A leader in the super-deluxe cruise category, Seabourn Cruise Line caters primarily to a select niche of well-heeled travelers (average income $250,000+) who eschew the giant megaliners in favor of the intimate yachtlike ambience of its three all-suite, 208-passenger ships. Seabourn is now more shipshape than ever following a $25 million fleet-wide refurbishment of the interiors of its three ships-Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride, and Seabourn Spirit-which included the enlargement and upgrading of the spa facilities. Even bigger news for spa-goers was the introduction this past May of The Spa at Seabourn, a program featuring new treatment menus highlighted by special "Ceremonies" packages developed in cooperation with Steiner Leisure Services.
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"Spas at sea are a top source of onboard revenue throughout the cruise industry, and these new programs were added to attract and satisfy both our repeat guests as well as frequent users of spas who may not have cruised before," says Rick Meadows, Seabourn's senior vice president of sales and marketing. He notes that guests are learning about the diversity of onboard spa services now available through nightly pillow messages and other special promotions. There is a spa menu placed in every suite that describes in detail the individual treatments as well as the Ceremonies packages. "This is the first time Seabourn has ever sold spa packages that consist of a balanced selection of treatments that can be enjoyed throughout the cruise," Meadows says.
 Above and below: Yoga and free, five-minute poolside mini-massages are two of many spa perks offered to Seabourn's passengers. |
Packages Galore
Called Ceremony of Tranquility, Ceremony of Exotics, and Exotic Voyage of Touch, these packages are a combination of rituals designed to provide profound relaxation and rejuvenation. For example, Ceremony of Tranquility is a blend of aroma-stone therapy plus body and facial masks along with a massage and manicure, while the Ceremony of Exotics combines aroma-stone therapy with a frangipani hair-and-scalp ritual using Tahitian floral essence to revive and polish the hair before finishing with a peppermint fresh ritual for the feet. |
Besides these packages, guests can also sign up for individual treatments with the incentive of receiving a complimentary well-being massage with the purchase of any four treatments. Already a favorite selection on the new menu is Seabourn's version of aroma-stone therapy, a delightful indulgence in which volcanic basalt stones are warmed and treated with oils before being placed on the body's key energy points. Other popular treatments include a variety of massages and body wraps. The 55-minute Firmatone Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap is especially appropriate for a cruise, as it combines the application of sea plants and marine algae with aromatherapy, while the Ionithermie Algae Detox is a 70-minute therapy developed by a French surgeon that detoxifies the body using vegetation from the sea floor.
Wellness Services
Couples seeking to improve their massage techniques can sign up for the Time for Two Massage Seminar, a couples-only treatment featuring instruction in basic massage touches and movements. During the 80-minute session each partner receives a well-being back massage and then learns how to apply basic massage techniques on each other. Meanwhile, those looking for a quick fix can sign up for the Body Glisten Granule Rub, a 30-minute treatment that exfoliates the skin with Devils Mint Body Scrub followed by a deep Swedish massage.
"We know that when our guests feel better they enjoy themselves more, which is why we are encouraging them to take full advantage of the Spa At Seabourn and the variety of new wellness services and treatments we have on board," Meadows says.
Also new for Seabourn are complimentary fitness classes that take place in the refurbished gym, such as Pathway to Yoga and mat Pilates instruction. Those seeking a more rigorous workout can participate in Cardio Ki Bo Circuit Training. Also available by appointment are personal training consultations, one-on-one Pilates training, and body composition analysis. Meanwhile, guests lounging at poolside can enjoy another unique onboard amenity, Seabourn's mini-massage, a free five-minute head, neck, hand, foot, or shoulder massage administered by a masseuse who is stationed on deck two hours a day when the ship is at sea.
Pampering With a Capital "P"
For the ultimate indulgence, couples can partake of five different aromatic scented bathing treatments in the privacy of their suite. Created by Molton Brown, these treatments are part of what Seabourn calls its Pure Pampering program of "shamelessly sybaritic services." Founded in the 1970s, British brand Molton Brown has been in the forefront of developing innovative sensory experiences and is known for its high quality toiletries (shampoo, soap, lotions, etc.) made from rare natural ingredients and essential oils.Guests have the option of drawing their own bath or having it done by the suite's personal stewardess. The menu is as follows: Intoxicating Sensual Bath-a fusion of Chinese cinnamon, Egyptian orange blossom, and Italian Vanilla-enriches the mind and revitalizes the skin. Invigorating Ginseng Bath utilizes Brazilian ginseng to energize the body by stimulating cell regeneration. Warming Eucalyptus Bath with its pure Eucalyptus oil relieves aches and pains while it rejuvenates mind and body. Yuan Zhi Peacemaker Bath employs oriental ingredients to help reduce restlessness and encourage sleep. Oceanic Stress-Relieving Bath combines Dead Sea salts with brown and red seaweed and horse chestnut to purify, revitalize, and relax the body.