You can now make online reservations for any spa treatments before your cruise – so you can obtain the time you want, instead of all that frustration often encountered when aboard. But careful planning will need to be made so as not to clash with shore excursions and other diversions (days at sea are easiest to book online, and hardest to obtain on board).

All Lotus Spa/beauty treatments and fitness facilities are staffed and operated by Steiner Leisure, a concession, whose young staff will also try to sell you Steiner’s own-brand Elemis beauty products.

Some fitness classes are free (Stepexpress, Power Walk, Total Body Conditioning, Xpress Circuit are examples), while some, such as yoga and kick-boxing, cost extra. However, being aboard will give you an opportunity to try some of the more exotic treatments (particularly some of the massages). Examples include Aromatherapy massage ($109 for 50 minutes), Aroma Stone Therapy ($175 for 75 minutes), Asian Lotus face and body experience (combining massage with reflexology, pressure point massage and facial, $237 for one hour 45 minutes), deep-tissue sports therapy massage ($116 for 50 minutes), and other well-being massages, lime and ginger salt glow body rub ($141 for 50 minutes); there are also seaweed mud wraps, among others devised to make you feel good – and also to part you from your money. Do make appointments as early as possible – the day you board is the best time to book your preferred treatments. You can also make appointments online before your cruise, but be careful in planning times (they could clash with shore excursions, for example).

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008