After dropping my things in my stateroom, one of the first things I do when I board a cruise ship is take a tour of the spa, peeking into the fitness center in the event I decide to (actually) put the workout clothes I have packed to use during my time on board. Even if I do not plan on indulging in a spa treatment during my voyage, stepping into the spa and breathing in its aromatherapies instantly puts my mind and body at ease and in vacation mode.

Walking into The Spa on Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Xcel feels like a breath of fresh air — the reception area is spacious, a spiral staircase leading to the deck above and floor-to-ceiling windows following suit; it is the cruise line’s largest spa yet. Just off the reception lies an expansive salon with styling stations, blow dry bar and barbershop, and mani and pedi stations intentionally positioned to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean. Salon appointments are made even more enjoyable with a new bubbles bar so guests can sip while styling, if they so desire.

Wide and accommodating hallways lead from the reception to a tranquil Relaxation Area, complete with lounges on which guests can relax prior to their treatments, and 30 treatment rooms. Nearly all of these spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of not only natural light streaming in but also more expansive ocean views, which scientists say “can enhance our happiness, health and overall well-being.”

Celebrity Xcel’s Hydra Room © Celebrity Cruises

The SEA Thermal Suite within Xcel’s spa features Celebrity’s first-ever Hydra Room, an intimate, warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs to soothe and relax muscles. The Hydra Room complements the suite’s other wellness features including a steam room, Turkish bath, salt room, ocean-view sauna and more.

Another new space for Celebrity accessible from the suite, the Vitamin D Deck offers the perfect spot to soak in the sun with views of the horizon yet shielded from ocean breezes. Access to the SEA Thermal Suite is complimentary for AquaClass guests or through a pass available for purchase.

After seeing all The Spa has to offer, I did indeed decide to indulge in one of the signature treatments, a bamboo massage; did my aching muscles ever need the deep kneading! Afterward, I felt like I was floating on air as I padded my way back to my stateroom in a robe and slippers.

Aside from the bamboo massage, The Spa’s menu features more than 120 treatments and experiences ranging from massages and body treatments to facials; an IV Lounge with customizable, vitamin-rich therapies; and SignatureServices, Celebrity’s most well-loved services. One of the Signature Services that caught my eye was the 75- or 100-minute Thousand Flower Detox Wrap
featuring Nordic peat chock-full of tree-, flower- and grass-rich nutrients that result in a powerful detoxification and exceptional skin health. Another I noted for a future cruise is the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage, a combination of pressure point therapy using heated herbal poultices and traditional Eastern and Western massage and acupressure techniques for what is surely a blissful experience.

Celebrity Xcel’s Vitamin D Deck © Celebrity Cruises

The Spa’s wellness menu extends to the neighboring Fitness Center, offering yoga, barre, breathing classes and guided meditation along with indoor cycling, stretching and bungee classes, and myriad other group workouts. Thinking I got out of exercising on my cruise because I had left my cycling shoes at home, I was both thrilled and dismayed to see dozens of pairs of shoes available for loan. Celebrity first introduced its wellness-focused AquaClass staterooms in 2008; on board Xcel these accommodations feature amenities such as cashmere mattresses and pillow menus, complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite and a spa concierge, complimentary fitness passes, special rates on spa packages, and more.

For even more wellness, Aqua Sky Suites enhance these AquaClass amenities with more spa-inspired elements such as eco-friendly bath products as well as in-stateroom yoga mats, fitness amenities and on-demand wellness programming. Not only that, but guests staying in Aqua Sky Suites enjoy dedicated butler service, full in-suite dining service, the unlimited premium drink package and the services of a Destination Experience Specialist to make the most of their time on shore.

Dining experiences on board Xcel vary from fine dining to casual spots for bites on the go — 32 venues in all. Regardless of which guests choose, the ship’s culinary team strives to ensure dietary requirements and restrictions are accommodated, including gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free and “fit fare” dishes created with balanced nutrition in mind.