Ever wonder what could be more relaxing than a cruise at sea? I discovered the answer aboard the inaugural sailing of Princess Cruises’ Medallion Class Discovery Princess. A restorative massage and hours in the Enclave, the ship’s spa thermal suite, left my mind and body in a state of calm — the perfect balance to active days exploring ports of call.
To counteract the strains of travel, I booked a treatment at Lotus Spa on the first full day of our seven-day Mexico cruise from Los Angeles. After checking in at the front desk just off the three-story Piazza on Deck 5, I was escorted to the women’s changing room and given a wristband to access my locker. Inside I found a plush robe and plastic sandals. I changed and spent a few minutes in the relaxation lounge, watching the blue Pacific roll by just below the deck where I sat.
© Princess Cruises
My massage therapist, Then, greeted me and led me to one of 21 treatment rooms in the spa. Slate, tile and marble floors, soft indirect lighting and muted tones of brown, gray and cream define the modern, elegant décor. The lotus flower motif appears in mosaic floor medallions, etched glass panels and monochromatic watercolor paintings. The lotus — a symbol of renewal and healing — suits the cruise line’s ethos of returning guests feeling renewed.
Once I settled on the table, my therapist began a 75-minute aroma stone therapy treatment with a cactus-bristle dry rub to exfoliate the skin. She followed with warm oils to soothe tight shoulders and muscles and to hydrate winter-dry skin. She worked pressure points on my hands and feet, relieving tension and leaving me deeply relaxed. The only minor surprise was the treatment’s ending marked by a distinct gong rather than a quiet word of farewell. Afterward she escorted me back to the relaxation room — a welcome, tranquil space where I enjoyed light snacks and beverages — and I felt revitalized and ready for new adventures ashore.
Later in the week my husband and I returned to Lotus Spa to spend unstructured time in the Enclave, Princess’ thermal suite. Guests can purchase full-week or day passes to access the large hydrotherapy pool and a variety of heated rooms and showers. We received a special key card from the spa desk to enter the suite, changed into bathing suits and robes in the locker rooms, and met at the Enclave entrance. Down a quiet corridor decorated with lotus imagery we found shelves of thick towels, coolers with chilled towels and stations offering citrus- and cucumber-infused waters.
© Princess Cruises
The hydrotherapy pool features underwater benches, multiple jets, fountains and timed showers, and is surrounded by several seating options. Couples can relax in alcoves or recline on heated ceramic-tiled loungers. After choosing two of the heated loungers, we spent hours rotating between them, the pool and the suite’s hot and cold features.
The hammam provides a Turkish-style steam bath enhanced with infused aromas. The Roman-inspired Laconium is a dry heat chamber set between about 122 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, intended to promote detoxification and purification. The Caldarium, a warm steam room with infused scents, ranges roughly from 104 to 122 degrees. To cool off, the Enclave offers four shower experiences, from the invigorating 68-degree Siberian mist to the warm 100-degree Tropical shower. Our pass allowed us to come and go throughout the day, though one extended session felt more than sufficient to leave us deeply soothed.
Lotus Spa’s offerings extend well beyond the Enclave. A full-time practitioner with a doctorate in Chinese medicine provides acupuncture, cupping, herbal consultations and Eastern nutritional counseling. The salon offers a full menu of nail, hair and skin services, as well as teeth whitening, while men can opt for classic shaves, facials and targeted massages for the face, scalp, arms and hands. Spa treatments include a wide range of massages, body wraps, scrubs and Elemis facials. There are also specialized skin and body treatments designed for kids and teens.
My cruise, framed by two restorative visits to Lotus Spa, proved to be an ideal mix of relaxation and renewal — a reminder that a few hours of pampering can make a voyage even more memorable.