Is a Thermal Spa Pass Worth it on a Cruise Ship?

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If you’re planning a cruise vacation, you may wonder whether a thermal spa pass is worth the price.

Although a spa pass comes at an additional cost, this popular cruise add-on certainly has benefits. Whether you’re a new or experienced cruiser, it’s worth understanding the benefits of a thermal spa pass before you decide whether or not to book it on your next cruise.

On a recent cruise onboard Norwegian Joy, I tried out the thermal spa pass for the first time.

In this post, I share what you can expect when you purchase a spa pass and my thoughts on whether a thermal spa pass is worth it.

What is a Thermal Spa on a Cruise Ship?

A thermal spa, otherwise referred to as a thermal suite on specific cruise lines is an exclusive pay-to enter area where cruise passengers can enjoy steam rooms, saunas, heated loungers, thalassotherapy pools, hot tubs and more. This popular cruise add-on is ideal for guests who want to relax and rejuvenate throughout their cruise vacation.

Which Cruise Lines Have Thermal Spas?

Most major cruise lines equip their fleet with thermal spas and suites, popular cruise add-ons. Many cruise passengers enjoy staying in the thermal spa to de-stress, relax, and recharge.

Here’s a list of the cruise lines that offer thermal spa and thermal suite passes:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruise
• Virgin Voyages
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Viking Cruises

How Much Does a Thermal Spa Pass Cost?

The cost of a thermal spa pass can vary depending on the cruise line. Furthermore, certain cruise lines offer day passes, or passes for the duration of the cruise vacation.

It’s important to note that prices are subject to change and can vary due to popular itineraries.

Here are the prices for a spa pass on each cruise line:

• Carnival Cruise Line: Day pass $30 / $129 (7 days)
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Day pass $79 / $339 (7 days)
• Virgin Voyages: Day pass $49 (port days) / $69 (sea days) / $199 (7 days)
• Celebrity Cruises: Day pass $79 / $219 (7 days)
• Royal Caribbean: Day pass $69 / $219 (7 days)
• Disney Cruises: Day pass $39 / $189 (7 days)
• Holland America Line: Day pass $49 / $199 (7 days)
• MSC Cruises: Day pass $80 / $195 (7 days)
• Princess Cruises: Day pass $75 / 149 (7 days)
• Viking Cruises: Included in cruise fare

5 Things I really Liked About the Thermal Spa

1. Quiet Area to Relax

The thermal spa is a quiet retreat that provides a relaxing escape from the rest of the cruise ship. Hanging out on the lido deck and around the promenade can be busy. The thermal spa is a relaxing and quiet area, ideal for cruise passengers looking to unwind.

One of the benefits of having a thermal suite pass is that you’ll have access to exclusive hot tubs and thalassotherapy pools (on select cruise lines) reserved for thermal spa guests. Typically, these hot tubs and pools are in a spa-like setting, which makes them extra relaxing.

When I recently had the thermal spa pass, I enjoyed going from the busy pool deck to relaxing in the spa. This was a great escape from the pool-side music, activities, and entertainment.

2. Perfect For Colder Itineraries

The thermal suite pass is perfect for colder itineraries like Alaska, Canada, New England, and even transatlantic crossings. Due to the colder weather, cruise passengers will spend much more time in the spa.

Another thing to consider is that it may not be warm enough to enjoy the pool deck. So, having a private relaxing area is worth the price of those colder itineraries.

Furthermore, the spa often offers amazing scenic views, so you can take in the landscape while relaxing in the gorgeous spa area.

Although I had the spa pass on a recent Bermuda cruise, I could only imagine how magical of an experience glacier viewing in Alaska would be from the spa.

3. Limited Capacity

Due to the thermal suite’s limited capacity, cruise passengers can enjoy a quiet spa area. This means there will be enough heated loungers, space in the saunas and steam rooms, and a thalassotherapy pool and hot tub for each thermal spa guest.

On my recent cruise, I really enjoyed the limited capacity. After a few days, I would see the same familiar faces, and I got to know some of the other thermal spa guests, which was nice.

Moreover, I never had to worry about finding a heated lounger or day bed to relax and rest in.

4. Variety of Heated Loungers, Day Beds and More

The thermal spa has a wide variety of heated loungers, day beds, and more!

A unique feature in the spa onboard the Norwegian Joy was the four-sensation loungers. These pod-like pods are warm and comfortable and give off a relaxing aroma.

Throughout my cruise vacation, I enjoyed sitting in the steam room for 15 minutes, then heading over to a day bed for a 30-minute nap. This was a great way to enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean and relax.

Many cruise passengers enjoy using the heated tile loungers. These loungers relax your muscles and improve circulation.

5. Saunas, Steam Rooms & Cold Plunges

If you’re a fan of saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges, then you’ll love the thermal spa onboard a cruise ship. Although every cruise has a different thermal suite, saunas and steam rooms are standard.

On newer cruise ships, many thermal spas feature cold plunges, which have many health benefits!

One of my favorite things about having the thermal spa pass was switching between the steam room and the cold plunge. This process helped with muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and accelerated my metabolism.

3 Things I Didn’t Like About the Thermal Spa

1. May Not Use it Much On a Warmer Sailing

On warmer sailings, the thermal spa may not be used much, especially if you enjoy relaxing on the pool deck. Some cruisers purchase the thermal suite pass and do not use it much during their Caribbean cruise.

Before purchasing the spa pass, you may want to consider how often you will use it. During a warmer itinerary, you may relax outdoors instead of inside the thermal spa.

In my experience, the thermal spa provided a great break from the hot sun in Bermuda. Although I would spend time under the sun, I always went to the thermal spa to relax indoors towards the end of the day.

2. Spa Tours on First Day

One downside to purchasing a thermal spa pass for the duration of your cruise vacation is that there will be spa tours on embarkation day. So, you can try to relax in a sauna, and cruise passengers will tour the spa facilities.

Although this didn’t bother me too much, I did notice it, and it made it hard to relax on the first day of my cruise.

On the bright side, this only lasts one day, so you won’t have to worry about this minor inconvenience for the rest of your cruise vacation.

3. Price Point

If you’re cruising on a budget, you may find it hard to rationalize spending the extra money on a spa pass. The reality is that spa passes can cost between $150 to over $300, so you’ll want to ensure it’s worth the price.

Although many cruisers enjoy the thermal spa pass, other cruise passengers can’t rationalize spending the extra money. Before purchasing a thermal suite pass, it’s good to see whether or not you’ll find value in paying for it.

Is a Thermal Spa Pass Worth It?

A thermal spa pass is worth the price if you enjoy steam rooms, saunas, thalassotherapy pools, private hot tubs, and tiled heated loungers. To make the most out of the spa pass, you must enjoy spending an hour or two there every day. This cruise add-on is ideal for those cruise passengers who are looking to relax and rejuvenate while they’re on vacation.

I really enjoyed having a thermal spa pass. It was a great place to relax, and I ended up enjoying the steam room and cold tub more than I originally expected.

Every time I entered the spa, it provided me with a nice break from the fun cruise ship atmosphere. The environment was very calming and clean, and the other spa guests were very kind.

Overall, the spa pass was very worth it, and I would definitely consider booking it in the future.

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Final Thoughts on Is a Thermal Spa Pass Worth it on a Cruise Ship?

The thermal spa pass offers a relaxing experience many cruisers enjoy. It’s hard not to love the wonderful spa facilities, especially if you enjoy relaxing while your on vacation.

Would you purchase a spa pass or have you in the past? Please let me know your tips and questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ethan

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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.