Last updated July 10, 2024
Who knew a cruise ship would become the ultimate wellness retreat? These ten wellness cruises show that luxury isn’t about excess but about experiences that rejuvenate your body and elevate your soul.
Gone are the days when cruises were merely indulgence in the ordinary sense—overflowing buffets, sun-soaked lethargy and evenings lost to an open bar.
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Today’s wellness cruises are charting a new course, providing relaxation, adventure and personal growth. From an array of fitness activities including yoga and cross-training to spa therapies that soothe the soul and nutritious meals that energize the body, these ten cruises redefine the meaning of indulgence.
Set Sail on These Ten Wellness Cruises
We showcase ten exceptional wellness cruises, each promising a sanctuary at sea where health and happiness are the final destination.
1. Princess Cruises
Travel around the world on any of Princess Cruises’ 17 ships, which feature the acclaimed Lotus Spa and Fitness Centers, offering a chance to turn your cruise into a wellness-focused experience.
These ships offer a tranquil setting perfect for relaxation and personal well-being. Equipped with state-of-the-art gym facilities, they also host a variety of fitness classes, including spinning, yoga and Zumba, ensuring guests can stay active and fit throughout their voyage. Indulge in a massage or revitalizing body treatment to achieve a harmonious mix of relaxation and physical exercise.
2. Star Clippers
Join the splendid fleet of Star Clippers as they sail through the beautiful seas of Indonesia, Thailand and the Mediterranean. The large teak decks become peaceful outdoor spaces for yoga and meditation sessions in the morning and evening. For those seeking adventure, climbing the rigging offers a unique and thrilling workout experience.
3, Blue World Voyages
Blue World Voyages is creating a new approach to wellness on the sea with its special health and fitness cruise. The ship boasts a deck devoted to various fitness activities such as cross-training, spinning and yoga. Swimmers will love the retractable seawater pool. Onshore activities also include horseback riding in France and surfing in Portugal.
4. Celebrity Cruises
In partnership with Kelly Hoppen, Celebrity Cruises has designed The Spa on its Celebrity Edge and Apex ships to be a peaceful retreat offering more than 120 new treatments. The Sea Thermal Suite at the spa features eight healing experiences, such as the amethyst-decorated Crystalarium. Additionally, guests can enjoy hot yoga and relax on Spa Wave MLW Amphibia tables for a combination of fitness and relaxation.
5. Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises offers a holistic wellness program that blends traditional wisdom with modern science. Their themed voyages feature yoga, Pilates and tai chi sessions, alongside informative health discussions. Their Walk-On-Water program provides a distinctive fitness experience at sea, aiming to inspire and revitalize passengers.
6. Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines takes spa treatments to the next level with Mandara spas. Experience a variety of massages and treatments within the expansive spa aboard the Norwegian Epic, the largest at sea, featuring couples massage villas and the signature Hot Stone Heaven treatment.
7. Cunard
Cunard’s Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa, developed in collaboration with Canyon Ranch, takes inspiration from the sea to provide treatments based on ancient Norse practices.
This includes a couples suite for seaweed bathing rituals, a meditation room with acoustic resonance loungers and the signature “Ocean Discovery” that lets you select treatments using organic marine-based products, including hand-harvested seaweed from Ireland.
8. Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways introduces an active twist to river cruising. Their “Active Discovery” excursions invite guests to engage with Europe’s beauty through cultural and wellness-focused activities. Whether jogging along the canals in Amsterdam or canoeing on the Danube, Avalon ensures a rich, active experience complemented by the AvalonGo App for personalized exploration.
9. Uniworld River Cruises
Uniworld provides a voyage through Peru that integrates river cruising with the land of mysteries, legends and ancient cultures. Once you take to the waters of the Amazon rainforest, excursions include a jungle walk, canoeing or kayaking inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
10. Swan Hellenic
In collaboration with Deepak Chopra, Swan Hellenic’s “Explore & Restore” cruises offer a unique blend of personal growth and cultural immersion. These wellness cruises are designed to foster self-discovery and a deeper connection with the world, featuring daily wellness activities, Ayurvedic cuisine and workshops that inspire and rejuvenate long after the journey concludes.
Cruise into Wellness
Imagine stretching into a sunrise yoga pose on deck or finding your Zen alongside a gently flowing river. With sea-inspired spa treatments and serene activities, a wellness cruise creates the perfect sanctuary at sea for those seeking a break from the ordinary.
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. However, the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve made it much easier to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations. With Vacayou’s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just a click away.
Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
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