Luxury Spas....

SPAS AT SEA

When many people think of cruise travel, they think of food and fun, rather than fitness. But the hottest trend on cruise ships isn't in the dining room or on the party deck, it's in the spa.

Spas at sea have become destinations in themselves, as the industry ushers in bigger and better spas that rival anything found on land. These floating spas mean you'll actually return from your cruise healthier, more relaxed, and, possibly, not a pound heavier. James Godsman, president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), says, "The experience is similar to spending time at an exclusive land spa, with a bonus--in between treatments, cruisers visit fascinating ports all over the world."

One major reason spas have become such popular cruise amenities is a London-based company called Steiner Transocean Limited. Steiner is far and away the industry leader, with more than 100 spas on cruise ships around the world, including those on board Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Seawind. Though each Steiner spa obviously varies in size and services, there is definitely a consistency of quality that you can expect in any Steiner spa at sea.

Along with renovating spas on older ships, the big news for cruise ship spa lovers is the sheer number of new ships (with new spas) hitting the high seas last year, this year, and in the coming years. In 1996, 13 ships debuted, ranging from the 204-passenger luxury liner, Seabourn Legend, to the huge 2,600-passenger Carnival Destiny. This year, another eight ships will hit the high seas and more than a dozen more are expected by the end of the century.

Of course, all of these new ships have new spas. Steiner's new AquaSpa on Celebrity's Galaxy is typical of what to expect from today's floating spas. The 10,053-square-foot facility is inspired by Japanese gardens and bathhouses.

As with most spas at sea, the treatment possibilities are almost endless. Steiner's water-based offerings include: a 115,000-gallon fresh seawater pool (jet massage stations that treat the body from feet to neck), sauna, and steam room as part of the Thalassotherapy Relaxation Program; Hydrotherapy Spa Bath; Hydro Jet Massage; and Aqua Meditation. Other treatments include: La Therapie Facials; Ionithermie Slimming Treatment (sea kelp, ivy, and clay for cellulite); three types of Seaweed Wrap Treatment; Relexology Massage; Aromatherapy Massage; and a combination Elemis Synergistic Therapy Massage. One special new Steiner service is called Rasul, which is an Oriental ceremonial treatment that includes a cleansing seaweed soap shower, medicinal muds, and an invigorating herbal steam bath (often enjoyed together by couples).

The beauty salon features more traditional services like cutting, styling, waving, coloring, manicure, and pedicure. However, special possibilities include their French Spa Hand Treatment and Formal Night Hairstyles. Elemis products from London are employed. The facility also includes a large fitness center, with a wide variety of machines and loose weights, as well as services like Personal Training and Body Composition Analysis and Fat Test.

As with most cruise ship spas, Steiner offers many special packages that combines a number of treatments. These are well worth considering, in that guest often receiving lower prices, preferred scheduling, and gifts, not to mention a healthier feeling at the end of the cruise. On Celebrity ships, the AquaSpas feature five programs that can be pre-booked. Ranging from $200 to $699, these packages offer lower rates, preferential appointment times, and a bonus gift.

"For the past fifteen years, we've offered treatments as fine as any in Europe's best spas and now we have the surroundings to match them," says Steiner's president, Clive Warshaw. "We will continually research new treatments from all over the world in order to provide the cruise industry with the most attractive and the finest quality of services available at sea or on land. Our goal is always to operate the best spas in the world."

Virtually every ship afloat now has some sort of spa or fitness center and there's no question that some of the best spas in the world are definitely at sea. Though most operations are run by Steiner, there are a few exceptions. Costa Cruise Line's newest ship, Costa Victoria, features products and treatments from the world-renowned health spa, Terme di Saturnia, in Tuscany, Italy. Passengers sailing on Royal Olympic's Stella Solaris may choose from several packages offered at the ship's new spa, including a thalossotherapy treatment featuring sea salts and aromatic essences. American Hawaii's Independence features traditional Hawaiian-style massage, while cruising between the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai (three- and four-day segments now offered).

The surge in spas at sea is a direct result of the increased interest in well-being. Along with spectacular spas, cruise vacationers can now also enjoy expanded exercise options and healthy dining possibilities.

For example, fitness fanatics aboard Holland America's ships can take part in the 'Passport-to-Fitness' program, which awards stamps (and ultimately prizes) for every healthful activity completed. 'Cruisercise' is the featured program aboard Princess's vessels, with daily water aerobics and walking classes and a personal trainer. Royal Caribbean's 'ShipShape' program provides a variety of classes, including a sunrise stretch class that emphasizes body alignment, flexibility, and relaxation.

In the dining room, lighter meals don't mean a lack of creativity. Radisson Seven Seas ships feature light and vegetarian entrees at dinner each night, with selections like Poached Filet of Norwegian Salmon with Low-Fat Orange Yogurt and Vegetable Strudel. Majesty offers vegetarian and 'Light at Sea' entrees at all meals and dinners feature a full 'Light at Sea' selection, from appetizer to dessert.

So a cruise doesn't mean you'll return heavier and feeling like you need a vacation. Today, spas at sea and other healthy features mean you're sure to disembark as a new person. Isn't that the goal of any trip to a spa or resort.