Celebrity Solstice has this week debuted a new way to cruise in
local waters: a spa resort holiday at sea.
The modern superliner extends the day spa experience to 130
AquaClass staterooms and a “clean cuisine” restaurant, Blu.
The idea is that passengers can focus on good health and
pampering, avoiding the rest of the ship if they so wish.
I spent the “cruise to nowhere” from Sydney on Sunday sampling
the full range of benefits to see if it’s worth the upgrade.
On first impressions, the AquaClass cabin looked much the same
as a standard balcony room and therefore was less spa-like than I
imagined.
It had no bath, let alone a spa bath, and none of the additional
toiletries advertised – but this was probably because it was a onceoff
one-night cruise (not that it should make a difference).
Fortunately, everything else was delivered as promised,
including a carafe of flavoured iced tea, a plate of canapés and a
confirmed booking for complimentary dinner at Blu.
The restaurant is one of the prettiest on any ship in the world, with
white walls engraved into a floral design and white leather chairs.
The menu is much more than salads and soups. Blackened ahi
tuna was the standout dish among diners at my table.
It’s also open for breakfast, so is a great way to avoid the hordes
at the buffet every morning.
However, it would be a shame to not eat elsewhere throughout
the cruise, as Solstice has several excellent restaurants.
I loved Murano (French) while others raved about Silk Harvest
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(Asian).
I also thought the buffet and main dining room were very good.
The main drawcard for AquaClass guests is the proximity to the
AquaSpa and gym and unlimited access to the Relaxation Room
and Persian Garden aromatherapy steam room, where you can
rest on heated mosaic lounges overlooking the ocean.
A day pass, for non-Aqua Class guests, costs US$20 but not
many people seem to use it, so this quiet space is a sweet relief
from the public areas catering to 3,000 passengers.
Although it isn’t over-the-top fancy, the two-storey spa is lovely
and has regular specials, such as US$99 massages (plus 15% tip).
I had a wonderful massage by Dora.
For around the same price, the 20-20-20 allows a choice of three
20-minute treatments, ranging from a hydrating facial to a lime
and ginger full-body exfoliation.
It also offers couples treatments, cosmetic treatments, teeth
whitening, acupuncture, reflexology, hair and nail services, a 24-
Karat Gold facial, and a lash and brow bar.
Men’s services include a 45-minute deep cleanse shave.
Other AquaClass benefits include priority boarding in a separate
queue; a personal spa concierge to arrange appointments;
meditation and yoga videos on your TV; a five-head shower
tower; and premium mattress with Egyptian cotton sheets.
My verdict? AquaClass is a nice (but not huge) step up if you like
the idea of the exclusive restaurant and use of relaxation facilities.
If you like extra luxuries, go for a suite.
