Cloud 9 Spa: Exclusive Carnival Cruise Relaxation
The Cloud 9 Spa and Thermal Suites are Carnival Cruise Line’s specialty spa on select fleets. I am separating my review of the stateroom and the thermal suites because you can purchase an access pass (2023 Cloud 9 Spa Pricing). You do not need a Cloud 9 Spa Stateroom to access these facilities. Not all fleets have the same amenities (Carnival Ships with Cloud 9 Spas Thermal Suites). Therefore my review will be based on my experience of the following:
- Ship: Carnival Vista
- Date of Travel: June 2023
- Ship Location: Forward
Located on Deck 12 & 14 (entrance on Deck 12), the Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites is a sanctuary of serenity and rejuvenation on Carnival cruises. Let’s embark on a journey as we explore the tranquil haven that awaits within the Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites. (How to Spa on Carnival Cruise) The spa facilities are soothing and serene, with soft background music and adjustable ambient lighting. You’ll find a range of amenities, including relaxation rooms, steam rooms, saunas, and more.
Carnival Vista’s Cloud 9 Spa Features & Amenities
Locker Rooms
Gender separated locker rooms to store your personal belongings while you enjoy the thermal suites and treatments. Very useful for those whose cabins may be a few floors away or from the alt of the ship. In addition to lockers, there is a dry sauna, bathroom, and 2 full size showers.
Pro tip: Use the spacious showers in the exclusive spa locker rooms. These showers are larger than the ones in your stateroom, making them a convenient alternative, especially if you’re sharing a bathroom with others.
Men/Women Saunas
You’ll find separate Men’s and Women’s Saunas in the locker rooms. These heated sanctuaries feature comfortable wooden benches/seats. Since they are tucked away in the locker rooms, they are often less crowded than co-ed facilities. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy some peaceful relaxation in the sauna, away from the busyness of the other areas.
Pro Tip: Seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds? Head to the Men’s or Women’s Saunas conveniently located inside the respective locker rooms. These heated sanctuaries feature comfortable wooden benches/seats, providing a tranquil space away from the co-ed facilities.
Hot Tub Spa
The large hot tub spa can only be accessed by those with thermal suite passes. Its warm water and invigorating massaging jets provide a truly soothing and relaxing experience. This is a shared co-ed facility.
Pro Tip: Experience a quieter and more serene hot tub session by accessing the exclusive thermal suite and its adults-only atmosphere. With fewer people and a tranquil environment, you can fully unwind and enjoy your time in the hot tub, making it a win-win situation for ultimate relaxation.
Experience Showers
The Carnival Vista has 3 experience showers. Enjoy a cascade of warm water that washes over the entire body providing renewed energy. These incredible showers come with customizable water jets and mood lighting – an absolute treat! This is a shared co-ed facility.
Pro Tip: Use the Cloud 9 Spa Experience Showers as a revitalizing and refreshing start to your day after a workout or as a relaxing way to wind down and recharge in the evening.
Laconium
The Laconium, a Dry Heat Chamber, is a spacious chamber designed to provide a rejuvenating experience similar to a dry heat bath or sauna. This is a shared co-ed facility. (Benefits of Laconium),
Pro Tip: Before entering the Laconium, rinse your body using the Experience Showers. The Laconium can be drying, and by rinsing first, it will help keep your skin moisturized and refreshed throughout the session. This is an extreme dry heat, 130°F – 140°F (55⁰C – 60⁰C). The dry heat can cause you to sweat, so it’s important to stay hydrated and bring in a towel (provided in the Thermal Suites) to sit on for added comfort and hygiene.
Infrared Heat Chamber
The Carnival Vista was the first ship to have an infrared Heat Chamber. The Infrared Heat Chamber provides gentle warmth to the body and cooler temperatures compared to traditional saunas. Detoxify, increase energy, burn calories, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation with this invigorating experience. This is a shared co-ed facility.
Pro Tip: Bring a small towel infused with a soothing essential oil. Place it near or on you to experience its aroma while enjoying the dry heat. Adds an extra element of aromatherapy, enhancing the calming atmosphere and promoting deeper relaxation during your session.(Bring these 10 things to elevate your Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Experience)
Aroma Steam
A warm and humid chamber with an herbal eucalyptus aroma is designed to promote muscle relaxation, purify the skin, and aid in eliminating toxins. Experience the soothing effects as the moist heat gently envelops you, creating a rejuvenating environment for your body’s well-being. This was my favorite room. This is a shared co-ed facility.
Pro Tip: To enhance your session, bring a small cool towel that’s provided. Place it on your forehead or neck during the steam session for a refreshing and cooling effect, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Hammam
A traditional Turkish bath is designed to cleanse, tone, and purify the body. There are shower heads that you can rinse over your body to gradually increase the temperature for relaxation and joint and muscle relief. This is a shared co-ed facility.
Pro Tip: The primary purpose of the hammam is to relax and enjoy the heat. Sit on the marble benches or lay down on a marble slab. Use the shower heads to pour water over your body to rinse.
Heated Loungers
Lastly, after experiencing all the therapy chambers, lay in these heated tile loungers, allowing the soothing warmth to radiate and relax the body.
Pro Tip: Indulge in ultimate relaxation by combining the soothing experience of heated loungers with a nourishing face mask. As you recline on the heated loungers, allow the mask to work its magic, providing various benefits for your skin. (How to elevate your Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Experience)
