Are they worth it? #0021

When you picture a cruise, you probably think of poolside cocktails, late-night shows, or maybe that endless buffet line. But there’s one part of the ship that doesn’t always get much attention: the spa.

Nearly every cruise ship has one, usually tucked into a quiet corner, promising a zen escape from the bustle of sea days. Imagine soft lighting, calming music, eucalyptus in the air, and treatments ranging from hot stone massages to facials and scrubs. Many also have thermal suites with saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and salt rooms with ocean views.

It sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch, cruise ship spas don’t come cheap. Massages often run $150-$200 (before gratuities), and more elaborate treatments can climb even higher. On most ships, you also can’t just pop in for a quick soak in the thermal pool; you’ll need a day pass or a booked treatment to get access.

So, are cruise ship spas really worth it?

On my last Virgin Voyages trip aboard the Valiant Lady, I had the chance to find out. Instead of splurging on a treatment, I scored spa access another way, through Virgin’s Splash of Romance package. For $200, the bundle came with a few thoughtful extras: daily fresh juice in the morning, surprise treats to the cabin, access to an outdoor private event, and one very fun perk, a bottle of Moët champagne. But here’s the twist: you didn’t just find it waiting in the room. Virgin makes you order it using their playful “Shake for Champagne” feature in the app. Literally, you shake your phone anywhere on the ship and within minutes, crew members arrive with bubbly in hand. It’s one of those only-on-a-cruise moments.

The highlight of the package for me, though, was the three hour spa pass. Those hours turned into pure bliss. I rotated between the thermal pool, sauna, steam room, and salt room, soaking in every bit of calm while the ship sailed on. It was like pressing a reset button in the middle of a busy cruise.

Would I have paid for the spa pass on its own? Honestly, probably not. But wrapped into a package full of fun little luxuries, it felt like a fantastic deal.

Here’s my take: cruise ship spas are worth it when you’re looking for downtime. Cruises can be packed with trivia, shows, excursions, and parties. The spa slows you down and gives you a quiet space to recharge. They’re also worth it for the novelty. Sitting in a sauna while the ship glides through the water is an experience you just can’t recreate back home. And if you can find a deal like a bundled package, discounted day pass, or even a port-day special, it feels much more affordable.

But if you’re on a tight budget or would rather spend your money on excursions or specialty dining, the spa might not be the best fit. And if sitting in a steam room doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, then you won’t get much value out of it.

For me, the Splash of Romance package made all the difference. The morning juice was refreshing, the treats were a nice surprise, the private event was fun but that spa pass? That’s the part I’m still talking about.

One last tip: many ships quietly discount spa passes and treatments on port days, since so many guests are ashore. If you’d rather avoid the crowds in town and treat yourself, that’s the perfect time to take advantage.

So, are cruise ship spas worth it? My verdict: yes, when you can make the timing and price work. Even just a few hours in that calming, steamy, sea-view oasis can easily become one of the highlights of your cruise.

Tara