An Introduction to Wellness Cruises

Bzzz.

That’ll be your phone, reminding you to book your annual dentist appointment. 

Bzzz. 

Oh yes, your manager wants to see that sales report today (mustn’t forget that). 

Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.

Hey, it’s your week to pick the kids up from tennis practice. It’s nearly time for that dreaded trip to the DMV. Your screen time last week was 8 hours 17 minutes, per day on average. We’re sorry, but your parcel has been redirected to-

Time to hit that ‘Do Not Disturb’ button. 

…..

…..

…..

Ahhh, that’s better. 

Now, just imagine if you could do that in real life. 

Well, we have good news and even better news. 

The good news is that you’re not the only one who feels this way. With ever-mounting pressures in our day-to-day lives, it’s hardly surprising that wellness tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry.

The even better news? You can forget that mass-market spa hotel retreat or even that *shudder* holistic glamping experience your group was considering. As more travelers are seeking total switch-off and health-focused getaways, several luxury cruise lines have got on board (if you’ll pardon the pun) and elevated their wellness offerings to dizzying new heights. After all, where better to disconnect from the real world than the middle of the ocean?

Long gone are the days of a singular overcrowded hot tub and poorly ventilated sauna fragranced with eau-de-cleaning-chemicals, so you can wipe that image from your mind. 

Instead, picture this: 

You and your group enjoying a private yoga session on the deck, lit by the rosy glow of an ocean sunrise. 

Restoring inner harmony whilst taking in the beauty of the natural world on a hiking excursion, nothing but verdant vistas and birdsong for miles around.

Slipping into the warm waters of a hydrotherapy pool, breathing in the mineral-infused air of a Himalayan salt chamber, or sipping a Berry Detox smoothie whilst you wait for an invigorating treatment to begin.

Offering the unique opportunity to introduce healthy lifestyle habits whilst enjoying the impressive amenities and varied travel experiences of a cruise vacation, a wellness cruise is the best way for your group to create lasting memories whilst engaging in something your mind, body and soul will thank you for. 

Of course, the most important part of a group wellness cruise is that it’s yours – your needs, your vision, your dream trip. Regardless of how that looks, we can make it happen.                               

If you’re seeking an all-encompassing zen getaway, immersing your group in total relaxation morning, noon and night, then you should consider an Aquaclass experience with Celebrity Cruises. Your own dedicated Spa Concierge, complimentary fitness passes, exclusive access to additional relaxation areas such as the SEA Thermal Suite, Persian Gardens, and Blu restaurant—on a Celebrity voyage, the wellness experience extends beyond the Spa, enhancing each and every element of your stay. From the minute you wake up in your tranquil Aquaclass suite, sun streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows to the moment you curl up for the night on your cashmere mattress, rest and rejuvenation is the order of the day. 

Despite the array of fitness and excursion options offered by luxury cruise lines these days, the beating heart of every wellness cruise remains the spa experience itself. 

We would guess that you’re already envisioning yourself kicking back on a heated marble recliner, ensconced in a fluffy robe, peppermint tea in hand, right? Or perhaps decompressing in a sauna, before basking in the eucalyptus-infused mists of an aromatic steam room or the gently bubbling waters of a thalassotherapy pool? Or maybe even enjoying an oceanic-inspired treatment, some kind of saltwater bath or seaweed wrap? Or possibly even—wait, sorry, where were we again?

Oh yes. With wellness inspired travel on the rise, many cruise lines have upped their game when it comes to the spa experience. Indeed, some of the world’s best spas can now be found at sea.

Take Oceania’s Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, for example.  Boasting state-of-the-art treatment rooms, modern fitness spaces and a stylish open-air terrace, Oceania’s spa offering is the ultimate holistic wellness destination at sea, designed to nourish, enrich, renew and energize amongst other things. 

For supreme Scandinavian serenity, look no further than Crystal. Designed in collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden, their Aurōra Spa is inspired by the dawn light for which it is named. The spa features cutting-edge technology, multiple steam rooms and saunas and revolutionary light simulation therapies in one of their 14 sumptuous treatment rooms.

But a wellness cruise isn’t all about pampering and preening (although, ok, that is a large part of it). No, it’s also an opportunity for your group to refocus, recenter your energies and reconnect both body and soul. It might sound like a big ask, but that’s where yoga comes in. 

