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CRUISE LINES Cruise lines are offering an unprecedented lineup of sensuous delights, from weddings at sea to the ultimate spa experience - so we think you'll find this a stress-free vacation experience at sea right for you. Ask our Cruise Specialists to assist you with Spas & Romance at Sea! Spa-tacular Cruise Lines Wedding-bliss packages beckon dreamy-eyed couples to CARNIVAL, which offers "an attractive and cost-effective alternative to traditional land-based ceremonies," says the line's president, Bob Dickinson. The company's fleetwide wedding program, which Dickinson expects to host 2,2000 couples this year, stages ceremonies in settings that range from a spiffed-up ship-board on embarkation day to sun-drenched islands on Caribbean routes. Aboard the recently-debuted Conquest, for example, couples can tie the knot in the tropical environs of Jamaica or Grand Cayman. On Dec. 1, 2002, the 2,974-passenger Conquest - the biggest Fun Ship ever built and the first entry in the new Conquest class - began sailing from homeport New Orleans every Sunday on week-long getaways to Montego Bay, George Town and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel. Along with the abundant, French-accented charms of New Orleans, twosomes are sure to fall for shipboard decor inspired by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. With its public rooms that pay homage to the greatest artists of 19th-century Pairs, Conquest is easily the line's most romantic ship. Couples can choose to dine in either the forward Renoir (picture pastel blossoms climbing trellises) or the aft Monet (think ethereal water lilies) restaurants, or reserve a table for two at The Point, the cozy supper club perched high on the Panorama Deck. Afterward, you can rock in Henri's dance club and bar, or dance cheek-to-cheek at Vincent's. Honeymooners can hold hands on virtual bicycle tours, pedaling romantic routes from mountain pathways to snow-covered trails as part of the Spa Carnival program available on several ships. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES Couples who would welcome an occasional vacation from the kids - a time for rekindling romance - should be alerted to CELEBRITY's adults-only sailings, an industry newsmaker. In the grown-up lineup (cruisers must be 21 or older) will be wine tastings, romantic film classics, dance classes and late-night adult comedy shows. Be sure to book spa time for a couples massage with aromatic oils. Among other pleasurable spa pastimes are the sensory Cleopatra Bath and aqua-massage by underwater body jets in the Thalassotherapy pool. On the Millennium, the pool is raised on a teak, topiary-studded deck beneath a soaring glass ceiling. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES Fleetwide, the company's Crystal Spa offers some of the finest spa facilities available at sea. The Feng Shui-inspired environment provides an inviting, soothing atmosphere that offers a variety of truly unique massage, facials and skin therapies. Rich woods, soothing sounds and the sensory whispers of aromatic oils tease the senses and calm the nerves even before the therapy starts. On the new Serenity, enlarged facilities - more than 9,200 sq. ft. - offers more treatment rooms, a larger fitness center and separate weight room and aerobics studio for high- and low-impact classes, including complimentary yoga and Pilates instruction. There's also a unique Cleopatra Soaking Bath, a dry flotation bed and a long list of therapies including personalized fitness consultation and an onboard Wellness Program that includes yoga, Pilates, Tai chi, dance, fitness and more. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES It's been a long time coming but what the CUNARD LINE modestly calls "The Largest, Longest, Tallest,Greatest and most expensive passenger liner ever at $800 million. Here's a tip for couples who plan to attend the Olympic Games in Athens: QM2 is slated to dock at Piraeus on Aug. 12, 2004, offering up its 1,310 staterooms as a floating hotel during the Games. Aside from it sumptuous elegance, exceptional service and the luxurious trapping it offer throughout the ship - including concierge and personal butler service - the tradition behind this grand dame of the sea alone guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime romantic vacation experience. But, while romance is nice, a little additional individual pampering can't hurt either. Enter the Queen Mary 2's Canyon Ranch SpaClub, an appropriate facility for what the Cunard Line calls the most luxurious ocean vessel ever built. This highly acclaimed health resort company is enhancing the onboard spa experience offering a variety of programs: from stress-relief classes to workshops on diet, healthy aging and disease prevention. Fifty-one Canyon Ranch health and wellness experts work in the 20,000-sq.-ft. facility, which includes 24 treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool with deluge waterfall, a whirlpool, thermal suites with both herbal and Finnish saunas, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES HOLLAND AMERICA is spreading its Caribbean wings, with plans to sail more than 150 departures next year. It is also expanding itinerary selections. It's a matter of "new ships, more ports, and new departure ports," according to David Giersdorf, senior vice president of marketing and sales. Ships slated to ply clear Caribbean waters next year number nine, including Zuiderdam, Oosterdam (set for an August debut) and Westerdam (scheduled to bow in April 2004). Along the way, Holland has expanded its fitness picture, adding activities that range from aquarobics and step-classes to Ki-bo and yoga toning. "The fitness center on Holland America ships is a haven for mind, body and soul," says Johan Groothuizen, v.p. of marine hotel operations, "and we are always looking for ways to offer our guests more choices. New therapies developed by Steiner Spas help to relax and de-stress our guests, while our fitness program will enhance posture, flexibility and cardiovascular capacity." BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES El Dorado, christened after the storied golden city once sought by adventurers, is the spiffy new spa aboard NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE'S Norwegian Dawn, Operated by Mandara, the 11,302-sq.-ft. El Dorado Spa serves up serious pampering with treatments that combine Eastern and Western philosophies. Included in the mix are 21 treatment rooms (one specifically designed for couples), hydrotherapy baths, a lap pool and Jacuzzi area and sauna and steam rooms. Massages are also offered in staterooms, poolside and on secluded beaches during private island visits. