Best Ocean Spas: Pampering Treatments on the High Seas!

Cruise guests often book a pampering spa treatment while sailing the high seas. The good news is that upscale and luxury cruise lines offer incredible spa and wellness complexes. So, spa enthusiasts can choose from a treasure trove of pampering treatments at the best ocean spas.

(Photo above shows a couple’s spa treatment room on the new Disney Treasure. Photo by Susan J. Young.)

Best Ocean Spas: Facials

Both men and women often enjoy facials that refresh and smooth skin. They range from facials that hydrate to those focusing on anti-aging.

For example, Crystal offers a “Biotec 2.0 Ultimate Facial,” which it describes as its “best anti-aging facial.” Priced at $249, this treatment combines microcurrent and ultrasonic innovations with LED technology and a cryo/oxygen infusion.”

So, what does the infusion do? Using clinically proven ingredients, this treatment is designed to help resurface, hydrate, lift, smooth, and sculpt the face. A plus? It also targets deep lines and boosts collagen.

Both men and women can enjoy this pampering treatment on any of Crystal’s 2025 ocean voyages or one of the newly announced 2026-2027 sailings.

For instance, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will depart from Copenhagen, Denmark, on July 16, 2026, for an 18-night northern European journey to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Along the way, guests can explore destinations in Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the U.K.’s Channel Islands, Ireland, France and the Netherlands.

“In addition, this itinerary will offer one day at sea, providing the perfect time for a spa treatment,” notes Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. Why not check out Crystal’s full itinerary for this new voyage? At press time, pricing for this 18-day voyage started at $10,180 per person, double occupancy.

Facial for Men

Atlas Ocean Voyages, a boutique luxury expedition line, sets sail with ocean ships that are home to the SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE. One dedicated option for men’s skin is the 60-minute “Cade Powerful Skin Protection for Men” treatment. 

Priced at $125, it begins with a protective treatment that deeply cleanses the skin. That’s followed by a facial massage that will soothe the skin and reduce cutaneous inflammations.

Good to know? The Cade products used in this treatment have been enriched with a patented complex of Cade Wood & Rosemary Essential Oils. They’re formulated for men’s skin specific needs with both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Best of all, this deep facial treatment is completed with a scalp and shoulders massage. Talk about rejuvenation!

Atlas offers a full range of polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica regions, as well as Epicurean Expeditions and Cultural Expeditions elsewhere across the globe.

New Arctic Adventure

Polar-wise, Atlas just introduced an 11-night “Greenland & Canada Explorer” expedition cruise. The 196-passenger World Navigator will sail from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on September 21, 2026.

From Narsaq, Greenland, guests can head to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qassiarsuk, a countryside filled with icy fjords, sheep farms and lush river valleys. As the ship stays late in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, there’s also time to explore the land of the Vikings at the UNESCO-listed L’Anse aux Meadows.

At Red Bay, Labrador, guests should keep their binoculars ready to spot whales breaching the surf, seals basking on rocky shores or flocks of seabirds. “Every destination throughout this journey has a story to tell,” says Steudle.

Here’s the full itinerary. At press time, pricing began at $8,509 per person, double occupancy.

Best Ocean Spas: Massages & More

Cruise ship spas typically offer prolific massage choices — everything from deep tissue massages to traditional Swedish massages. Increasingly popular with guests are hot stone or aromatherapy massages.

In addition, guests will discover plenty of body treatments. Guests can soften and detoxify their skin with creative body scrubs and wraps.

Ultra-luxury Silversea has developed a Roman-inspired indulgence concept for its Otium Spa aboard three of its ships. This spa is on board Silver Ray, Silver Dawn and Silver Nova.

“Apollo’s Healing Spirit”

For the ultimate in a hedonistic wellness spa experience, we’d consider Silversea’s 100-minute “Apollo’s Healing Spirit” treatment. Priced at $399, it’s only offered on the three ships mentioned above.

Comforting the body, this signature spa treatment uses “contrast therapy” to relieve tired, aching muscles and mineral-rich salt stones to harness natural warmth.

Then, a nutrient-rich cold mask provides what the line describes as “a dynamic rescue therapy.” Guests will just have to wait to see how that works!

Best Ocean Spas on Lengthy Voyages

Long journeys such as Grand Voyages and World Cruises provide plenty of time for pampering spa treatments and wellness offerings. So, we’d check out Silversea’s new 76-day “Grand Voyage South America” aboard Silver Nova.

Departing round-trip from Miami on January 6, 2027, Silver Nova will sail to 35 destinations in 16 countries. One highlight is visiting Rio de Janeiro during the vibrant Carnival celebration.

Guests can also tour lively cities including Buenos Aires, Argentina; the wine region around Valparaíso, Chile; Manaus in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest; and the Chilean Fjords.

“Best of all, guests will enjoy nine overnight calls and visits to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “Contact us using the resources at the end of this story to discuss any questions you have, select accommodations, get the best price and enjoy a smooth booking.”

At press time, cruise pricing for this Grand South American voyage (keep in mind, it spans two and a half months!) started at $54,400 per person, double occupancy.

Best Ocean Spas: New Ships Create More Options

New treatments continue to debut as luxury cruise lines launch new ships. For example, ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises did so when its new 744-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur set sail in late 2023.

So, its pampering Serene Spa & Wellness enclave now offers new treatments that use the restorative power of an amber and quartz crystal bed. There’s also an advanced treatment table for a Zero Gravity Wellness Massage.

