Guest
Has anyone taken advantage of the Steiner Spa treatments during a cruise? If so, which would you recommend? Is it possible to get a "special price" by booking when the ship is in port? Would appreciate any info.
While on Celebrity's Century, my wife and I wanted to try a lot of the Spa treatments. The massage was very nice, relaxing and well worth the expense. Many of the other treatments were relaxing, but not as enjoyable as the massage. My wife signed up for almost everything on the menu. She said the Hydrotherapy baths were nice, but she thought them a little much. She also liked the massge. The manicure and pedicure were the only treatments she found to have significant value. Who knows you may love all of the treatments and not like the massage. To each his own! Go for it... have fun!
Just got back from 20 days on QE 2. Had the most amazing pedicure at Steiner from Kelly, a real podiatrist! Had a good manicure and haircut as well. I always find the Steiner folks to be really nice and very good at their jobs. My one mini-complaint is that they often try to sell you products. However, they didn't give me any sales pitches on this trip, but my friend ended up buying $300 worth of stuff!
It really depends on the ship, the therapist and how experienced they are. I have had very good and "just ok" spa treatments on ship. I have two main comments: <BR> <BR>1) Treatment costs tend to be more than you would pay back home and in recent years not of the quality. I have never been able to book spa treatments before getting on the ship - and I know of no special discounts. But, that probably depends on the cruise line you use. If you can easily get massages back home, you may want to save your money. If you are on a high end ship (Crystal, QE 2) you may have better therapist. I got a massage on my last cruise (RCI) and it was not worth $100 I paid for it. <BR> <BR>2) The other problem is that they will do the hard sell to make you buy products. I wish they wouldn't! You tend to be more likely to give into the hard sell when you have nothing else on but a towel!
I've always gotten a massage or two while I'm on a cruise. You'll pay a little more than you would on land, but it's a vacation, so why not? <BR> <BR>In terms of pricing I've noticed that they do tend to have "specials" listed in the ship newsletter on port days, but they won't admit to them in advance, you just have to watch for them. Obviously, everyone wants to book treatments for at-sea days and before Formal nights. <BR> <BR>Also, you can just make use of all the relaxing spa facilities, such as the Aqua-spa on Celebrity ships, steam room, sauna, for free or low cost. And most ships have special whirlpools/jacuzzi's in the spa area, separate from the ones by the main pool (and therefore usually kid-free).
I've been on a few different ships that have Steiner spas. My first experience was on Grand Princess. The facial I received was fantastic, and the therapist really knew her stuff. No sales pressure, but I did choose to try a few of their skin products. Within 6 months, my skin was in the best shape it has ever been in. I have sinced 'jumped ship' and cruise on Crystal (Symphony) exclusively. My experiences with their Steiner Spa has been truly excellent. The staff is knowledgible, friendly, and for me their products are fresh and top quality. (yes they're expensive, but if you could see the difference in my skin, it's worth it!) Try the Intensif Facial, it's a standard on all Steiner menus.
Guest
I usually get a massage or 2 on board. I try to book as soon as I get on the ship. Either they book up fast or they have alot of openings. If they have openings they will announce specials during the week, but these seem to go fast. <BR> <BR>And yes, they do try very hard to sell their products. I just inform them that I already use Steiner products and not to waste time with the sales pitch. If they do as I request, I will usually book a second treatment on the spot.
