is the spa worth it?

[PRaffen]

Having just checked Barb's website and seen the spa price increases (ouch!), I'm wondering if it's really worth it.

For those who go to a spa in your hometown, is the spa on the ship worth the extra money?

Whenever I've tried a spa at a resort (including the Atlantis), I've never found the services as good as what I have at home especially considering the extra money it always costs.

Thoughts anyone?

 

[Tigfanjeff]

Originally posted by PRaffen
Having just checked Barb's website and seen the spa price increases (ouch!), I'm wondering if it's really worth it.

For those who go to a spa in your hometown, is the spa on the ship worth the extra money?

Whenever I've tried a spa at a resort (including the Atlantis), I've never found the services as good as what I have at home especially considering the extra money it always costs.

Thoughts anyone?

While the new prices are higher, I don't think anything is way out of line (though the couples cabana massage is getting up there). If you look at prices, they were affordable compared to other places. http://www.rachelsdayspa.com/facials1makeupspapackages/ will give you an idea of what things go for here in Tampa.

Realize that they are dealing with a limited space and supply and demand issues.

That said, it will reduce the amount of time I spend at the spa, as I do have a limited budget.

 

[kathymike]

What is Barb's website? Thanks Kathy

 

[Tigfanjeff]

Originally posted by kathymike
What is Barb's website? Thanks Kathy

www.castawayclub.com

 

[khakismum]

We did the spa on our first cruise. Go for the cheaper stuff; the foot & ankle massage, the 1/2 massage, the rainforest (we loved the rainforest !!). To me, to do the spa, was part of the whole crusie experience. We are going on a 7 day in July, I will probably only do the Alpha capsule, one of the cheaper massages, and maybe a salon up-do for formal night - well under $200.

BTW- when you go for a spa treatment, tell them you do NOT need product up front and to please not give you a sales pitch after the treatment! We had the Couples massage and I did the de-tox thingee, both were wonderful - until the end. They started a sales pitch on the products they used. All the wonderful relaxation just went right out the window! Next cruise I'm telling them, "NO SALES PITCH!!"

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Personally (and I truly believe this is all personal preference), I do not enjoy a spa treatment on DCL. I am a regular at several local spas. I go for my massage every month, pedicure, body treatments etc. The personnel at my spas tend to know what I like and don't like and therefore I really get out of the treatment what I need. When I used the DCL spa, it was more of a "production line" feel....going through the motions without much attempt to really satisfy my needs (sore areas, etc). So for the cost and the personal satisfaction, I don't use the spas. That is not to say I don't enjoy spas at nice resorts where they truly want to pamper their guests. I have just never been "satisfied' with my treatments on DCL. Plus, I get to use that money for other things on board!!

 

[PRaffen]

Originally posted by BuzzBoyMom
Personally (and I truly believe this is all personal preference), I do not enjoy a spa treatment on DCL. I am a regular at several local spas. I go for my massage every month, pedicure, body treatments etc. The personnel at my spas tend to know what I like and don't like and therefore I really get out of the treatment what I need. When I used the DCL spa, it was more of a "production line" feel....going through the motions without much attempt to really satisfy my needs (sore areas, etc). So for the cost and the personal satisfaction, I don't use the spas. That is not to say I don't enjoy spas at nice resorts where they truly want to pamper their guests. I have just never been "satisfied' with my treatments on DCL. Plus, I get to use that money for other things on board!!

Yes! this is exactly my thinking. I go for facials etc. every month and my esthetician is excellent. It would cost me almost double on DCL and my experience at spas at resorts haven't been the greatest. I do think I'll check out the rainforest - that sounds quite nice and relaxing.

THANKS FOR ALL THE COMMENTS.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

A massage is something I probably wouldn't have done while at home. My reasoning is crazy. It relaxes me sooooo much that it would be a let down to have one done and still have to face the 'daily routine' once it's over. I do love my daily routine (taking care of DH and DD) but I have a massage whenever we're on vacation, because I really enjoy not having to do anything once it's over. This time, DH and I are having a couples massage on our anniversary day at sea, and then a few hours later dining at Palo! What a wonderful vacation!

 

[kcashner]

I enjoy the rainforest. Beyond that, I'd rather do the spa at home...it's cheaper and better.

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

My reasoning for using the spa on a cruise and not at home is very similar to Mickeyhugger's. The spas are all quite far from my home. One of the most stressful things in the world to me is driving. The benefit of a massage is gone by the time I get behind the wheel of a stupid car. I love not having to go anywhere or do anything after my treatments.

Also, I can afford the occasional treat but would have a harder time drawing the line if I used a spa in town. Plus, the prices have not seemed that much more when I've compared them.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I had a facial done on the Magic. It was really not worth it. I have had many facials done and it was not a good experience. Most spas have warm rooms with nice heated beds, and they heat the goop they spread on your face. The spa on DCL has very cold rooms, cold beds, they don't heat the cold goop, and they don't even do blackhead extractions. Plus, when they try to sell you the products they push them pretty hard. I dont' like that at all.

I haven't been back to the spa since that first cuise, and I doubt I will go again. Maybe the massages are different.

 

[Cheshire27]

The sales pitch is pretty annoying! I had 3 different treatments on my last cruise in April and by the 3rd they stopped asking because they knew I would say no! I still can't imagine going on a Disney cruise without the Spa. I find it wonderful. My mother and I always do the rainforest pass and we go every single day (sometimes twice a day!). My favorite treatment so far was the Reflexology. It's a 50 minute foot massage! Heaven on earth for me! The funny thing about that treatment was the sales pitch. I was expecting her to try to sell me foot lotion and scrubs. Instead, she tried to sell me a tiny bottle of scented oil to burn that cost $50! No thank you!

 

[MrsPete]

I vote for having a manicure and pedicure at home. It's less expensive and doesn't take time out of your cruise. A massage, on the other hand, I'd probably pop for.