Spa Advice for a first timer

[SuperJ]

Sailing on the wish this summer. I haven't been to a spa, or even had a massage before. My self-care has been limited to mani/pedis, which I do enjoy. I am scheduled for a pedicure in the salon but I am thinking of treating myself and trying a massage. I'm kind of lost when it comes to the choices (other than the "herbal" one is out because I'm pretty allergy sensitive to smells, especially the plant/flower variety). Any advice for which massage would be best for someone who has never had one before? Is a cruise spa even the best place to try this for the first time? TIA!

 

[soniam]

I would do a bamboo or Swedish. Get the shortest time possible. Be sure to ask for gentle pressure for your first. Do essential oils bother you or just perfume/fragrance? I would specify no scents if you aren’t sure.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I’d recommend sticking with a basic 50 minute Swedish massage. You can advise them if you like a lighter or harder pressure based on your comfort level. It’s also up to you as to the degree of undressing that makes you comfortable. I’d strongly suggest that when you fill out the intake form, you make a highly visible note that you do not want to be upsold any additional services or products. That will make for a much more relaxing experience. A reminder to drink lots of water after your massage.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sorry, duplicate post

 

[tinkerbellandpeterpan]

Definitely make sure you speak up if the pressure is too light or too hard. And the PP makes a great point that you can undress to whatever level you feel comfortable. Absolutely make it clear you are not interested in the upsell/purchase of any products. That's the most difficult part of any spa/salon services on cruise ships. Don't let them make you feel pressured. You are under no obligation to buy anything extra! Also, let your massage therapist know it is your first massage so they can help you feel more comfortable. Enjoy the relaxation!

 

[auntlynne]

I think a cruise is a nice place for your first massage. And a massage us a nice way to pamper yourself.

Your privacy us respected; you are not undressing or dressing in anyone’s presence. You will have a nice covering over you at all times. Just the area being worked on will be exposed. (They try to keep you warm, comfy, and relaxed).

It is a very peaceful environment. Some people fall asleep as tensions as released.

I like one with firm pressure, as I want knots worked out. Communication is key to getting what you want. If you are thinking, “this is supposed to be doing something” - maybe the touch is too light. Or if it hurts, probably too hard.

Utilize the shower in the dressing room afterwards if you like; it’s usually better than the one in your cabin.

(Cruise line spas are not staffed / managed by the ships. They use an outside vendor. Just an FYI.)

 

[OpieDoodle]

Sailing on the wish this summer. I haven't been to a spa, or even had a massage before. My self-care has been limited to mani/pedis, which I do enjoy. I am scheduled for a pedicure in the salon but I am thinking of treating myself and trying a massage. I'm kind of lost when it comes to the choices (other than the "herbal" one is out because I'm pretty allergy sensitive to smells, especially the plant/flower variety). Any advice for which massage would be best for someone who has never had one before? Is a cruise spa even the best place to try this for the first time? TIA!

So I feel this question has two aspects. The pedicure and then the massage.

Pedicure:
IMO cruise pedis are NOTHING compared to a good pedicure at a local salon. Maybe I'm a pedicure snob, I get them every 3-4 weeks at home but they're just not the same. I feel they don't do as meticulous of a job on the nail part and the massage is okay but not wow great. Even the most basic pedis I get at home are leaps and bounds better than the ones on the ship. NOW with that said, its still a great experience. When I did it on the Dream the chairs faced a large pane of windows so you could see the ocean. It was a really nice experience in that aspect but the pedicure itself was meh. Honestly, since my first one I haven't gone back to the spa for a pedi since. I want to say it was like $70 or something like that and locally I can get a really nice pedi for that price. Now I just go get a pedi a couple days before I leave from a local salon.

Massage:
I LOVE massages on the ship. I've only had 1 local and I get a massage every cruise (I've been on quite a few cruises at this point). I love the massages, they're great! I've done a couples massage before and many individual. The individual I started with a basic swedish massage and now I add in all the extras LOL! I'd start with a swedish massage and see how you like it. Sometimes for your first you may have to ask them to be a little lighter on the pressure if it hurts at all as they're working the muscles.

 

[kiford]

Bamboo or hot rock. Bamboo tends to have more pressure while hot rock is nice to relax the muscles.

