Spa Treatments on board – A rip off or Value for money?

Spa treatments on board a cruise are an indulgence that we may not engage in when at home with our busy lives, so with many on board credit offers on board isn’t it nice to treat your self to a nice back massage or facial. Not in my experience unfortunately.

Cruiselines spend alot of money advertising Spa Treatments on your cruise planner before your go and also on board via your daily planner. They pride themselves in delivering the ultimate indulgence. Many spas have had thousands of pounds spent on them to make them stunningly beautiful and  appealing with candles , relaxing music and stunning all to give you the feeling of calm when you walk in.

Day to day on a cruise can be pretty hectic as you go on and off ship seeing many destinations and ports of call, so nothing nicer on a sea day to have some relaxation in the spa. Although the treatments themselves totally live up to the reputation of having a treatment in luxury surroundings the point I am trying to make is once treatment is over the after sales pitch is quite overwhelming.
On Thomson Majesty I decided to treat myself to a facial, the lady was attentive and was experienced in what she was doing making me feel special relaxed and feeling once done my skin would look amazing. It was only once the treatment was coming to an end that I was astounded by the sales pitch to have me buy creams that she thought my skin needed to maintain the healthy glow I now had. I am a sales person of course but never in my experience have I felt so uncomfortable in having to be firm and say no to the expensive treatments I was told I had to have. I was quite naive to start off with appreciating the advice she offered but at the end of a forceful pitch I was given a bill of more that £150 for the creams and potions offered. As she was advising me of the creams she recommended, no costs of these were mentioned at all ( not that I expected them to be free) until I was given the bill at the end of the treatment. I had to be totally firm and say no thankyou and left feeling very uncomfortable after what started out as totally relaxing experience. I didn’t complain to be honest and thought it may be a once off but I experienced the same although to be honest not quite as full on sales pitch on Princess.

In fairness to Princess the back massage I had was wonderful and the lady offering the service was professional and listened to any areas of my back I had trouble with. She did start to offer again more creams but allowed me to say no thankyou and left it there.

I have spoken to many customers who have experienced a similar situation. We know Spa Treatments can be expensive and we choose to pay the costs up front knowing what the charges are and it is great to be able to indulge in a treatment that we do not have time for at home, but please surely if we want to purchase any creams on top then advise us of what is on offer and the costs and let us make the decision without the feeling of being forced into something we possibly do not want.

Would it put me off a further Spa Treatment , no to be honest it wouldn’t as not every  therapist will have the same ethic . I have heard some wonderful stories from customers who have loved the experience and been totally happy . What do you think, have you had any similar experiences on board or have you enjoyed every moment of your Spa experience. I would love to know what you think.

Cheers Holly