Wellness on the waves
Emma Mackey
5 of the best cruise lines for some ‘you time’
Whether you’re after a traditional spa set up, fitness classes, beauty treatments or holistic programs, wellness has had a serious glow-up in recent years, and now tends to mean much more than simply booking a massage. Here’s some top picks worth considering for your next cruise...
1. The Spa on Celebrity Cruises
If your idea of holiday heaven involves robes, relaxation and a little well-earned pampering, Celebrity Cruises has you covered. The Spa offers more than 120 treatments, from massages and facials to destination-inspired therapies, while the adults-only SEA Thermal Suite on Edge Series ships brings together 8 soothing spaces inspired by heat, water, air and relaxation. Across Celebrity’s Millenium and Solstice Series ships, the Persian Garden offers another tempting place to unwind, with steam, aquatherapy and heated relaxation areas. If your tastes lean towards active wellness, The Fitness Centre comes with impressive ocean views and a range of classes, while AquaClass takes ‘you time’ up a notch with unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a Spa Concierge and exclusive dining at wellness-focused restaurant Blu.
See all cruises with Celebrity
2. Redemption Spa on Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages does wellness a little differently, because feeling good doesn’t have to mean being on your best behaviour. Redemption Spa is where the serious unwinding happens, with a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and heated marble hammam benches. Plus, there's always restorative hot mineral massages or vitamin-infused facials for when lounging around simply isn’t indulgent enough. For those who prefer to earn their relaxation, the B-Complex gym, outdoor workout spaces and included classes cover everything from yoga and cycling to HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and meditation. The Runway, Virgin’s signature 255-metre outdoor running track, loops around the top of the ship – perfect for a morning jog, a sunset stroll or stretching your legs with uninterrupted sea views.
See all cruises with Virgin Voyages
3. Ocean Wellness on Explora Journeys
With Explora Journeys, their Ocean Wellness philosophy is designed to look after both body and mind, whether that means starting the day with yoga, joining a Pilates Reformer or mindful movement class, or working out in beautifully designed surroundings. There are more than 350 square metres of indoor and outdoor fitness spaces created with Technogym, plus open-air cycling and rowing, personal training and a 360-degree running track wrapping around the ship (Explora III). You can even take your workout back to your suite or balcony with an in-suite fitness kit and virtual coach. And because wellness isn’t just about breaking a sweat, there’s an emphasis on mindfulness, relaxation, better sleep and simply slowing the pace – with group wellness, fitness and mindfulness activities included in your fare. Together, it creates a well-rounded programme that makes it easy to stay active, recharge and prioritise your wellbeing throughout the journey.
See all cruises with Explora Journeys
4. Wellness Discovery Tours with Oceania Cruises
Taking wellness beyond the treatment room, Oceania Cruises have dreamt up its Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar, a collection of more than 50 shore experiences designed around the wellbeing traditions of destinations around the world. You might practise tai chi in peaceful French gardens, discover the benefits of apitherapy at a beekeeping farm in Andalusia, try reflexology in Thailand or soak in geothermal mud baths in New Zealand. There are also experiences centred around yoga, healthy local cuisine and traditional healing practices, giving you the chance to experience wellness through the culture of the places you visit. The tours are available as optional shore excursions, and guests can use their included shore excursion credit towards eligible experiences – one that turns a day ashore into an opportunity to recharge and learn a few healthier habits too.
See all cruises with Oceania Cruises
5. Mandara Spa & Salon on Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line may be known for big-ship fun, but there are plenty of ways to slow things down too. Mandara Spa & Salon is the go-to for massages, facials, acupuncture and beauty treatments, while the adults-only Thermal Suite adds saunas, steam rooms, vitality pools and heated loungers into the mix. On newer ships such as Norwegian Aqua, things get even more impressive, with a two-storey waterfall, salt and ice rooms, a charcoal sauna, clay sauna and flotation salt pool. As with some of the other cruise lines, if sitting still isn’t your thing then the Pulse Fitness Centre offers weights, cardio equipment and classes including yoga.
Guests staying in The Haven get an extra slice of calm, with private pools, hot tubs and secluded sundecks on many ships in the fleet – plus an infinity pool, outdoor sauna and cold room on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, as well as priority for massage and beauty appointments.