“English Channel Icons”

One newly announced sailing is Regent Seven Seas’ 10-night “English Channel Icons” voyage. Seven Seas Grandeur will depart roundtrip from Southampton (London) on June 6, 2026.

“In particular, the Atlantic ports offered on this ultra-luxury cruise are quite enticing,” believes Pavlus’ Steudle. “For instance, luxury travelers can enjoy time at Saint-Malo, La Rochelle, Bordeaux (overnight) and Biarritz (Saint-Jean-de-Luz), all in France. Plus, they’ll explore both Bilbao and La Coruna, Spain.”

At press time, prices for this voyage began at $9,699 per person, double occupancy. “Give us a call to discuss the voyage or other itineraries for this ultra-luxury line,” she says.

Best Ocean Spas: Manicures and Pedicures

We recently enjoyed a pampering pedicure onboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady on a Mediterranean cruise. As you can see in the photo above, this ship, among others within the industry, has appealing manicure or pedicure spaces that deliver spectacular ocean views!

Services can range from basic nail care to impressive nail art, both for fingernails and toenails. Sometimes the treatments mimic the destination as well.

For instance, Windstar Cruises‘ 105-minute “Fire & Ice Manicure and Pedicure” is inspired by the line’s seven-night “Around Iceland” itinerary.

Using a combination of therapeutic cooling gels and the warmth of massage with a heated stone, skin will be smoother and nails will be polished to perfection. The cost of this treatment is $159

Of course, spa complexes also offer salon services. On an ocean cruise, guests can get their hair cut, choose a new hair style or undergo a hair color transformation.

Hot and Cold Rooms

Many spa complexes have saunas and steam rooms. Plus, thermal suites typically offer both inviting loungers and warm water elements.

In contrast, other ships have cold rooms. For example, Viking offers a popular “snow room” on its ocean ships. In addition, we recently spotted Disney Cruise Line’s frigidarium (see photo below) on the newly launched Disney Treasure.

Some spas incorporate wellness activities. Guests can typically find everything from yoga to Pilates. Seabourn, for example, offers “Crystal Sound Bath Group Classes.”

Priced at $119, that 50-minute group meditation uses crystal bowls to create sound wave vibrations that resonate with both mind and body. The session helps release stagnant energy and aids deep relaxation.

A three-class pass is available too for $289.

So, what are the best ocean spas? Certainly, the ones listed above fit the bill, but so do other spas on such upscale lines as Oceania Cruises, Ponant, Paul Gauguin, Azamara, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and other lines.

Just pick your pleasure, book a vacation, and then savor the menu of pampering spa services you can receive on the high seas.

Best Ocean Spas: Tips for Guests 

The Meandering Traveler always heads to the spa on the first day aboard, shortly after boarding. It’s a great way to get a quick tour and see what’s offered.

Here are a few other helpful spa tips:

• Ask to see the treatment rooms for any particular service that you may have in mind. That might include a pedicure, manicure, massage, facial, and so on.
• Also ask to check out any relaxation room or thermal areas (in which you might lounge pre-/post treatments.)
• Separately, on some cruise lines, guests staying in certain suites or achieving a high loyalty program level may receive use of those relaxation spaces or thermal areas even during times when no spa treatments are booked. Ask about that if you’re a long-time, loyal past guest or staying in higher-end accommodations.
• Also check out the sauna, any thermal suite, and any frigidarium/snow room.
• Looking at the spa spaces in advance will help you feel comfortable prior to your visit. You’ll know what to expect when arriving for your treatment.
• Get a sense of the friendliness of the spa personnel.
• Ask if there’s a specific mobile app or QR code that can provide a list of all the spa treatments and pricing. Alternatively, ask for a booklet or print-out of that detail. That way you can relax in your stateroom or suite and peruse the offerings before booking a treatment.

Best Ocean Spas: More Spa Tips

• Make sure you know the spa treatment prices. Some are affordable, others more pricey.
• Ask the spa staff in advance about the specific price of any particular treatment you’re interested in.
• Check as to whether the line offers any spa packages. That’s helpful if you plan multiple treatments.
• If making reservations for a spa treatment, our top advice is book as far in advance as possible. That’s particularly important if you’re looking for a treatment during a sea day when all guests are on board.
• Consider booking any treatment pre-cruise IF that’s permitted. Line policies and app features vary.
• Prior to making a spa treatment reservation, be sure to know the cancellation policy. Do you have to cancel 48 hours in advance, for instance? That will help avoid unnecessary charges on your account.   
• Keep in mind that not all massages or facials are on board the ship. Some are offered ashore, particularly at a cruise company’s private-island-style destination or beach club experience.
• If you have questions, ask the spa staff. Share any preferences (such as no painting of toenails, if you prefer that). It’s important to feel comfortable with any spa procedure prior to starting a treatment.
• Arrive in plenty of time for your treatment. Don’t rush in at the last moment. Wait in any relaxation area, if available. Give yourself the best chance of a relaxing, pampering experience.
• Remember that some top suites include a spa area in the suite and the ability to book in-suite spa treatments. That’s an added plus for spa lovers.

A spa treatment is — as with an enrichment lecture, pool day, shore trip, casino play or other cruise-focused activity — the guest’s choice. But for many travelers, heading for the spa is a great way to relax and rejuvenate on a cherished ocean vacation.

Important Information from Pavlus Travel