NCL Spa Services - worth it?

[jdarch]

My dh and I didn't do any massages or anything on the Dawn, but we did get the couples spa pass. I used it everyday and my dh used it almost everyday. There is a lap pool, showers, 2 different jacuzzis, and lounge chairs in the window of the back. You can lay there and watch the wake of the ship or read or just relax. There was probably more inclided than that, but, I guess I just have to go back to see what I forgot to mention.:D

[jdarch]

My dh and I didn't do any massages or anything on the Dawn, but we did get the couples spa pass. I used it everyday and my dh used it almost everyday. There is a lap pool, showers, 2 different jacuzzis, and lounge chairs in the window of the back. You can lay there and watch the wake of the ship or read or just relax. There was probably more included than that, but, I guess I just have to go back to see what I forgot to mention.:D

[jdarch]

sorry about the double post

[wahine56]

We loved using the Gem spa, and we never had any sales pitch. Are there any other ships with the mudd baths, did that in Napa Valley and it was great. I would do again.

 

Pat

[ecclectic-eccentric]

Hubby and I loved the thermal suite pass on the Jewel and used it everyday, although it did get a bit crowded on sea days. It wasn't a fabulous bargain over paying day by day, but eliminated the hassle of signing up each day, etc...

 

I indulged in a "ladies spa day" package on a port day which cost me $110 plus gratuity ($120 if I hadn't had the thermal suite pass already) which lasted about an hour and a half. It included a foot and ankle massage (which also included my lower legs), scalp, neck and shoulder massage (which also included my arms and most of my back, so really the only thing that didn't get massaged was my upper legs), and a customized facial. As I mentioned in my review, I expected the experience to be pretty rinkydink, but it turned out to be really very nice. Zola was my therapist and she was very, very good. In fact, I tipped an extra $10 above the auto-gratuity.

 

The setting was lovely and tranquil and comfortable, and the services were professional and luxurious. Even though I live in a rural area, we have a nice day spa in our community and I've often been disappointed when trying to have a spa day in other areas. The cruiseship spa experience was at least as good as what I get at home, but even better with the gentle motion of the ship, etc...

 

There was a sales pitch at the end, which I expected, but not too, too high pressure, and she didn't interrupt my treatments with a sales pitch, which would have really irritated me.

 

I had told myself that I wasn't going to "waste" the money on spa services, but got sucked in by the port day deal. As it turned out, I'm really glad I did, I felt like I glowed by the time I left.

 

ee

[watchdiva]

Whenever I'm having a service done in a spa (land-based or ship-based) I let them know the following: I'm there to relax and prefer it to be as quiet as possible and once the service is finished, I do not want to hear a sales pitch. If there's a product I'm interested in, I will ask them.

 

I always say this kindly and with respect and have never had a problem with my wishes being ignored.

[Mooder]

Whenever I'm having a service done in a spa (land-based or ship-based) I let them know the following: I'm there to relax and prefer it to be as quiet as possible and once the service is finished, I do not want to hear a sales pitch. If there's a product I'm interested in, I will ask them.

 

I always say this kindly and with respect and have never had a problem with my wishes being ignored.

 

I have only used the spa on one cruise and we loooooooved the spa pass. My sister and I got manicures and this was the worst sales pitch experience I have had on a cruise. My sister's manicurist was pleasant and friendly and didn't push anything. I was sitting right beside her could not get mine to be quiet. She kept telling me I needed something (I don't even know what - a facial or pedicure or something) and that I should have it when we got to GSC because of a special. I told her several times we had plans and that I wasn't interested, but she kept saying she would put me down for an appt and what time would I prefer. I hated it. I also hated that she tore at my cuticles and skin around the nail to such a point that I had pink and painful finger tips the remainder of the cruise - and bleeding. If I had a backbone I would have asked for my money back. But it put me off the services. Even though my sister had a much better experience, I feel like it could be hit or miss. And I would NEVER trust my hair to someone I didn't know. I love the idea of putting "no sales pitch" on the paper if you're having a massage or something like that which I might try next cruise.

[Ginny, not Hermione]

I have always loved the spa... a good massage, a nice manicure, etc. However, I am shocked at "cruise spa prices".

 

I am going on Pearl in April, and recently viewed a NCL spa menu from a helpful CC member... I found the prices quite high. I am used to paying about $80 for a massage, plus gratuity. Am I missing something REALLY special about a cruise ship massage that costs over $150?!? Manicures around me cost no more than $15 here in central NJ. Cruise ship manicure = around $30?

 

Would love to hear your thoughts about NCL spas - overrated or worth it?

The spa on the Gem had "specials" every day, usually a menu of services- pick any 2 for $99.

 

I got a mini facial, back massage (about 20 minutes), hot stone treatment and exfoliation treatment for $79, it took about 1 1/2 hour total. They did try to sell me some goop for $59 and $89 at the end of the treatment, but I said no and that was that (she did tell me it was very good goop, but I would never use it so I just said no)

 

You could also get a pool side message for $20, that was available several times on our cruise.

 

If you just want to pamper yourself, stop in at the spa and ask what special is available. I thought the $79 special was a good deal, and you get the use of the spa that day for no additional charge.

[Cinderellie]

How much was the week-long spa package? And the couples spa package?

 

We are going on the Majesty in April and it sounds like fun.

 

I would image the hot tubs there are far more relaxing that the ones the kids dive into on the deck!

[robomom]

Where is it? I've been checking deck plans and haven't found it yet! Has anyone used it and if so, what was your impession?

 

Many thanks!

[Ms belp]

That is a great idea and as sad as this is to say, I would have never thought of it. Thanks for posting.

 

Excellent tip. I would not have thought of it either. The sales pitches, sadly to say, have driven me away. I don't need it on my vacation, trying to relax.

[coka]

I bought myself a spa credit for the Pearl next week. This will force me to finally go after all these years and see just exactly what everyone is talking about.

I am interested in the sales pitch...only afterwards...not during!

coka

[robomom]

Where is it? I've been checking deck plans and haven't found it yet! Has anyone used it and if so, what was your impession?

 

Many thanks!

 

Still looking for anyone who has used the spa onboard the Spirit and their general impressions.

 

Thanks in advance.

[April7901]

I used the spa on the Sky for a mani/pedi, and would never do it again. While the girl was very pleasant and sweet, her name tag said she was a massage specialist, and it showed on my nails. I dropped about $100 - which I probably would've paid about $75 for here in Chicago - and got about 1/8 the results.

 

My nails were ruined within a day - and, mind you, all I did was walk around. It's not like I was doing heavy lifting on a cruise. ;)