Cruise ship spas have always pampered their passengers, but many today extend their services beyond the typical massage and hot tub soak to include wellness amenities such as meditation areas, salt rooms and rain showers. Other spas go even further. These six cruise ship spas stand out for taking passengers to a whole new level of zen.

MAREEL WELLNESS & BEAUTY, CUNARD LINE
Cunard Line boasts one of the most comprehensive wellness programs on the seas. Developed in cooperation with wellness pioneer Canyon Ranch, Mareel Wellness & Beauty spaces on each of Cunard’s four ships offer marine-inspired treatments; fitness spaces with floor- to-ceiling windows; and aqua therapy centers with Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, sensory showers and massaging therapy pools.

Additionally, Cunard partnered with Harper’s Bazaar to create three Wellness at Sea programs to encourage guests to Relax, Recover or Energize, depending on their chosen area of focus. Each program features spa treatments, premium ELEMIS products and healthy dining options, including 25 vegan dishes.

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LIVNORDIC SPA, VIKING
Viking’s LivNordic Spa concept embraces the Nordic tradition of alternating between hot and cold. But instead of plunging into icy waters and warming up by the fire, guests unwind in a dry sauna; brave the snow grotto; then continue through a series of thermal therapies designed to help detoxify the body, increase circulation and improve their mood. Guests can create their own experience in the complimentary Thermal Suite or follow staff guidance on Nordic Bathing Night, offered once per cruise.

Scandinavian-inspired wellness extends to LivNordic’s spa treatments. For example, the Arctic Cure starts with dry brushing to help exfoliate the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system, followed by a gua sha stone massage to promote blood flow. Other treatments feature products containing antioxidant-rich lingonberries, cranberries and blueberries.

THE SPA, CELEBRITY CRUISES
Wellness opportunities abound on Celebrity Cruises’ ships. Besides The Spa’s destination-inspired massages and treatments, Edge- series ships include the SEA Thermal Suite with a hammam, crystalarium, salt room, infrared sauna, aroma steam, rainfall water therapy room, float room and heated loungers. The Persian Garden on Millennium-series and Solstice-series ships invites guests to experience aromatic steam, tropical rains and other environments.

For a more immersive program, Celebrity Cruises offers AquaClass with unlimited access to the thermal suite, services of a spa concierge and healthy dining at the class’s exclusive restaurant. The benefits don’t end there. In AquaClass staterooms, guests enjoy a pillow menu and enhanced air- filtration system.

OTIUM, SILVERSEA CRUISES
Based on the Roman art of otium, or living well, Otium Spa on Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova, Silver Dawn and Silver Ray combines pampering spa treatments with opportunities to eat, drink and socialize. On a typical visit, guests might enjoy a massage with Roman ingredients like honey or argan oil, then sip Champagne while playing a board game with other spa goers.

Passengers don’t have to visit the spa to experience otium, though. Otium Suite brings wellness to them with four offerings: an in-suite, candlelit bath accompanied by select music; quiet balcony time with refreshments; an in-room movie night with dinner from onboard restaurants and gourmet popcorn; or a great night’s sleep after choosing the perfect pillow and scent for sweet dreams.

PHOTOS: © OCEANIA CRUISES

AQUAMAR SPA + VITALITY CENTER, OCEANIA CRUISES
At first glance, the AquaMar Spa +Vitality Center on Oceania Cruises provides the typical cruise ship wellness program with massage therapies incorporating ocean-related elements, such as seaweed, and experiential areas like the aromatic steam room and Thalassotherapy saltwater pool.

But Oceania Cruises shines when it comes to wellness excursions that put restoration and transformation front and center. Depending on the port, guests can meditate with a monk in Thailand, soak in healing Italian waters or practice yoga in an olive grove on a Croatian island. Looking for an even more active outing? Biking and fit walking excursions will get your heart rate going.

SERENE SPA, REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes a holistic approach to wellness at the Serene Spas throughout its fleet. In addition to curated therapies reflecting the culture and ritual of the cruise’s destinations, Serene Spas offers wellness-focused excursions; healthy menu options; and classes on breathing, stretching and meditation.

The cruise line’s latest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, builds on this, adding exclusive spa treatments such as the Zero Gravity Wellness Massage performed on a table mimicking the effects of zero gravity. For the ultimate wellness experience, guests can book the ship’s Regent Suite, boasting its own personal sauna, steam room and treatment area.