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If you’re planning to treat yourself to some spa time on your Carnival Cruise, you might be wondering which treatments are worth your while and which ones you can skip. I’ve got you covered! Below are my highlights of the must-try treatments and helps you have an amazing spa experience on your voyage.

Must Experience

Bamboo Massage

What is it: This soothing massage technique employs warm bamboo stalks rolled and glided over your body. The therapist combines deep tissue pressure with gentle strokes to dissolve tension effectively.

Great for: Those who are looking for a deep tissue massage that is also relaxing.

Why you have to try it: 

• Deep Tissue Pressure – Using the bamboo stalk allows pressure to reach deeper layers of your muscles, providing relief from chronic tension or muscle tightness that traditional massages may not be able to address as effectively.
• Unique Experience – It’s different. Using heated bamboo stalks adds a distinctive touch that is surprisingly soothing and enjoyable.

I was initially skeptical about a bamboo massage, but I’m so glad I tried it! I thought the massage was just bamboo stalks from the description, but it wasn’t! The therapist used various techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue, gentle strokes, and rolling movements that target specific areas. I felt so relaxed and rejuvenated after my massage. My husband enjoyed it so much that he booked another one a few days after!

Aroma Stone Therapy

What is it: Warm Balinese stones are used to massage the body deeply, resulting in sparkling vitality and intensely hydrated skin.

Great For: Those looking to unwind, destress, and have a soothing massage experience.

Why you have to try it:

• Deep Heated Relaxation – The heat from the stones penetrates deeply into your muscles, which can provide a level of relaxation that’s more intense than a traditional massage.
• Aromatic Experience – Combining essential oils and heat can be especially effective in relieving stress and tension. Aromatherapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a calm mind. At the same time, the heat from the stones can alleviate physical tension.

This treatment, a favorite of my husband’s during our couple’s massages, pairs the warmth of hot stones with the soothing scent of aromatherapy. Our session started with a basic Swedish massage to relax our muscles. Then, the real magic happened – the introduction of heated stones. Their warmth sunk deep into our muscles, washing away stress and tension. This heat-induced relaxation was profound and incredibly soothing, creating a sensation of our accumulated stress and tension simply dissolving away.

Facials*

*Note that I have an asterisk here. If you regularly get facials, they do not do extractions. Instead, they use their machine to do an Ultrasonic Peel, which was painless.

What is it: The ELEMIS Biotec Facial at Cloud 9 Spa on Carnival Cruise is an advanced facial treatment that uses technology, potent ingredients, and therapeutic massage to enhance your skin’s natural beauty. It tackles a spectrum of skin concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, lackluster complexion, and uneven skin tone.

Great For: The skin care junkie – those looking for the next level of skin care.

Why you have to try it:

• Personalized Care – The facial begins with a comprehensive skin scan, to identify your skin issues, followed by a selection of a custom facial from seven available options based on your scan results and skin goals.
• Impressive Technology – The Biotec Facial utilizes cutting-edge skincare technology, including microcurrent, LED light therapy, oxygen infusion, galvanic infusion, and an ultrasonic spatula to address a variety of skin concerns.

The Elemis Biotec Facial is a 50-minute treatment that uses Elemis products, massage, and cutting-edge technology. The process began with a gentle skin cleanse and soothing massage. The machine is used with the galvanic rollers to push active products deeper into the skin. A hydrating mask was applied, followed by a calming massage targeting the neck, shoulders, and arms. The entire facial was very relaxing and enjoyable. This service is definitely different than your standard “European facial”. However, if you have never received a facial before, I would definitely recommend it as a great introduction to facials.

Skippable

Fire & Ice Manicure and Pedicure

What is it: A manicure and pedicure that uses cooling gels and heated stones to smooth your skin and nourish your nails. Shellac polish is applied, gel upgrade option is available.

Why you can skip:

• Comparable to Your Local Salon – The experience offered isn’t significantly different from a regular salon, despite its higher price point. It was standard in what you would have received on land.

I totally misread the service when I signed up. I thought it was just a pedicure with a hot stone massage for 110 minutes! Instead, it was a mani/pedi that I usually can receive at my local salon.

Poultice Massage

What is it: Poultices (2 options Herbal or Coconut) are applied to pressure points on the body and combined with acupressure techniques to relax muscles and relieve tension.

Why you can skip:

• Similar to Other Services – The coconut and herbal choices did not make the experience uniquely better. If you’ve had an aromatherapy massage or hot stones before, the Poultice Massage might not feel much different.

My husband had this treatment. The massage began with a light massage, then the therapist used the poultices to lightly massage each area of the body. He felt that the poultices did not make much difference or had any noticeable effects to the massage. The massage was still relaxing, but he didn’t feel like the poultices added anything special. He would have spent money on the other deep tissue massages, such as the Bamboo or hot stone aroma therapy, for a more targeted muscle tension relief treatment. He does say that this is a great introduction to hot stones since it would not be as hot.

Facials*

*Note that I have an asterisk here. If you regularly get facials, please note that the facials offered are different than your standard “European facial”.

What is it: The ELEMIS Biotec Facial is an advanced facial treatment that uses technology, potent ingredients, and therapeutic massage to enhance your skin’s natural beauty.

Why you can skip:

• Limited Variety – All facials essential uses the same ELEMIS Biotec machine with it’s different functions. Dermabrasion, HydraFacial, Light Therapy, etc. are not offered.

If you’ve enjoyed an ELEMIS facial before, please do not let this deter you from getting them on the cruise! The technology is impressive, ELEMIS is a reputable skincare line, and the facial was relaxing. If you have never received a facial, I recommend this as a great introduction to facials.

Grooming

What is it: Depending on the type of service, hair/bread trim, shave, light face and scalp massage.

Why you can skip:

• Unfamiliarity – When it comes to grooming, we may have our own methods and preferences. Going to a new salon on vacation can be nerve-racking, especially if they don’t do it the way you’re used to. Don’t let a bad grooming experience ruin your vacation memories and photo opportunities.

If you’re seeking relaxation, grooming services may not be the most relaxing option. They can be pricey for what you get. Rather, choose a facial to get the skin glowing benefits or a full body massage.