Are spa cabins actually worth the money?

You’ve found the itinerary and ship you want to sail, and now it’s time to pick a cabin. The general inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite categories are more or less self-explanatory, but what exactly is a “spa cabin?”

What is a spa cabin?

As the name suggests, spa cabins include special in-cabin amenities, proximity to the onboard spa and often, bonus privileges in the spa. In some cases, booking a spa cabin also comes with additional perks like exclusive dining or complimentary beverage packages.

Are they mixed in with regular cabins?

They are typically near the ship’s spa since easy access is often one of the perks of choosing a spa cabin. Aside from MSC’s Yacht Club which is an exclusive area, and the Cloud 9 Spa Cabins on Carnival’s Vista-class ships, which feature specially-decorated hallways, you likely wouldn’t know you’re walking by a spa cabin vs. a regular cabin just from its exterior.

How much do spa cabins cost?

The cost of a spa cabin, as with any cruise ship cabin, varies wildly based on a number of factors including the cruise line, ship, time of year, and itinerary. The general guideline is this: a spa cabin will cost more than a regular cabin in that category, but not as much as the next category up. For example, a spa oceanview stateroom will cost more than a regular oceanview, but not as much as a balcony cabin.

Are spa cabins worth it?

It really depends on both the cruise line and how much you’ll utilize the spa amenities and privileges. If you’re going on a cruise with a “treat yourself” mindset and plan on spending a significant amount of time in the spa, then having a spa cabin is certainly a worthy investment.

With that said, some lines definitely offer a better experience and more bang for your buck. If you’re taking a Holland America cruise and are interested in a spa cabin, we would strongly recommend against booking one. The only perks there are in the cabin itself, and staying in a spa cabin doesn’t even grant access to the thermal suite. On the other hand, Celebrity, Carnival, and the Aurea cabins on MSC are definitely worth considering as all of them include a number of both in-cabin and spa perks that might make the additional cost worth it for wellness-minded travelers.

What exactly do I get?

1. Carnival Cruise Line - Cloud 9 Spa Cabins

Ships: Carnival Breeze, Dream, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Radiance, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista, and Mardi Gras

Cabins: Interiors up to suites 

In-Cabin Amenities: Elemis toiletries, spa-branded bathrobes and slippers, fitness bands, yoga mats, and linen spray. The cabin’s décor is also in a different color scheme than regular cabins. 

Included Spa Privileges: Priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, port day treatment discounts, and unlimited access to the spa’s thermal suite. 

What Cruiseline.com Members Say:

madgreek79, Carnival Breeze: “Spa Cabins are great, having access to the mineral tub is amazing!”

skelson49, Carnival Vista: “We had an interior spa cabin. Would not get a spa cabin again. Not worth it. Cabin had much less storage space than cabins on other ships.”

theall123, Carnival Breeze: "Cruised the Carnival Breeze twice!... My favorite cabin was spa cabin 12044, you literally walked out the door and you were on the waterworks deck!"

Cruise2Often, Carnival Sunshine: “We had an inside spa cabin.  I HIGHLY recommend the spa cabins, the additional pampering you get and the access to the thermal suite is 100% worth it."

2. Norwegian Cruise Line - Spa Staterooms

Ships: Norwegian Escape, Breakaway, Getaway, Epic, Encore, and Bliss

Cabins: Balconies, mini-suites, and The Haven suites

In-Cabin Amenities: All spa cabins include spa-inspired cabin décor and easy access to the spa and fitness center. Mini-suites also include a rainfall shower. The Haven Spa Suites include an in-suite hot tub and rainfall shower, too, as well as butler and concierge services, sparkling wine, bottled water, fruit, an espresso/cappuccino machine, a special room service menu, full in-suite breakfast menu, plush bathrobes, slippers and towels, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and access to The Haven’s specialty restaurant.

Included Spa Privileges: All spa cabins and The Haven include unlimited access to the spa’s thermal suite.

What Cruiseline.com Members Say:

Headwind, Norwegian Bliss: “I had read about horrid ship design (no center elevator) so I got a spa cabin all the way aft just 1 deck below spa. Easy access - the spa is sublime with a great view. This saved us. Never a wait for Elevator unlike the front of shipped mobbed all the time.”

Guswilson777, Norwegian Epic: “Our spa CABIN on 14 was nicest cabin we have had to date - only complaint would be that it was a little tight when moving around spouse sometimes (and we’re normal sized folks). SPA was awesome - highly recommend that for daily usage.”

FloridaTimmer, Norwegian Epic: “Our cabin with clean, big and plenty of storage. (Mini-spa cabin with balcony)”

3. Holland America Line - Spa Staterooms

Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam

Cabins: Some ships only have spa suites, and others have spa interior cabins up to balconies

In-Cabin Amenities: Easy access to the spa, yoga mats, iPod docking stations, organic robe and slippers, two pedometers, and a loofah mitt and bath salts 

Included Spa Privileges: None

What Cruiseline.com Members Say:

susie817, Koningsdam: “Our spa cabin was nice, however the balcony extremely small. There seemed to be a little wasted space on the side of the bed next to the bathroom.”

4. Celebrity Cruises - AquaClass

Ships: Celebrity Constellation, Eclipse, Edge, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium, Reflection, Silhouette, Solstice, and Summit

Cabins: Celebrity calls their spa cabins AquaClass, which all have balconies.

