Spa Cruises Ride Wave of Popularity: For Best Seaweed Wrap, Hit the High Seas

As spa cruises surge in popularity, cruise lines are serving up the ultimate in luxury -- full-service spa and fitness amenities to take you away on the high seas. From seaweed wraps and hot stone treatments to aromatherapy, Japanese silk booster facials and feng-shui, it's all yours while relaxing -- and exercising -- on your luxurious oceanic excursion.

If you think cruising is all about lounge chairs, suntans and midnight buffets, welcome to a new era of cruise ships. Today's cruises offer a comprehensive range of activities for health conscious travelers, according to Travelers Advantage. Outfitted with state-of-the-art fitness facilities that include rock-climbing walls, tennis courts and professional gym equipment, cruise ships are well prepared to meet the high-energy demands of their active clientele. Plus, the onboard fitness specialists and qualified class instructors ensure a professional and personalized approach to exercise at sea.

According to the Travel Industry Association, more than one-fourth of U.S. Travelers -- 24.7 million -- tried to keep those extra pounds at bay by using a fitness center, gym or spa while traveling in the past three years. And the spa industry is the fourth largest leisure industry in the United States, according to the International Spa Association. Spas are popping up in health clubs, resorts, hotels, airports, malls and now on cruise ships.

"Spa facilities, treatments and fitness centers are the ultimate in indulgence and pampering on the high seas," said Leslie Downey, director of Travelers Advantage and TravelersAdvantage.com. "Vacationers seeking the unsurpassable, relaxing respite can jump aboard and melt away the stress."

But it's not all sweat and competition. Sailing the seas can be one of the most tranquil vacation experiences available, especially with the luxurious spa services offered on so many ocean liners. Guests can choose from a variety of therapeutic treatments like hot rocks, facials, massages and wraps. Not to mention expert attention for hair and nails. After all, there's nothing like a little pampering to revitalize one's mind and body.

So when it's time for the chocolate lovers buffet, go ahead and indulge. On cruises this invigorating you'll still feel -- and look -- fabulous in a bathing suit.

The experts at Travelers Advantage have jumped into the trend with the top spa cruises:

Celebrity Cruises' AquaSpa(R) & Fitness

- Indulge body, mind and spirit. Let Celebrity cruises transport you to a whole new world with treatments inspired by rituals from exotic cultures in the world-famous AquaSpa(R) by Elemis. Or, if you prefer, challenge yourself to an invigorating spinning class overlooking a vast ocean through breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows. Then pamper yourself with a deluxe manicure or luxurious facial and enjoy every moment to the fullest. Regardless of how you unwind, the goal is to leave you feeling renewed and revived. AquaSpa -- Discover the state of complete tranquility in the largest, most luxurious spa afloat. The AquaSpa offers an array of treatments designed to take you to a higher level of relaxation. Fitness Center -- Outfitted with the latest in aerobic and weight-training equipment, Celebrity's Fitness Centers offer specialized classes and private instruction from certified personal trainers. AquaSpa Cafe - Quench your thirst and nourish your body with light, healthy fare before-or-after the workout. A 7-Night Alaska/Hubbard Glacier cruise aboard the Mercury departing from Seattle is available June - Sept. from $850*.

Holland America Line's Greenhouse Spa & Salon

- Holland America Line is expanding the exclusive Greenhouse Spa, to offer guests a luxurious and pampering experience that is as self-indulgent as it is therapeutic. Relaxing treatment rooms offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. The Greenhouse Spa fitness facility includes the latest exercise equipment, and experienced exercise professionals for personal training. Enhancements include: additional treatment rooms for couples; dry float suite with massage option, thermal suites with hydro-therapy pool, steam and aromatic room and heated ceramic lounges; manicures and pedicures; Lifestyle Fitness Center with yoga, Pilates, spinning classes. Staffed with professionals from Steiner Leisure, the tranquil Greenhouse Spa and Salon invites guests to embrace sensory indulgence. Currently available on the ms Oosterdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Ryndam, ms Westerdam, ms Zaandam and ms Zuiderdam. Because appointment space is limited, you are encouraged to book spa appointments early upon boarding the ship for your ultimate cruise vacation. A 16-Night Fall Transatlantic in Sept. from $1,599 aboard the Noordam departs from Rome*.

Cunard Line Featuring Canyon Ranch SpaClub (R)

- The famous Canyon Ranch health resorts on land are now also at sea aboard Queen Mary 2. The 20,000-square-foot SpaClub facility is located on two decks and features 24 massage, body & skincare treatment rooms, coed relaxation lounge, beautifully appointed locker rooms, Thermal Suite and Rasul Room. Indulge in the signature or exotic massages and facials or visit the salon for pedicures, makeovers and hairstyling with views overlooking an endless expanse of ocean. All spa services are accompanied by a complimentary and rejuvenating experience of the Aqua Therapy Center and Thermal Suite. A 6-night Eastbound Transatlantic aboard the Queen Mary 2 is available June - Sept. from $999 departs from New York*.

Crystal Cruises Spa, Health & Fitness

- Crystal Cruises is your perfect spa vacation. From the wrap-around, all-outdoor teak Promenade Deck -- one of the most popular features on all our ships, to a Spa with one of the world's best views, every Crystal cruise offers a variety of options for keeping fit and well. Full-service salon offers hairstyling, facials, manicures and pedicures; Spa & fitness facilities -- using popular Feng Shui principles -- offer everything from aroma stone therapy to Japanese silk booster facials, as well as saunas and steam rooms. Fitness options include yoga, pilates, lap pools, indoor/outdoor pool, walking/jogging deck, table tennis, golf driving ranges, putting greens and shuffleboard. Check out the "Walk- On-Water" weighted vest exercise; Most cruises also offer golf classes and clinics from a PGA pro. An 11-night Cosmopolitan Colors cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony available in October from $3,785 departs from New York*.

Royal Caribbean

- Indulge in the ShipShape(R) Day Spa, where you can enjoy a pedicure or facial, or go for something you've never tried before, like a seaweed wrap or aroma stone therapy massage. Soothe your body, smooth your skin and send your mind to a sensory heaven. You may even surprise yourself. What seems fun and extravagant, is actually a pathway to your own personal well-being. There's also Generation Y Spa, dedicated to serving the younger generation, and offers soothing massages, fitness classes, facials and more for guests ages 13 to 17. Shape up in the ShipShape fitness center, jump onto the sports deck where you can jog in the middle of the ocean, work on your chip shot with golf simulators, or take it to the hoop with a game of basketball. If you'd rather climb to new heights on your vacation, Royal Caribbean also offers rock-climbing walls for all skill levels, not to mention the best views from the ship. And you can even catch a wave while onboard, with the Freedom of the Seas Flowrider wave pool.

Shore Excursions ... most cruise lines offer stimulating shore excursions that will allow you to get fit while taking in the scenery, including biking, hiking and kayaking, among other activities.

NORWALK, Conn., May 26, 2006 /PRNewswire/ --