Ahhh, the SPA!

If you choose to melt your stress away with a relaxing spa treatment, you may want to consider a few of these tips.
 
1) If you know that you are not interested in purchasing some of the high-priced products used in your treatment, tell your attendant prior to the treatment so that she won’t bother with the hard-sell approach that is common to most cruise line spas. Even if you decide you’re open to hearing more about the products, don’t feel pressured to buy then. Ask to take their written recommendations with you and come back later if you decide to purchase.
 
2) Take the spa tour on embarkation day; you may learn of unadvertised deals that are offered. Don’t feel rushed to book something unless you really have to have it as better deals may be offered later on in the cruise, depending on how booked up the spa is.
 
3) Check with us to see if your cruise line allows you to pre-book spa treatments.
 
4) You can often get a better price for booking treatments on port days or very early in the morning (i.e. 8:00 a.m.). Don’t be afraid to ask for it, some spas have a hard time booking those early morning appointment times and are happy to give a better price just to book the time.
 
5) Some treatments may offer a 2-for-1 deal (or a complimentary additional service). Watch for these in your daily cruise program guide.
 
6) Always try to be early for your appointment, as you may be requested to complete an information questionnaire, plus you will need time to change for your treatment. You don’t want to cut into your treatment time.
 
7) If you are having a facial, be sure to go without makeup as, once again, you will leave more treatment time for you when they don’t have to remove your makeup.
 
8) Some spas have great showers that are larger than those in the staterooms. Feel free to use these if you wish; some ships even offer complimentary products when you use the showers.
 
9) If you have footwear for showers (flip flops or something of the sort), you may want to bring your own to the spa. Most lines offer the use of complimentary footwear, but they may not have your size available.
 
10) If the spa is not very busy, you may find that just by attending various programs or activities that the cruise offers, discounted services will be offered. For example, I was on a Princess cruise that offered 55-minute facials or full body massages for only $50 for those who attended the art auction on day 5 of the cruise, because the spa was not that busy.
 
11) Be sure to check out the spa cancellation policy to avoid being charged if you cancel. Generally a spa will work with you if you cancel for a valid reason such as illness; talk to the spa manager if necessary to avoid a penalty. They will usually work with you if you re-book the treatment.
 
A cruise is a perfect time to pamper yourself, so why not enjoy the spa? While some spa treatments may be costly, following some of these tips can help save you money.