Is there anything better than a day at sea in the spa aboard a cruise ship? If you have not visited a spa on a cruise ship lately you really have no idea what you are missing.
On the new cruise ships today you’ll find dozens of treatment rooms, separate changing areas for men and women (sometimes with steam and sauna) plus relaxation lounges. Thermal Suites are in style today — these oases of calm outfitted with steam, sauna, various types of showers, heated loungers and sometimes a hydrotherapy pool (which you can visit for a fee).
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway both have Salt Rooms; the dramatic salt crystal-filled grottos that mimic the natural salt caves found in Eastern Europe. The salt is said to be good for respiratory and skin ailments. The Norwegian Escape, which debuts this fall, will have both a Salt Room and Snow Room in its Thermal Suite.
Need a break? Take up temporary residence in one of the serene and rejuvenating accommodations on NCL – which include The Haven Spa Suite, Spa Mini-Suite and Spa Balcony. Enjoy access to the Mandara Spa and complimentary use of the Thermal Spa Suites, sauna, hydrotherapy pools, steam room and heated loungers. All you have to do is unpack and say ahhh.
If you book one of the regular cabins on the Breakaway/Escape/Getaway then you can buy a daily spa pass which will give you access to the steam and sauna rooms plus the thermal suite and the various showers, and even the hydrotherapy pool. To check interline rates on NCL check with our online cruise booking engine or call InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911.
Another option is to buy a spa pass for the entire length of the cruise.
Just so you know, if you’re planning on buying the spa pass, you should head directly to the spa first and purchase it. They tend to sell out within two to fours after the ship starts boarding. They have a limited number of spa passes and they go fast. It also seems to be the same thing for the Norwegian Vibe Beach Club, the passes sell out pretty fast, so if you plan on buying them you should head to guest services as soon as you board.
Start with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered by their well-trained massage therapists. Unwind in the Thermal Suite with a steam or a dip in the Vitality Pool. Experience the Salt Room, a dramatic grotto surrounded with layers of body cleansing salt crystals.
So exactly what are “Salt Rooms”?
Salt therapy, also called halotherapy, has grown in popularity all over the world. This popular global trend that can be found in Europe, Canada, the United States — and, of course, on board Norwegian Cruise Line. This therapeuticprocess is used to alleviate respiratory problems, skin ailments, and to strengthen the immune system.
When you open the door to the dimly lit grotto inside the spa on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Escape or the Norwegian Getaway, you are immediately greeted with the faint scent of ocean air. As you make your way across the room, your eyes scan the glimmering crystals that climb the walls. With each step, your feet sink into the cool loose sand on the floor. You lick your lips and taste the distinct tang of …salt? What is this place? Your surroundings are actually part of a European salt therapy that made its way from top spas to new, luxury cruise ships.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Salt therapy chambers on Norwegian’s Cruise Line’s spas are designed to mimic the naturally occurring salt mines and caves of Eastern Europe, which have been used for hundreds of years for their healing properties. The on board spa replicates the micro climate found in these caves through the use of salt aerosol machines. These machines grind salt into minute, breathable particles and circulates them into the air. The negatively ionized salt particles can then enter the respiratory system and thin out toxins inside the lungs, allowing the breath’s cilia to expel them with ease. Salt contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which help open up the lungs and eradicate bacteria on contact. Salt therapy can alleviate symptoms caused by over-exposure to smog and city dirt, bronchitis, sinusitis, cystic fibrosis, and allergies. In higher concentrations, salt therapy can also alleviate skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT?
Although the process is inspired by tradition, you’ll find all the luxuries of a world-class spa on your next cruise vacation. Temperature and humidity inside therapy rooms self-regulate to a optimized levels, while soft lights shimmer in the stylish room, invoking a sense of calm and warmth. Cozy up on a lounge chair, read, meditate, or just exhale the world around you and breath in the renewing salt air.
Here is the spa price list for the Mandara Spa. Note these prices and treatments can change from ship to ship and at any time.
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