Onboard spas redefine a passenger’s ‘feeling good’

Such is the life at the largest spa at sea. If you can’t decide between a cruise vacation or a spa getaway, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea aboard the Celebrity Reflection is a tantalizing option. The sleek, two-story shipboard spa features a fully-equipped fitness center (amazing views are a bonus), a beauty salon with a roster of prettifying procedures, including spray tanning and lash extensions, and a barber service. With 30 treatment rooms and a daily schedule of health and fitness classes, the Celebrity Reflection’s spa offers the opportunity to keep your fitness routine on track, get buffed and polished, and maybe indulge in a bit of Reiki or acupuncture as you sail to the next port of call.

Some spa treatments are exclusive to the Celebrity ships, such as the Tropical Bamboo and Lime Ritual, an 80-minute service that combines the best features of a massage and a body treatment. Maybe it’s the combination of ginger and lime, reminiscent of a romp through a rain forest or a really good cocktail, but this one just screams “vacation.” First, there’s a lovely lime-scented massage, and then the esthetician rubs you down with an exfoliating concoction of crushed bamboo and ginger oil. Next comes a luscious potion of shea butter, vitamin E, beeswax, and honey that seems to melt all over your (totally limp, baby-soft) body. Then, just in case there’s still some tension furrowing your brow, you get a soothing scalp massage. You’ll arrive at your dinner seating with a goofy smile on your face.

The fitness center on board the Celebrity Reflection offers great views from the bow.

The emphasis on shipboard spas, with an array of fitness and wellness options, reflects a sea change in the way cruisers view their vacations, Foxcroft says. “I’ve been aboard ships for 10 years and, before, people came to eat, dress up on formal nights, sunbathe, and go home,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve noticed a massive difference. . . . People are so much more aware of looking after themselves.”

Since the fitness center is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and fitness classes are offered throughout the day, there are no excuses for skipping the gym while you’re at sea. And we found it to be a peaceful escape from the frenzy of fun and games on the pool decks, and the pulsing lights of the slot machines in the casino.

After you’ve spun yourself silly in the spinning studio, sprawl out in the Persian Garden, with its aromatic steam room, herbal sauna, traditional Finnish sauna, and even an “ice fountain” (should you be homesick for winter in New England). There’s an additional charge for the Persian Garden, alas, even if you spring for a spa treatment. A one-day pass costs $25. Guests who book an Aqua Class stateroom have complimentary access to the Persian Garden throughout their cruise.