Senses Spa vs. other cruise lines

[CisforCookie991]

Hi! Looking forward to our first Disney cruise next year (hopefully... been saying that for 3 years now...) but torn on whether or not to book a treatment at the spa. We've sailed twice before on Royal and were generally underwhelmed by the spa experience both times. The hard-sell aside (I was told by one employee that if I didn't buy their product with special essential oils in it, I would get a hump. My doctor did not agree), the treatments were just ok. One was a massage and one was a body scrub/wrap. We get massages on land pretty regularly. I know that any cruise spa will generally be not as good as one on land, but can anyone compare the DCL experience to other cruise lines? Wondering if we're better off saving the money and using it on other add-ons. Thanks!

 

[Toulou]

I would certainly buy at least a day spa pass since you will be going on you first Disney cruise (very exciting!)!! It has different saunas, showers, hot tubs and relaxing warmiing beds...all in a quiet, calming place...imagine that! I always make it a fun day to get a pedicure before we get on board. We go to our favorite place to get in the mood, and pay a much lower rate too. The excess money will always be great for excursions or ??? Whatever else on board!!

 

[pascalspal]

I cannot speak for other cruise lines, but I get massages regularly on land. I have had a few massages on DCL and have enjoyed each one. They do still try to sell you products afterwards, but a polite no thanks is all you need and they will drop it.

If getting a massage will enhance your vacation, then go for it! I also agree the spa day pass is nice. Try to use it on a port day as opposed to a sea day. Massages on any cruise line are not a bargain, so if you find another place you want to spend your cash, then go with that!

 

[Dug720]

In my experience from 3 different lines, it's not worth their upcharge and hard sell even when you put NO SALES on your registration form.

Just being at sea is relaxing enough for me. I'll save massage money for land.

 

[CisforCookie991]

Thanks for all the input! The day pass sounds like a great alternative that I didn't think of. I went to the Senses website and there's nothing on there about the day pass, but I could've sworn I've seen it there before? Am I imagining that or is it possible they decided to stop the day passes?

 

[Dug720]

Thanks for all the input! The day pass sounds like a great alternative that I didn't think of. I went to the Senses website and there's nothing on there about the day pass, but I could've sworn I've seen it there before? Am I imagining that or is it possible they decided to stop the day passes?

The Rainforest Room passes have always been purchase on board only as far as I know.

 

[kathi]

You have been able to buy day passes through the online gifts section of the DCL website. Hard to say if that will still be the case with covid requirements.

 

[Toulou]

Thanks for all the input! The day pass sounds like a great alternative that I didn't think of. I went to the Senses website and there's nothing on there about the day pass, but I could've sworn I've seen it there before? Am I imagining that or is it possible they decided to stop the day passes?

In 2019, pre-pandemic time, long long ago... we just phoned it in, asked about it, and paid for it with our cc.

 

[sugliac]

I want to do the shave/haircut Pete has always talked about loving.

 

[CisforCookie991]

I emailed customer service to find out about current pricing and how to purchase, and they told me that, as they're preparing to return, they have "temporarily paused" sales of the one day pass. No word on the length of trip pass. Hoping they bring it back before my cruise!

 

[JWG]

We really like the Rainforest Room passes for length of cruise. I'm 6'1", so I just liked the real shower (the other stuff was nice, too).

 

[DisneyMusicMan]

We always get the cruise-long pass on the Dream and Fantasy. The rainforest room, including the various showers, saunas, hot tubs, etc. is very nice. But, I didn’t think much of the facilities on the Wonder and Magic. Although I enjoy getting massages on land, we generally avoid the massages on the ships. I really don’t like the upsell at the end, even though you can politely refuse. I feel like it’s on my mind through the whole treatment.

Also, when you have the week long pass, the attendants get to know who you are. They would let me know if my wife had come by, or if she’s waiting, etc. It’s a nice feeling.

And, as someone mentioned above, they have real showers with lots of room!

 

[Dug720]

We really like the Rainforest Room passes for length of cruise. I'm 6'1", so I just liked the real shower (the other stuff was nice, too).

FWIW, ANYONE can use the showers in the locker rooms for cleaning yourself. The ones in the Rainforest Room are not designed to be cleansing showers for shampooing and stuff. And you're supposed to have a bathing suit on in them.

 

[JWG]

FWIW, ANYONE can use the showers in the locker rooms for cleaning yourself. The ones in the Rainforest Room are not designed to be cleansing showers for shampooing and stuff. And you're supposed to have a bathing suit on in them.

I should have clarified, the locker room showers... we liked easy access to the locker room showers.
We were appropriately clothed for the Rainforest Room showers. But... now that you bring up the idea...

 

[flipflop]

I have gotten treatments on most of our Disney cruises. Each time I say I won't do it again because of the hard selling of the products. Then I forget how bad it was and try again. It's a shame because some of the treatments are really nice. I've gotten treatments on other lines as well --- same with the selling of products. I just want to relax!!!

 

[DisneyMusicMan]

FWIW, ANYONE can use the showers in the locker rooms for cleaning yourself. The ones in the Rainforest Room are not designed to be cleansing showers for shampooing and stuff. And you're supposed to have a bathing suit on in them.

Lol. Good point. I was referring to the locker room as well.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

The massages are about on par with other cruise lines. I usually get a better massage from a land based spa that expects you to come back and be a regular.

The hard sell of products is very off-putting. I have several times complained to Disney about it.

I am a big fan however of the rainforrest room.

 

[mevelandry]

Loved the day pass on Disney Dream. On the Disney Wonder, it was nice but Dream was much better.

 

[Dug720]

Lol. Good point. I was referring to the locker room as well.

I never found the locker room showers hard to access - they are available to anyone.

 

[DisneyMusicMan]

I never found the locker room showers hard to access - they are available to anyone.

You’re right. It’s accessible when you visit the gym. The green wristband is only needed for the rainforest room. Geez…it’s been so long since I’ve been on a cruise, I’m starting to forget!