I know the spa area is supposed to be a quiet area, but if you read up on it on these forums, I've seen several people complain it's not enforced. Some have said that people in the jacuzzi, for instance, are often so loud and obnoxious that the other passengers leave the lounges and go to the quiet rooms, showers, or steam rooms to escape the noise. If that's not the usual, that's good. It would just really annoy me to spend the money on a spa pass and find that the quiet area is not enforced.

 

Thanks for the answers!

 

DML

[punkincc]

We got the spa pass on the Star, not the Dawn, NYC to Bermuda. We did use it a couple of times, and it was always very quiet. Sometimes we were the only ones in there. Never more than 2 or 3 other people. The hydrotherapy pools are great. The lap pool there would be fantastic for your PT.

 

It was probably not very cost effective for us, as we spent a lot of time ashore in Bermuda. None of my business, and maybe you have already seen all there is to see in Bermuda, but there is so much to see and do there, it pains me to hear you are only getting off one day! All those beautiful secluded coves just minutes away from the ship!

 

Edit: Sorry, I see you posted you are not beach people. If you don't intend to do much exploring, I would definitely go for the spa passes. I have never seen that complaint about the spa. The courtyard pool area, yes.

[Elkpad]

I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. On my pearl cruise a few yeas ago it was definitely worth it for us. We bought weeklong passes and used it every day. We never found it to be crowded, and since they only sold a limited amount and not to anyone under 18 it stayed very quiet and enjoyable. The "adult" areas outside the spa we found to be very busy even with child limits. They were crowded most of the time which is why we chose the spa passes. Unless you are in the haven, which to me would be the equivelant of the private spa, it may well be worth it to you.

[maxshadoe]

We have traveled on the Dawn the last two years to Bermuda, first week of June.

Quiet zone hot tub on the upper deck can be windy during sea days, never too crowded.

The spa, we got the week pass two years ago, there is a lap pool, that is seldom used, the hot tub is slippery getting in and out, DW took a toss getting out. Never saw more that 10 people in the entire area all week.

There are two separate quiet rooms, male and female off to each side, a little aroma machine, soft chairs and you WILL doze off.

Very seldom was anyone in the hot tub and never was it loud. The central sitting area near the hot tub and pool had nice recliner and very relaxing looking out at he stern.

[Greeneyedbernie]

I know you are looking for therapy time in the pool, but have you considered other alternatives? From what I have seen, the fitness center on the Gem is quite good. Are you able to handle a low setting on a stationary bike? Just trying to think of alternatives in case the pools aren't a good option :)

[Va. Plumber]

Really don't know what O.P. is referring to regarding spa being noisy.

We have always found it just the opposite, both on Star and Dawn.

 

We wouldn't sail without one. The first time on the Dawn, there were very few people there except of the last sea day.

 

I'm sorry if I violated some noise ordinance by talking to fellow passengers while in the jacuzzi. I have met some very interesting folks there.

[sailingnut]

I bought a spa pass on the "Gem" for a week and just loved it~~never much noise~~it feels like you are getting away from it all and you can go almost anytime you want~~made the mistake of not going the first few days and when I went~~could not get enough! Enjoy!:)

[AZKEN2MUCH]

IMHO...the spa pass is what I look forward to on each cruise. Time to mellow out, chill, relax and just say "ahhhhh". I have never found the area on any cruise line to be noisy. (did have one "romantic" couple (ew) on a cruise but that was stopped by staff very quickly once reported) The hydrotherapy/thalasotherapy/whatever you want to call it pool is fantastic. The "rack" looks ominous but is so comfortable. Also, consider the fact you have much larger shower area for bathing as well as private access to both the sauna and steam rooms. The heated tile beds are quite nice as are the regular padded lounges in the area. You will not be disappointed. I found that during dining hours the spa was basically empty. Plenty of iced water or hot teas available as well. They provide you a robe. Gotta get the spa pass!!!Enjoy~

[NewEnglandNANA]

Congratulations on 25 Years!

 

We are leaving on the Dawn in 8 days (celebrating our 30th Wedding anniversary).

I have convinced my husband we are getting the spa pass but I am still apprehensive about spending that much $. But I have saved up:D.

 

I will be happy to let you know about our experience when we get back.

[bkbestie]

How much is the spa pass for a week?

[johnsak123]

I think only you can decide if it is worth it depending on the amount of time you plan on spending there.

Last sailing on the Gem I wanted to use the spa for a quiet stress less sanctuary from the daily hustle and bustle of the crowds. However, that was difficult because every time I was in the spa it was occupied by very loud crowd who felt the need to scream when they talked. Especially when the loud jets in the large Jacuzzi were on. No matter how many times they were asked nicely to be quiet they weren't. But that is the luck or bad luck of the draw. For the most part I enjoyed the spa and the ability to get away from the crowds.

Enjoy!!

[AZKEN2MUCH]

How much is the spa pass for a week?

