Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about cruise ship spas. A quiet revolution is underway on the high seas: as luxury liners evolve into floating luxury hotels, they are meticulously curating aesthetic, fitness and holistic well-being offerings, integrating treatments and technologies so advanced they are often a rarity even in top medi-spas in some parts of the world. The new wave of cruise wellness offers a unique proposition: a seamless journey of rejuvenation, cutting-edge therapies and unparalleled comfort, all while delivering the added luxury of waking up to a new, breathtaking destination every day.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is boldly leading the charge in reshaping perceptions of wellbeing at sea, Rashi Sen finds out onboard its latest floating resort, Norwegian Aqua. “There is huge demand for people specifically booking a cruise to enhance their wellness and to disembark, looking and feeling a million dollars. As a beauty editor and celebrity facialist, I get to review some of the newest treatments and therapies in spas and retreats across the globe. I can say with confidence that the cruise industry has significantly upped their game and is delivering spa facilities and advanced treatments that are just as good as their land-based counterparts,” Nathalie Eleni, whose clients include stars Anya Taylor Joy and James McAvoy, tells TTN. For guests who are used to advanced beauty treatments, luxury facilities and consider wellbeing an integral part of their lifestyle, NCL’s beauty and wellness offering ticks every box, Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager, NCL, tells us. Mandara Spa “The Mandara Spa on NCL’s Prima- and Prima Plus-class ships is not just visually beautiful but the facilities are outstanding, boasting a hot and cold therapy journey, which includes experiential showers, a variety of saunas, ice room, Welnamis beds, two pools and a relaxation area with floor-to-ceiling sea views.” NCL’s Mandara Spa offers some of the most advanced treatments at sea, delivered by highly skilled therapists, who have spent years honing their craft. One of the recommended treatments available onboard NCL ships is micro-needling, which enhances collagen and elastin production with minimum downtime and long-term results. “We also offer Thermage, which is a radiofrequency energy to tighten and lift the skin, increasing collagen and improving overall skin texture and tone,” Ransom adds. “Guests rave about our Ultimate Cryotighten – a therapy which instantly tightens, tones and visibly reduces cellulite - as the ultimate treat with long-lasting results.” NCL’s spa partnerships include cult brand and long-time collaborator Elemis, considered one of the best in the skincare industry and Australian skincare brand called Grown Alchemist, which harnesses the power of both natural and biotechnological ingredients to optimise skin health and function. “Guests love The Grown Alchemist facial, which utilises ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, alongside massage techniques and tools such as facial cupping and face rolling,” Ransom says. “Agents should look at adding on spa access for the duration of the sailing, or day passes, for those who want to dip in and out.” Inclusive space Mandara Spa's extensive roster of aesthetic treatments might lead some to mistakenly believe it caters exclusively to ladies. This assumption is incorrect. “Saunas and hot and cold therapy are beneficial for everyone, especially men,” celebrity facialist and UK beauty expert Eleni tells us. “I advise all my clients to spend time in saunas and ice rooms to detoxify and to glow from within, which is exactly what NCL’s hot and cold therapy journey in the NCL spa does – increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation and boosts energy. Men should look at Elemis’s dynamic resurfacing facial and shave, and the hot mineral body boost massage – heaven!” In conversation with a gentleman guest, Ransom learns that “his week’s cruise was his yearly maintenance bootcamp - micro-needling, teeth whitening and vitamin drips, in between strength training and rotating between the clay and infrared sauna and the ice room. He said that he ate steak most days, enjoyed the odd glass of red but most nights were spent being rocked gently to sleep by the waves, before hitting the gym in the morning.” Onboard NCL cruises, are fitness classes that include spin, yoga and TRX, where in guests benefit from a ‘class-pass’ system or paying as you go. The cruise ships don’t offer traditional ‘detox’ plans but have all the resources to steer those who wish to detox or flexi-detox in the right direction: among them, a fresh juice bar, protein-rich menus and a nutrition consultant on board. Ransom adds, “The USP of a wellness or ‘detox’ cruise vs a land-based wellness retreat is choice and flexibility to dip in and out whenever guests desire. No strict timetables, bedtimes or beige food!” Wellness is personal The wellness movement in cruise will continue to soar, its popularity probably driven by its balanced approach for guests, predicts Eleni. “Marine biologist Wallace J Nichols has often written about the Blue Mind theory. It’s been said that our brains enter a meditative state when we’re in, under or nearby water. This state brings on deep relaxation, lowers heart rate and floods the brain with feel good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. It’s no wonder that wellness on the waves is considered the perfect tonic.” Ransom points out that wellness is entirely personal, for some it could be a week of treatments, early nights and relaxation, and for others it can be waking up in a beautiful destination every day, exploring different cuisines with loved ones – or learning a new skill on board. “We also offer plenty of active adventures and ‘cultural wellness’ shore excursions to add on to cruise bookings, including visiting natural hot springs, hiking, kayaking or learning about the local communities in the destinations we visit,” Ransom tells TTN readers. “As a luxury upsell, agents should include ‘Silver Cove’ villas on Great Stirrup Cay, our private island in the Bahamas. Silver Cove is incredibly special, situated in a private bay area, an exclusive beach, with access to the Mandara Spa and dedicated service, especially for Silver Cove guests. “For those seeking luxury, it’s the ultimate treat.” Two cruises the Business Development Manager recommends: Norwegian Viva’s nine nights around the Greek Isles, leaving on September 11 from Athens, including spiritual Istanbul and magical Santorini. The other is Norwegian Prima’s September 14 Iceland and Norwegian Fjord’s cruise. “This roundtrip from Southampton is other worldly, taking guests into destinations that are known for known for their captivating folklore, dramatic landscapes, and stunning scenery,” says Ransom.