Not so relaxing spa services

[HealthCraig]

I’m seriously not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just sharing my experience. I’m currently on Indy (stopped at Coco Cay now). I’ve had two spa services and each time once I was done, I was bombarded with the tech trying to sell me products that cost more than the service. I get Royal is trying to make money since sailing started back, but this was too much for me. My relaxation went from 10 to 0 in two seconds when they started telling me I need a bath soak to “draw toxins out of my body.” I don’t remember being pushed SO HARD to buy products the last time a sailed (Jan. 2019). This makes me 100% not want to get any type of spa services in the future. Have any of you experienced this? 

[pcur]

You are not the first to feel this way.  It's been a complaint for many, many years.  The spa services are run by an outside corporation, and yes, they push hard for sales.

 

I will go in to my service, and in private give the attendant half a cash tip, telling them the other half is theirs if I don't have ANY sales suggestions.  Then, put in noise-cancelling ear buds and play my favorite relaxing music on my cell phone.

 

They are there as a paid service for YOU, not the other way around.

[flamingos]

That, and the outrageous pricing, are why we don't do spa treatments anymore.  I feel for the staff that have to do that hard sell.

[suzyluvs2cruise]

18 minutes ago, HealthCraig said:

I’m seriously not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just sharing my experience. I’m currently on Indy (stopped at Coco Cay now). I’ve had two spa services and each time once I was done, I was bombarded with the tech trying to sell me products that cost more than the service. I get Royal is trying to make money since sailing started back, but this was too much for me. My relaxation went from 10 to 0 in two seconds when they started telling me I need a bath soak to “draw toxins out of my body.” I don’t remember being pushed SO HARD to buy products the last time a sailed (Jan. 2019). This makes me 100% not want to get any type of spa services in the future. Have any of you experienced this? 

 

On the rare occasion I go to the spa for a service I tell them nicely, before the service, that I don't want any products. It's worked, as recently as May, on Celebrity.

[RFerrington]

23 minutes ago, suzyluvs2cruise said:

 

On the rare occasion I go to the spa for a service I tell them nicely, before the service, that I don't want any products. It's worked, as recently as May, on Celebrity.

I do the same.  Have not had a problem since.

[dodgestang]

Funny Harvard case study discussion I had once.....

 

Department stores....used to have the perfume and makeup counters right in front....they push products hard in the 70s and 80s paying sales people commission and made a ton of money.  People complained and department stores slowly phased that part of their business model out.....and they started loosing money....

 

just saying......

 

 

[Sunshine3601]

I agree, I have been to the spa a couple of times this year and felt way more pressure than pre-covid.     Plus their pricing is much higher.   After my last experience I told hubby I have no plans of going back there again.     I had even tried the trick of telling them in the beginning to please NOT pressure sales me on product and they will receive a nice tip.     

I have mentioned this on all my surveys (doesn't seem to matter as they keep doing it).    

 

Also, be careful if you book a low price on cruise planner.     I had bought on cruise planner 2 separate treatments that were on sale if you booked on a port day at a certain time.    Once I was onboard the spa mgr told me their reservation system had a glitch and tried to charge me the onboard full price instead of what I paid online on cruise planner.    

[John&LaLa]

I've been to spa for massage probably 6 times since restart. Twice they handed me the card with list of goodies. I said no thanks, and that was the end of it.

 

And once I did a 55 minute massage that lasted close to 90. I was a little concerned that I booked the wrong service, but the masseuse told me she was open after my treatment and would rather extend my massage than stand around.

 

She got a very nice tip.

[rudeney]

Have you been to a dermatologist lately?  They are the worst about pushing their special lotions, creams, etc.  And these are highly-paid MDs!  

 

As for spa prices, I see a local massage therapist about once every 2-3 weeks.  After tip, I pay $130 for an hour-long DT session.  The onboard price for a 55 minute DT massage is about $148 after the 18% gratuity is added (based on non-peak scheduling). Yes, it's more on the ship, but not ridiculously more.  

[John&LaLa]

5 minutes ago, rudeney said:

Have you been to a dermatologist lately?  They are the worst about pushing their special lotions, creams, etc.  And these are highly-paid MDs!  

 

As for spa prices, I see a local massage therapist about once every 2-3 weeks.  After tip, I pay $130 for an hour-long DT session.  The onboard price for a 55 minute DT massage is about $148 after the 18% gratuity is added (based on non-peak scheduling). Yes, it's more on the ship, but not ridiculously more.  

 

$130 for an hour gets a very nice massage down here.😇

 

Or so I hear😉

 

On the ship, I get a 20% C&A discount, but I give it back as additional tip. They deserve it.

 

Unfortunately you can't use it on any sales promotion😪

[Sunshine3601]

27 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

I've been to spa for massage probably 6 times since restart. Twice they handed me the card with list of goodies. I said no thanks, and that was the end of it.

 

And once I did a 55 minute massage that lasted close to 90. I was a little concerned that I booked the wrong service, but the masseuse told me she was open after my treatment and would rather extend my massage than stand around.

 

She got a very nice tip.

Maybe it is Men they don't pressure.   My DH has gone several times and when he comes back he hands me the card with products they suggested and never complains of the pressure sales.      