In-Cabin Amenities: A diffuser, pillow menu, special spa bathroom amenities, slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes, two welcome bottles of water, an expanded room service breakfast menu, and daily delivery of flavored tea and other treats

Included Spa Privileges: An invitation to a tour of the spa on embarkation day, access to a spa concierge, a wellness consultation, complimentary shoeshine service, and unlimited access to the thermal suite. AquaClass also includes exclusive access to the ship’s Blu specialty restaurant. 

What Cruiseline.com Members Say:  

MBCKCannon, Celebrity Equinox: “We had an AquaClass suite therefore had a dedicated dining room for only AquaClass, Blu.  Absolutely outstanding service from Ray and John.  We didn't go to any specialty restaurant… With the AquaClass suites, the Persian Garden Spa pass is included.  The ceramic lounges were nice as was the aromatherapy.  There are no jacuzzi's in the spa area, which I had wished there was.”

leerich, Celebrity Eclipse: “We were in Aquaclass and had a classic beverage perk among other things, which made our trip special.  We did not eat in Blu all the time.  We had Select Dining in the Main Dining Room, and most of the time we liked their menu better than Blu.  However, we did eat breakfast in Blu most of our trip.”

AT303, Celebrity Equinox: “We would highly recommend Aquaclass with the perks it offers. We especially enjoyed dining in Blu a specialty restaurant for the Aquaclass.”

Rahtif, Celebrity Reflection: “We booked an AquaClass suite, and it was amazing. Lots of room in the cabin with a beautiful verandah that we relaxed on for a while the first day...As we booked in an AquaClass suite, we were able to use the Persian Garden Spa as frequently as we wanted, which was beautiful and relaxing with the heated tile chairs, infrared sauna, hammam sauna and cold room. The only downfall was the set up for access to the Persian Gardens. We had to wait in line for 15 minutes at the reception desk to exchange our cabin key card for an access key to the Gardens while others were trying to decide on spa appointments, nail color, salon times and other things. One of the benefits (supposedly) to the AquaClass was the unlimited use of the Persian Gardens, but after having to wait for the exchange and then the exchange for our cabin key, we probably won't be booking this class again.”

5. MSC Cruises - Yacht Club and Aurea Cabins

MSC has two classes that could be considered “spa” cabins: The Aurea experience staterooms and The Yacht Club suites. They both come with a number of spa amenities and privileges so that’s what will be covered here. 

Ships: MSC Bellissima, Divina, Fantasia, Preziosa, Splendida, Meraviglia, Seaside, and Seaview 

Cabins: Both the Aurea level cabins and The Yacht Club are all suites 

In-Cabin Amenities: The Yacht Club comes with luxe slippers and bathrobes, and has a private elevator and entrance to the spa. The Aurea experience comes with a MED by MSC diffuser, bathrobes, and slippers.  

Included Spa Privileges: The Yacht Club includes complimentary access to the spa’s thermal suite. The Aurea experience includes access to exclusive sun decks and a wellness package that includes one massage from the spa menu, access to the tanning shower, a spa welcome cocktail, a private wellness consultation, and access to the thermal suite.

What Cruiseline.com Members Say:  

ibdamommy, MSC Divina: “Spent a week cruising in MSC Divina Yacht Club. Crew, concierge, butlers and Le Muse staff were friendly and helpful. Stayed in Family/Executive Suite. Cabin was huge with lots of storage; only downside was the lack of verandah. The ship was beautiful but very crowded...  I would not have enjoyed the crowds but with the private bar/lounge, dining room and pool/deck of the Yacht Club, the cruise was very enjoyable. Well worth the additional price.”

volleyvic, MSC Divina: “Being in the Yacht Club made all the difference in the world. If you can do it...DO IT!!! It's worth the money. Not crowded...excellent service and our own restaurant...Excellent!!!”

Envieth, MSC Seaside: “This was by far the best cruise we've experienced. My wife and i want to go back on another sailing with the Seaside, we met amazing people, we had amazing food, we partied, we relaxed (the thermal area in the Aurea spa is totally worth it), we drank, we explored... all around it was an amazing vacation.”

tinasparkles2, MSC Divina: “Aurea experience was good value for money. Especially the sun deck and drinks.”

sirrroyston, MSC Divina: “Go for the Aurea Experience or above. Screw the type of room. Aurea, you are not fighting for a sun lounger on sea days. You have a private area on deck 18 I think, it is mid ship above the slide. It's extra for non Aurea passengers. Full drinks package, including the speciality coffees. A free massage for everyone in the room (we did a back to back cruise so got a free massage on both weeks ) On tendering days you get priority tickets to get off first which is helpful if you have private tour bookings.”

6. Seabourn - Penthouse Suites

Ships: Seabourn Encore, Quest, Odyssey, Sojourn, and Ovation 

Cabins: Suites 

In-Cabin Amenities: A menu of Molton Brown spa products that include exfoliating body wash and polish, bath oils, and thermal salts body soak, and menus of designer soaps and bath sponges to choose from. In the evening, passengers can also choose from four scents by L’Occitane to have diffused in the suite. 

Included Spa Privileges: Unlimited access to the serene area which has heated loungers, meditation pods, and more. Penthouse Suite guests can also book priority spa treatments with the concierge.