Sailing Secrets: Spa Sales

The spa is a big draw for cruisers, especially for those parents who are delighted their kids are safe and sound in the kids clubs and they have some quiet time to relax. This haven for adults only (18+) has a full fitness center, the Rainforest Room as well as a wide variety of treatment rooms and vast spa menu.

While the spas offer the height in luxury and relaxation, the treatment prices listed on the spa menu aren’t always budget friendly. Is there such a thing as a spa sale? And if there is, how do you know where to look and how to take part in it? Luckily for you I have the secrets so pay attention if you want to save money at the spa!

• Spa Raffle: Look closely at your Personal Navigator on Embarkation day. Usually around the 5:00 hour there is a free spa raffle. It’s very simple, walk into the spa and fill out a form with your name and stateroom number and drop it in the box. Then return to the spa at the drawing time (the drawings are held in the fitness center areas) and remember, you MUST be present to win. The raffles offer a variety of treatments, i’ve seen everything from acupuncture, hot stone massage, facials, Ionethermie treatments and mani/pedi’s offered. There will usually be at least five different “prizes” given away and all you have to do is show up!
• There will also be a special offered only to guests who participated in the raffle. This is usually something of a “spa sampler” at a discounted rate. I’ve seen the “Bliss” package be reduced by over $100 and it’s a very nice treatment. 
• There are restrictions on the packages if you win, for example they may only be booked on port days or between certain hours, etc. So if you win, head straight to the front desk to book your treatment.
• Participation in the raffle can also make you eligible for discounts on spa treatments during the cruise. It’s not unusual to find a flyer in your fish mail for discounts on signature treatments if the spa is running low on bookings.

• Spa Specials: Your daily Personal Navigator always has a blurb about the spa. Be sure to read the back page of your Personal Navigator very carefully. The right hand side middle portion usually has a spa special listed. While these are given to everyone, very few people actually read their Navigator closely enough to take advantage of the spa specials. The specials rotate each day and will offer a discount or special on one of their treatments. There may be a discounted rate on a treatment, a bonus of time on a treatment at no charge or additional services for free. I’ve seen 90-minutes for the price of 75, a free metabolism and toxin test when you book an Ionethermie treatment and also a discount on the “top-to-toe” treatments (my personal favorite!).

• Select multiples: If you are interested in a variety of treatments, ask to speak with the spa manager to see if you can customize a package. Sometimes spa managers are able to offer you a slight discount if you are booking multiple treatments and you never know until you ask so don’t be shy to ask what can be done with the price. They will be more than happy to have guaranteed reservations for multiple treatments.

• Sea Days: Sea days are a popular time at the spa since everyone is stuck on board. If you’re looking for a discount it would serve you better to check pricing on port days as rates tend to lower and availability is better on port days. If you’re flexible in your time frame that also helps. Sometimes a late massage or a treatment during main dining times can save you money as they often have availability they are looking to fill.

Regardless of how you spend your time and money, the spa is a nice place for adults to relax.

Spa Faux Pas:

• Mind the cancellation policy for treatments
• Be sure to read treatment descriptions carefully and ask questions if necessary. You should always understand exactly what you’re paying for before you book your treatment.
• Don’t forget to tip the cast member performing your treatment and remember that all purchases must be placed on your stateroom account, however cash tips are accepted.
• The post-massage relaxation state isn’t a time to be making financial decisions about product purchases. The spas are contracted separately and aren’t technically Disney owned so don’t be surprised when your therapist arrives with your bill and a list of products that you just can’t live without. Mind your manners but kindly and firmly either refuse or take the information and contact them later if you’re interested in a purchase. If you do give in and purchase one of everything and then change your mind, the products can be returned if they are un-opened.

*Practical Planner Tip: If you want to avoid the awkward “hard sell” at the end of your spa treatment, politely make a note of that at the time of your booking. Request that the therapist simply leave you with a list of product names and pricing that were used during your treatment so you may contact them if you’d like to purchase.