How many of you use the spa?

[JWestShuh]

I've never been a spa costumer on a cruise. How many of you use the spa? What services do you prefer?

[beth4652]

I had never used the spa until our last cruise. I had a hot stone massage and DH had some other thing --- either seaweed or foil. Neither of us thought it was worth the price. However, DH did get a couple of day passes and really enjoyed using them.

[CaptData]

I have used the Spa on almost every cruise I have been on. I have MS so I need a messauge every other week or so. I have hot stone and it was wonderful but the price has becoming to high for it. I usually get it on the last port day. Port days are cheaper as no one is around so they cut their prices hoping to get anyone who has stayed on the ship.

[JWestShuh]

I meant customer...I don't make costumes for the spa :)

[SPARKY12]

I don't understand why so many want to get a massage on the ship when you can get one much less expensive at home. I also read that you are pressured into buying thier products during the whole massage, I would definitely not enjoy that or find an hour long sales pitch relaxing. When on a cruise I want to be outside on the deck doing things you can do only on a cruise, not indoors.

[love2vacation]

The spa is expensive compared to what I pay at home, and I have a wonderful massage therapist at my home salon that does an awesome job. But I usually treat myself anyway. ;) I normally wait till a port day when the Spa has specials. I usually get back in time to get a massage in before dinner.

[AZPam]

Our first couple of cruises I would get some sort of spa treatment and maybe have my hair done for formal night. Now it's such a tough sell in there and prices have gone up so much, I don't bother going. I usually treat myself to the works before we leave so I am all pampered and ready to go!

[kanigeta]

I have enjoyed some of the specials - On HAL they had a Ladies Night special that I thought was a good deal and had surprisingly little pressure to buy after. When I didn't have time before an NCL cruise to get my mani-pedi, it was really nice to get them done on board for about 1.5 times what I usually pay.

[wrp96]

I get at least one massage and facial per cruise. I haven't experienced the hard sell that other people have. Yes, the price is more expensive than at home but I figure it's worth it to start a vacation all relaxed and happy.

[retiredonthesea]

I love a hot stone treatment after a day of snorkeling and usally get two treatments while on our cruises. It's part of our vacation and it's planned in our budget. If you don't want the hard sale tactics just tell the therapist you have your own special products and not interested in any new purchases--mention this up front before your treatment. I have never had any problems with this comment and have always had a very enjoyable treatment.:)

[vmom]

never used the spa, nor am I interested. Prices just too high, and there are just so many other activities I prefer.

[anjeleyes1]

CaptData, I was going to get a massage to, I to have MS and get one weekly here. But never had a stone massage. Do you recommend this kind instead of others. This is my First Cruise 1/5/08 on Carnvale.

[whit53]

I went to the spa for the first time on the Freedom last year and feel in love with it! From now on 1 spa treatment per cruise. When they have specials on port days and with the coupon from being a past cruiser the rates aren't all that bad. Well worth every penny!:)

[critterchick]

I love a hot stones massage and will treat myself to one every couple of cruises. I try to wait for a port special, but will splurge and use my C&A coupon if there isn't one that's convenient for me.

 

As for the hard sell, I do 2 things: (1) provide almost no information on the questionnaire that they have me fill out and (2) in the space for "what do you want from your treatment" I put "a relaxing experience with NO SALES PITCH." Since I started doing that, nobody has tried to sell me anything.

[henepup]

I always get a massage on board, I just about have to crawl back to my cabin, because I'm so relaxed!! I have used the salon once. I went to have a consult on my hairstyle and color, and got my hair cut and colored. The priced ended up being the same as what I would pay at home, and I also got three new products. I do think the prices on board for the massages, pedicures, and manicures are high, but the experience of being on board just seem so much better. I have never had the high pressure sale tactics used on me, I just say no thank you.

[Debbers]

Like some of the other responders, I get "the works" done before I leave home--at a lower price and by my usual people. On our last cruise, we found the spa attractive and the services pleasant, but far too costly. We live in a large city and are accustomed to high prices, but were still shocked. However, we may plump for the day pass so we can enjoy the thalosso pool.

[janetz]

For me the spa is part of a relaxing cruise vacation. I have the manicure and pedicure at home and then endulge in other treatments onboard. I tell them upfront I am not interested in purchasing any products so there is no "sell" at the end. :)

[RoofingPrincess]

I did a port day special on my Jewel cruise - you got to pick two half-hour treatments for $99. I thought a half-hour massage would be too short (I'm accustomed to getting a full hour at home) but combined with the ginger-lime scrub it was a heavenly experience! I didn't experience a hard sell - the person who did it simply mentioned at the very end that the products were available and then let it go.

[cb at sea]

I've never done any spa treatments--they seem alot more expensive than here at home (where I don't get them, either!) Seems a big waste of time--and money!

[quanmama]

I usually treat myself to one spa treatment per cruise e.g. massage, body wraps. It is part of my vacation. I know it is expensive but I have budgeted for it so it is not an issue. It really helps me to relax and makes my vacation more enjoyable. I do agree that the quality of some services are not as good as back home.

[JLC@SD]

I've never been a spa costumer on a cruise. How many of you use the spa? What services do you prefer?

 

....nothing..........I never use those over priced over hyped services.

[chasetf]

I've never been a spa costumer on a cruise. How many of you use the spa? What services do you prefer?

Why anyone would pay exorbitant prices for inferior service that includes extortion is beyond me. :confused: :(

[love2vacation]

I usually treat myself to one spa treatment per cruise e.g. massage, body wraps. It is part of my vacation. I know it is expensive but I have budgeted for it so it is not an issue. It really helps me to relax and makes my vacation more enjoyable. .

 

My sentiments exactly............... DH uses the casino and I use the spa. ;) (I bet I spend less money than he does!) DH knows how much I love spa treatments and encourages me to go at least once.

[Albino Mosquito]

CaptData, I was going to get a massage to, I to have MS and get one weekly here. But never had a stone massage. Do you recommend this kind instead of others. This is my First Cruise 1/5/08 on Carnvale.

 

You must really like heat for the Hot Stones Massage, as the rocks are quite hot. If you enjoy heat though, it is terrific! They seem more popular in my city in the Winter of course, in summer I only do a few.

 

The rocks are typically heated in a crock pot of very hot water. And are strategically placed in your hands, along your spine etc. As well as being used to do the actual massage. I hold them in my hands, and glide them along the muscles.

 

I have heard on a Cruise Ship that the person doing your hs massage does leave the room, which I find odd. I have NEVER left the room while doing any massage, never mind one where hot items are left on your body. While the rocks are on your back, I would be massaging your legs, etc.

 

The benefits of the hot rocks is that the deep heat provided, penetrates deeper muscles, helps promote relaxation, and increases circulation. You'll need to drink a lot of water after a treatment.

 

One thing to remember is on a Cruise, you only need 150 hours of training to do massages in the Spa. :eek:

 

To get my license, I needed 2200 hours of training. So if you want massages on a cruise for health reasons, and not just the relaxation massage, make sure to inquire with your therapist how many hours of training they have, and if they have experience with Lupus, MS, etc.

[heatherandfred]

I did acupuncture on the Crown Princess in Aug 07 and found it to be heavenly. I would do it again, this time I may book BF and I a treatment or two of whatever the spa offers.

 

What I can't stand is that the ship charges more then an on land spa does. I'll wait until a port day, then do it.