From a sun salutation at dawn to a twilight yoga flow as the sun sets, trust us when we say that there is no better place than a sun-drenched deck in the middle of the ocean for engaging with this ancient practice. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a group of beginners or pros (or a mix), a luxury cruise wellness program caters for everyone, so you’ll be in prime position to ground yourself, stretch, strengthen, and find balance, regardless of your experience level and abilities. Namaste!

Both Crystal and Seabourn have full-time fitness instructors aboard, so you’ll be able to try yoga – as well as a range of other low-impact fitness classes, such as Pilates, Tai Chi and Barre – under the watchful guidance of an expert. You may even discover a new hobby! 

And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you fervent fitness fiends. 

Although cruise ships do have a reputation as a place to kick back and veg out, many vessels now come outfitted with state-of-the-art fitness centers, cardio machines, strength training equipment and even personal trainers, so there’s no need to let your exercise regime slip whilst you’re away. 

Leading the way, Crystal understands that relaxation doesn’t always mean laying back with a face mask and cucumber over your eyes. Never one to do things by halves, there are so many exclusive onboard activities for your group to partake in, you may have to book a second cruise just to try them all. Spin classes, pickleball, Padel, and dance classes, including Rumba, Salsa and Tango—we hope you remembered your legwarmers. 

Hot on their heels are Celebrity Cruises, who also provide an impressive fitness offering via their Celebrity Life Wellness program. With extensive fitness centers boasting big names like Peloton, Ryde spin classes, F45 fitness training, HIIT classes and even LIT bungee fitness, we wouldn’t be surprised to find your group hitting the gym every day!

What do you look forward to most on a cruise? For many, it’s the food—and with everything from Michelin-star chefs and afternoon tea to gelaterias and waffle houses making an appearance on cruise ships these days, we can’t say we blame anyone. Even now, you may be thinking wistfully of rich desserts, custom cocktails and 12-course tasting menus…as a wellness group, we’re sure you know all too well that nothing is more satisfying than nourishing your body from the inside out. 

With a focus on clean eating, regional cuisine and the ‘farm-to-table’ experience, Oceania’s Cruises’ ‘Finest Cuisine at Sea’ extends into their Aquamar Vitality Cuisine. Inspired by the Mediterranean diet – universally recognized as one of the healthiest in the world – Oceania’s wellness menu includes a selection of gourmet plant-based dishes in the The Grand Dining Room aboard all ships, as well as brilliant breakfast and lunch options at the Raw Juice and Smoothie Bar at Waves Grill.

And now for the million-dollar question—what does a wellness cruise look like shoreside? 

We’re glad you asked.

Let us propose something revolutionary:

Spa excursions. 

It might sound crazy, but like caviar and white chocolate, these two things go together surprisingly well (trust us—if you haven’t sampled this combo yet, you’re missing out).

You can tick destinations off your bucket list whilst practicing mindfulness AND forging meaningful connections with your group. Multitasking never looked so zen.

Oceania Cruises know this better than anyone. Offering almost 60 excursions through their Wellness Discovery Tours program, if you can dream it—Oceania can do it. Want to dip your toes into the world of aloe vera therapy in the Canary Islands? Covered. Dream of sinking into the papal baths of Terme dei Papi? Sorted. Hope to try Tai Chi in Ho Chi Minh City? Done. 

Keeping up so far?

The only other thing to worth mentioning is that relaxation doesn’t end with the ocean. There’s plenty of balance and inner peace to be found on a river, if you think that would be a better fit for you and your group.

With their treasured philosophy that every guest should enhance their best self on board, AmaWaterways is an ideal option. Professionally trained Wellness Hosts are on hand to lead a variety of ashore hiking and cycling excursions as well as on board activities such as Pilates, resistance band stretching and dance classes. Guests of all ages and activity levels are encouraged to participate and simple modifications are offered for guests for mobility limitations. 

With a wellness cruise, an odyssey of rejuvenation self-discovery awaits you. These voyages are the brainchild of the world’s cruising experts and some of the most respected names in the health industry and the perfect antidote to our increasingly insular world. 

It’s time to hit refresh. 

You can find out more about group cruising here.