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES PRINCESS has made substantial waves with its 'wedding-at-sea' program, which debuted four years ago on Grand Princess. Soon after, Web cams blossomed aboard the new Golden Princess - a wedding chapel option that enabled couples to share proceedings with the folks back home by beaming a live picture accessed via a link at the company's website. Today, the Princess wedding program is a perfect match for four ships: Grand Princess, Golden Princess, Star Princess and the newly-inaugurated Coral Princess (the first in a new class). That means marriage-minded couples may wed in Europe, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Alaska, or Mexico, with Asia and Australia/New Zealand entering the picture this fall. Cruising couples, who can shop among several wedding and reception packages, will be married by the captain while in international waters. Ceremonies are scheduled only on sea days. Princess Cruises' new Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess - both 113,00-ton, 2,670-passenger vessels - will debut in March and December 2004, respectively. Diamond Princess' inaugural cruises will take in the delights of the Mexican Riviera before repositioning to Seattle for the summer Alaska season. Sapphire Princess will join her sister ship in Seattle offering 7-day roundtrip Inside Passage cruises. Aside from the largest and most innovative offerings in the Princess fleet, the two ships will also be offering a Lotus Spa, featuring an array of sea-based treatments and services designed for both men and women, with even some special services for teens. And, in an industry first, you will be able to make advance reservations for spa treatments prior to their cruise via Princess' website. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES In the six-star tradition of RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES, the Seven Seas Navigator, which we recently visited, we think is destined for distinction. From her all-suite, all-ocean-view accommodations to her signature cuisine to her superbly attentive staff and peerless service, she has few equals. Each suite boasts a European king-size bed or twin beds, separate living room area, mini-bar stocked with select beverages, walk-in closet, TV/VCR, and bathroom with full tub and separate shower. All suites have sweeping ocean views and nearly 90% have private balconies. Ten suites are also interconnecting, which, when two are combined, offer a maximum of 1,529 square feet of living space. Your luxurious accommodations are typical of the expansive ambience of the ship. In fact, with a passenger space ratio of 67.3, the Navigator is the most spacious ship on the seven seas. One morning aboard the Seven Seas Navigator you'll probably decide to visit the Spa and Health Club. And not just because you might want to have a massage or work out! Step into one of the glass-walled elevators, ride topside to the uppermost deck of the ship and step out into the Vista Lounge, entry point to the ship's exclusive Navigator Spa. Those interested in more serious navigation can track the ship's position on an electronic display located at the foot of the mast - or, you may take a guided tour of the Bridge. In the Health Club, guests may crunch, lift, row, tread, pedal or run to their hearts' content. A personal trainer is on hand to assist you with a fitness regimen to fit your needs, whether you're a novice or a veteran. Follow your workout with aerobics, a power-walk around the track, or maybe few laps in the pool, and you'll be exercised and eager to partake of the offerings of the Navigator Spa. Managed and operated by Judith Jackson, leading aromatherapy practitioner and author of the best seller, The Magic of Well Being, the Spa is the ultimate indulgence. In luxurious, hushed surroundings, professional technicians personally trained by Ms. Jackson soothe cares and wrinkles away, utilizing the latest natural aromatherapy and massage methods. Mud wraps, thalassotherapy, steam and sauna treatments, and a full complement of beauty and grooming services complete the extensive menu of Spa offerings. And speaking of menus, when it's time for health-conscious guests to re-stoke the furnace, both the indoor-outdoor grill and the dining room offer special low calorie, heart healthy selections. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES A one-of-a-kind wedding? Perhaps, if you're adventurous, you might go for a Juneau glacier as setting. The happy pair can soar above the majestic wilderness to exchange vows atop a glittering tower of ice, with the bride bearing her bouquet of Alaskan wildflowers while a photographer captures the momentous occasion. It can all be served up in royal style by ROYAL CARIBBEAN. If the couple chooses to cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas, sailing this summer from Vancouver with stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, you can counterbalance the icy onshore experience with an Aroma Hot Stone Treatment, a full-body massage using Balinese heated stones. This and other heavenly happenings await in the ship's spa. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES Among new offerings for the oenophiles among luxury-loving guests is SILVERSEA's Wine Series, started up this year. From Lisbon to Cannes and Istanbul to Sydney, cruisers are lifting a glass on board and ashore during a dozen sailings. In the spotlight are lectures, tastings and guided excursions to wineries, cellars and sunny vineyards led by noted experts and wine-makers. BACK TO SPA-TACULAR CRUISE LINES Some cruise destinations, of course, resonate with a romance all their own. Consider Tahati, of palm-fringed beaches fame, where Wind Star was redeployed in January, 2003. (A December, 2002 fire forced Wind Song out of the Tahiti picture and Wind Star's previously-planned cruises to Costa Rica, the Panama Canal and Belize were canceled to allow for redeployment to replace her damaged sister.) With its low-key luxury and dreamy sails, WINDSTAR is a nonstop winner with wedding and anniversary celebrants, averaging ten such couples a week. "Unlike many cruise lines that cringe at the thought of the logistics involved with weddings on deck, the luxurious Windstar fleet was practically built for them," says Tom Russell, v.p. of sales and marketing. Windstar stages flower-scented wedding and vow renewal programs backdropped by the classical sounds of a violin. The idyllic shore excursion? Moorea's Parasailing for Lovers. In other Windstar ports of call, creative celebrants have been known to opt for a fireworks display as they sail from Venice, or a touch of Maori tribal dancing in the wedding ceremony during departures from New Zealand. Cruisers who choose Wind Surf, which sports a sleek spa, can treat themselves to the Couple's Massage Lesson with a therapist who teaches the healing qualities of mutual massage. |
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