 

[Calantha]

hot rock is nice to relax the muscles

If you get hot rock, make sure you speak up if it is too hot. I've had mixed experiences over the years with it, so now I mostly stick with Swedish.

 

[sheilafri]

I ditto the hot rock massage vote as every one I’ve had was heavenly as sooo relaxing. Also, definitely give your masseuse feedback if you want a stronger or lighter touch. They want you to have a good experience and aren’t going to be offended. Maybe mention it is your first massage. Hopefully, they will really communicate what will be happening next to keep you relaxed. Ask for that if you think it will help.

 

[OpieDoodle]

I wanted to add, hot rock is my absolute FAVORITE massage but I like hot. I take excessively hot showers, love the hot tub, love the crazy hot towels I get my legs wrapped in with my pedicure. If you're sensitive to heat or don't like hot things I'd reconsider. Like my husband? He'd HATE it. He isn't a fan of hot tubs because of how hot they are, complains how hot I use the shower, etc.

 

[auntlynne]

@Calantha @OpieDoodle or @sheilafri : can you explain what a hot rock massage is? Bamboo? Or even Swedish (I think that is what most of us think of as a massage). In your own words, sort of simply, please.

 

[Calantha]

@Calantha @OpieDoodle or @sheilafri : can you explain what a hot rock massage is? Bamboo? Or even Swedish (I think that is what most of us think of as a massage). In your own words, sort of simply, please.

Sure thing. I don't know what Bamboo is. Swedish massage is what you get if you book a standard massage (rubbing/lotion/etc). In Hot Stone massage, they put different sizes and temps of flat round stones on parts of your body in addition to the rubbing, etc. I have found when it is done right, it is glorious, but if the stones are too hot, it is just not good.

 

[OpieDoodle]

@Calantha @OpieDoodle or @sheilafri : can you explain what a hot rock massage is? Bamboo? Or even Swedish (I think that is what most of us think of as a massage). In your own words, sort of simply, please.

Yes! Swedish is basically a "standard" massage for lack of better terms. Its the normal they rub your back and muscles using warm oil working out the tension.

Stone massage they take hot smooth rocks and oil and massage using these as a tool. IMO it gives a much smoother more relaxing massage as the heat really helps release the muscle tensions and I like the way the rocks glide easier than say their palms. When I've had this done usually the rocks are in a crock pot essentially set at a certain temp and theyre in water. As the rocks cool down they grab new ones.

Bamboo massage I've never had done but my understanding is they use bamboo pieces to roll and massage your back with. Again, I've never had this one done yet BUT that's my understanding of it. They can use various sizes but they use the bamboo instead of their arms for example which they may do in a swedish massage.

 

[Karin1984]

In all honesty, can I advise against getting your first massage on a Disney cruise? I would first try one in your home town to see if you enjoy it. And to experience what you want to get out of a massage, what you like and dislike. Usually everything through Disney is a little overpriced...

You say you are going on the Wish so a 3 or 4 night cruise. Is this your first Disney cruise and/or the first time on the Wish? Depending on your answers, your travel party, and your goal on the cruise: a Disney cruise can get busy with everything going on.

If you decide to have the massage, add an additional 20 minutes to your planning. If you have a 50 minute massage planned, you need time to go to the spa (maybe go by your stateroom first to grab your bag), check in, get installed and get dressed afterwards, find your family again, etc.

 

[kiford]

In the bamboo massage, they use a short bamboo stick that is warmed and oiled and use that to roll along your muscles. It's really good if you have tight muscles because it can give you decent pressure without being like a deep tissue massage which can be painful (until it stops, then you appreciate what it does for you). I have an issue in my legs with some exceptionally tight muscles as well as shoulder and neck pain, so I have a deep tissue massage at least monthly. The bamboo is nice for me on vacation because it's warm and not so deep and painful as deep tissue massage, but it's also not as hot as the hot rocks (though I really like that too). As others have mentioned, you can ask them to lighten or deepen the massage regardless of the type of massage, but I find that Swedish is good for general tension release, hot rock is good for relaxation, and bamboo is for tighter muscles but still relatively relaxing. I don't think they offer deep tissue, but that's more for pain management and seriously tight muscles, which hopefully you don't have on vacation!