 

The answer to that question is: it depends. Many 7-day sailings I have paid $99 and a few weeks ago on EPIC it was $146 (however, very well worth it as largest spa on the water and could be in steam room and see the ocean go by...ahhhhhh) I have prepaid for the spa pass and then had it be less $$ onboard; spa staff kindly issued OBC for the difference.

 

The thing to look for is the spa itself. What facilities does it have? are they co-ed? you can usually find this information looking at ship photos or cc members photo postings/reviews.

 

Congrats to you and enjoy your upcoming cruise. Please reply back to let us know your opinion if you do get the spa pass.

[bkbestie]

Thanks so much I do love a spa

[TN56]

The answer to that question is: it depends. Many 7-day sailings I have paid $99 and a few weeks ago on EPIC it was $146 (however, very well worth it as largest spa on the water and could be in steam room and see the ocean go by...ahhhhhh) I have prepaid for the spa pass and then had it be less $$ onboard; spa staff kindly issued OBC for the difference.

 

The thing to look for is the spa itself. What facilities does it have? are they co-ed? you can usually find this information looking at ship photos or cc members photo postings/reviews.

 

Congrats to you and enjoy your upcoming cruise. Please reply back to let us know your opinion if you do get the spa pass.

 

I have not seen a place to pre-pay for the spa pass - do I have to call or something?

[DMLyons]

We have traveled on the Dawn the last two years to Bermuda, first week of June.

Quiet zone hot tub on the upper deck can be windy during sea days, never too crowded.

 

Nice! Thanks for all the information. It helps a lot.

 

DML

[Laszlo]

I have not seen a place to pre-pay for the spa pass - do I have to call or something?

 

I don't think you can prepay. In NYC NCL had a table with 2 reps set up in the waiting area. They sell X amount to weekly spa passes.

[DMLyons]

I know you are looking for therapy time in the pool, but have you considered other alternatives? From what I have seen, the fitness center on the Gem is quite good. Are you able to handle a low setting on a stationary bike? Just trying to think of alternatives in case the pools aren't a good option :)

 

I do both PT in the pool and PT out. I can't do a stationary bike at all, but I can do Arc trainers, Curve, and Elliptical trainers, as long as they can be adjusted back to a low setting.

 

In fact, I was STOKED to find out there is a TRX. I don't want a TRX class, because my TRX use is already scripted for me by a PT that knows my medical needs. All I really need is 15 minutes with a TRX setup to do it myself, as part of my exercise routine.

 

I haven't been able to find out what, besides the basics, the gyms have aboard. The pictures I've seen are all of things like exercise bikes, treadmills, and weights. I've already planned to bring my own therapy bands, in case they don't have them. I'm hoping they have things like an ab machine (the freestanding style where you fold your legs up toward your chest), Roman chair, and assisted pull-up and dip machine. If they don't, I can go a week without them; it will just mean doing a lot of floor exercises instead. I imagine they have floor mats in one area?

 

DML

[DMLyons]

Congratulations on 25 Years!

 

We are leaving on the Dawn in 8 days (celebrating our 30th Wedding anniversary).

I have convinced my husband we are getting the spa pass but I am still apprehensive about spending that much $. But I have saved up:D.

 

I will be happy to let you know about our experience when we get back.

 

Please do! And mega-congratulations on 30 years! That's wonderful!

 

DML

[DMLyons]

I think only you can decide if it is worth it depending on the amount of time you plan on spending there.

Last sailing on the Gem I wanted to use the spa for a quiet stress less sanctuary from the daily hustle and bustle of the crowds. However, that was difficult because every time I was in the spa it was occupied by very loud crowd who felt the need to scream when they talked. Especially when the loud jets in the large Jacuzzi were on. No matter how many times they were asked nicely to be quiet they weren't. But that is the luck or bad luck of the draw. For the most part I enjoyed the spa and the ability to get away from the crowds.

Enjoy!!

 

I've heard these types of stories before. That's one of the reasons I'm worried about it. But it seems to be the exception and not the rule. That's good.

 

DML

[DMLyons]

How much is the spa pass for a week?

 

It depends on how long the cruise is. I've been told it's about $125 per person (adults only allowed) for a 7-day cruise and closer to $150 per person for a 9-day cruise. If they've raised it in the last few months, I don't know it.

 

DML

[DMLyons]

I have not seen a place to pre-pay for the spa pass - do I have to call or something?

 

I've been told you can't order it before you go. You can either buy it as you get to the pier...or at the spa, preferably the first day of the cruise, so they don't sell out of them.

 

DML

[CruiseRansier]

We loved the spa on the Pearl and think it was worth the $ that being said we were on a long Panama Canal Cruise. We were just off the Dawn and did not care for her spa and if we had to do it over would not pay for the spa pass.

[MizDaisy]

We loved the spa on the Pearl and think it was worth the $ that being said we were on a long Panama Canal Cruise. We were just off the Dawn and did not care for her spa and if we had to do it over would not pay for the spa pass.

 

 

If you don't mind my asking, what did you not like about the spa on the Dawn? And what was the cost, either per person, or per couple?

 

Sailed on the Pearl, but we were in the villas, so we didn't go to the spa...I have no comparison.