Cruise Ship Spas

Massages, Hot Rocks & other treatments

The Spa  on board Holland America's Westerdam

Unwind & Relax

With all the usual pampering and service in luxurious surroundings, simply being on a cruise can be a stress-reducing experience. Add to that the menu of spa and salon services at your fingertips and you have a recipe for total sensory pleasure.

Some spa offerings sound good enough to eat. A Milk and Honey Hydrotherapy Bath and a Javanese Honey Steam Wrap incorporating cinnamon, ginger, coffee, sea salt and honey are just two items on the Mandara Spa menu and The Greenhouse Spa offers a Coconut Rub & Milk Ritual Wrap or Float. Not quite as exotic sounding, other treatments and services are nonetheless therapeutic for the body and soul. Steiner Leisure operates sea-going spas and salons (including Mandara and The Greenhouse spas) on over 100 cruise ships worldwide.

In addition to facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and sensual body treatments, the trademarks of Steiner Leisure are salon services and products for hair and skin. Founded in 1901 by Henry Steiner of London, the single salon prospered when his son joined the business in 1926 and was granted a Royal Warrant as hairdresser to Her Majesty Queen Mary in 1937. A glittering list of royal clients followed and in 1956 Steiner won its first cruise ship contract to operate the salon on board the Andes and ships of the Cunard Line. By the mid-1990's, Steiner Leisure began taking an active role in creating shipboard spas offering a wide variety of wellness therapies and beauty programs for women and men.

Spa Tips

  • Salon appointments for formal nights fill up quickly; book yours as soon as possible

  • Arrive on time or a few minutes early for appointments

  • Prior to your appointment, shower off any sunscreen lotions or oils

  • Towels, robes, and slippers are usually provided for your use, but you may wish to wear your own pool or shower "flip-flops"

  • Attend the "spa orientation"—you may win a door prize or be selected for a demonstration (such as a mini-facial)

  • Watch for "port day specials"—packages of discounted spa services

  • Don't feel pressured to purchase any of the products used during your treatment—just say no

  • Check your charge slip before adding gratuities; some shipboard spas automatically add them in (however, you may adjust the amount)

Other Facilities

While spa and salon services are extras that come with a price tag, you can still indulge yourself in the complimentary or low-cost facilities that are available on most ships. Saunas, steam rooms, therapy pools, and thermal chambers are relaxing alternatives to expensive body wraps and massages.