Talk me through a massage at the spa......

[AC7179]

I've never had a massage at all, and I'm scheduled to have on when we are on the Wonder next month. I'm excited, yet

What clothes do you have to take off? What parts stay covered? I don't want to make a mistake and have the masseuse think I'm not quite right

Help!

 

[jbuckent]

When you check in you will be shown to the locker room and a waiting room. You change into your robe in the locker room and then go to the waiting room. The masseuse will bring you to the massage room and explain to you what will be happening, then leave the room while you undress. I always leave my undies on though you don't have to, I just feel more comfortable that way. Then you will climb into the table/bed and under the covers. The masseuse will knock to see if you are ready and then come in. He/she will lift the blanket on the part that is being massaged at the moment then cover it back up to move on. You will always be more covered than when your wearing your bathing suit. When finished they leave the room so you can get back into your robe. Then you go back to the locker room to shower and change back into your clothes.

I'm not sure if this is exactly how it is on DCL as I don't remember a locker room, which doesn't mean it wasn't there, but I'd guess it was a very similar process if it skipped that.

 

[luv that cruise]

I totally understand your uncertainty!

Wear a swim suit, they will take you into the room and tell you to undress to your comfort level, and then lie face down on the table with sheet over you. They will then leave you alone to do this and will knock before coming in again. Most people I know leave their bottoms on and remove their tops. Remove all jewelry or better yet leave it in the safe in your room. Therapists massage in a way to NEVER make the client uncomfortable. Most go rather low on the back and it would be fine for you to comment if you start to feel uncomfortable.

There are different types of massages where they focus on different areas but a typical massage will be similar to what I describe. They usually do back of legs then back and neck (the best part). When it is time to turn over they will tell you first and then will lift the sheet so that it is between you and them, giving you complete privacy to turn over, they will then put sheet over you and do arms and then shoulders and neck again.

Most usually ask if their pressure level is comfortable. It is okay to speak up and tell them if they are being too hard or if you want more pressure. Most of the therapists on the ship are female but there are few males. If you have a preference go to the spa on the first day of your cruise and let them know.

After the massage is over they will leave and let you get dressed privately. They knock before coming back in to tell you to drink lots of water and give you the bill. Ship massages are pricey so I usually do a 15% gratuity (at home where prices are more "normal" I tip a higher %) They may or may not try to sell you expensive products. After a polite "no thanks" they will back off. Enjoy!

 

[feenie]

DH did the ocean wrap massage last week, and was worried about being nude, but they gave him paper underwear (which he thought was awesome )

When we did a regular couples massage a few years ago we both just wore our bathing suits.

 

[tink too]

DH and I had a regular couples massage on the Magic in May - it was fabulous!

We were taken to the room by the therapists (one male and one female) and they quickly put us at ease by explaining about the massage. They told us to undress to whatever level we felt comfortable and then to lie on the beds face down and cover ourselves with the sheets provided, then left us for a few minutes to get ready.

After our massage, they left us again for 5 minutes or so to get ready and then returned briefly to ask us how we felt and to tell us to drink water, etc.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just be aware that if you have any clothing on, you are going to be taking away from the wonderful massage experience. I routinely get (well, haven't had one for a few months now) massages, and if it's just a 30 min one, I keep my underpants on. But, if it's a full hour and a full body massage, everything comes off. It's way too bothersome to keep on your underwear. The massage therapists aren't there to 'check you out', they aren't overly concerned with what you look like..they really don't care. At least, that has been my experience. So, go with as little as you possibly can get away with as far as underwear goes.

 

[jship210]

DH did the ocean wrap massage last week, and was worried about being nude, but they gave him paper underwear (which he thought was awesome )

When we did a regular couples massage a few years ago we both just wore our bathing suits.

I did the seaweed wrap a few years ago. The lady handy me the 'paper underwear" it took me a minute to figure out it wasn't a hair net.

 

[ladyvet]

Through the years I have had many massages. At first, I was shy about being nude. All the folks who have given me massages through the years have been so professional. Now I don't hesitate to take it all off and enjoy.

Always looking forward to my next massage!
Beth

 

[ChaosControl]

I did the seaweed wrap a few years ago. The lady handy me the 'paper underwear" it took me a minute to figure out it wasn't a hair net.

Was that before or after you put the "hair net" on?

 

[cquick]

I have regular massages at home, and I always get completely nekked for the massage. I especially like the hot stone massage. I had a deep tissue Swedish this time, and it was wonderful! I get these knots in my shoulders and upper back; she really worked them! I also love the aroma therapy massages. I had the seaweed a couple years ago, not really a fan of that one.

On the Magic, we especially like Wendy, Wella and Grencher. I have a disabled 31 year old DS and the are wonderful with him. He doesn't like to take off his clothes, and sometimes he only has a foot soak and lower extremity massage.

They'll do whatever you ask, and if you don't know, just say a relaxation massage, can't go wrong there!

 

[mickeyluv]

My sister and her DH recently cruised on the Magic, 7-N Eastern, and they had a couples massage. They did the one with the hottub and all included. Anyway she said they really enjoyed their massages and everything and drank lots of water as their therapists recommended. She said the only thing was that the next day their bodies were really wiped out! She said they were really tired and sluggish feeling the entire day. What's up with this??