My last girl wouldn't stop when I firmly told her No, she kept insisting she really wanted me to have some type of body oil.     Maybe her Mgr was putting pressure on her for not having any sales.

[John&LaLa]

Just now, Sunshine3601 said:

Maybe it is Men they don't pressure.   My DH has gone several times and when he comes back he hands me the card with products they suggested and never complains of the pressure sales.      

My last girl wouldn't stop when I firmly told her No, she kept insisting she really wanted me to have some type of body oil.     Maybe her Mgr was putting pressure on her for not having any sales.

 

I think they see the shaved head, and say 'Yep, he doesn't care' 😉🤣🤣

[rudeney]

5 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

$130 for an hour gets a very nice massage down here.😇

 

Or so I hear😉

 

 

I've "heard" that, too! 😜  Seriously, my MT charges $95/hour, but she never raised rates even after the COVID restart or inflation, so I increased my tip this year.  I have bad arthritis and she knows exactly what do do for my problems.  She also keep up with her continuing education and learns new techniques.  She did something with my neck last time that she recently learned and OMG it was better than, well, any other professional massage I've ever had!

[F27TW]

54 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

but the masseuse told me she was open after my treatment and would rather extend my massage than stand around.

 

She got a very nice tip.

 

I bet.  😁😇😲

Edited July 6, 2022 by F27TW

[graveytrain]

I agree.  This has been going on for a long time and is the reason that I no longer purchase spa treatments on the ship. I would love to utilize the services offered, but when the sales pitch begins when you walk in the door and doesn’t end until you leave, it is a waste of money and time. The profit margin on the products they push must be substantial 😜

[hotsauce126]

The spas, like the casinos and art auctions, aren't run by Royal and that's probably part of the reason it is how it is. Its been like that since before covid and a big reason why we rarely go to the spa for anything besides the gym

[WxNerd]

I felt the same way last summer. My husband was so sweet and booked me a massage and I was so tense afterward. The woman would not stop. Nothing boosts your self esteem like being told how old you look for 15 minutes after a massage. Not only was I supper stressed I felt like crap 😩. 

[deliver42]

They also work on commission from the vender.

[BirdTravels]

5 hours ago, HealthCraig said:

I’m seriously not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just sharing my experience. I’m currently on Indy (stopped at Coco Cay now). I’ve had two spa services and each time once I was done, I was bombarded with the tech trying to sell me products that cost more than the service. I get Royal is trying to make money since sailing started back, but this was too much for me. My relaxation went from 10 to 0 in two seconds when they started telling me I need a bath soak to “draw toxins out of my body.” I don’t remember being pushed SO HARD to buy products the last time a sailed (Jan. 2019). This makes me 100% not want to get any type of spa services in the future. Have any of you experienced this? 

Hmmm... Maybe you should understand what a spa treatment is. It is a treatment plus the upsell.  Like going to Jiffy Lube or the hair dresser. Remember, it is not the cruise line. The spa is independently run. And the spa technicians all are rated and keep their job by upselling. If they fail to upsell, they are not invited back on a future contract. Rather than being a debbie downer, just politely say "not interested at all", then "not interested at all", then "not interested at all". No reason to get bent out of shape. It is the technicians primary job, to upsell. We go to the spa on every ship and it's all the same. "Not interested at all". 

[suzyluvs2cruise]

35 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Hmmm... Maybe you should understand what a spa treatment is. It is a treatment plus the upsell.  Like going to Jiffy Lube or the hair dresser. Remember, it is not the cruise line. The spa is independently run. And the spa technicians all are rated and keep their job by upselling. If they fail to upsell, they are not invited back on a future contract. Rather than being a debbie downer, just politely say "not interested at all", then "not interested at all", then "not interested at all". No reason to get bent out of shape. It is the technicians primary job, to upsell. We go to the spa on every ship and it's all the same. "Not interested at all". 

 

A Spa treatment.....especially a massage....should be relaxing.  I get that they want to sell product but you shouldn't have to say you're not interested more than once. That's why I say it BEFORE the treatment.....and, for me, that's worked. 

[Seville2Cabo]

4 hours ago, rudeney said:

Have you been to a dermatologist lately?  They are the worst about pushing their special lotions, creams, etc.  And these are highly-paid MDs!  

 

As for spa prices, I see a local massage therapist about once every 2-3 weeks.  After tip, I pay $130 for an hour-long DT session.  The onboard price for a 55 minute DT massage is about $148 after the 18% gratuity is added (based on non-peak scheduling). Yes, it's more on the ship, but not ridiculously more.  

We pay $35 for 60 minute hot rock massage - plus tip

[flamingos]

4 hours ago, rudeney said:

Have you been to a dermatologist lately?  They are the worst about pushing their special lotions, creams, etc.  And these are highly-paid MDs!  

 

Mine has products available, and signage, but never ever mentions them unless I ask.....which I don't. 

[Sea Dog]

I think I’ll take my chances with a $20/hr beach massage at the Krazy Lobster in Costa Maya. 

[TexCruise371]

We always write "Not interested in any products" on the pre service questionnaire and have not been asked to purchase any products since we started doing so.

 

[StephPS79]

It was the same on my last Carnival cruise, and while I wish they didn't do it, I loved that message! So I just let them do their spiel and politely declined.