Wellness tourism is booming and cruise companies are evolving to meet this burgeoning sector. Here are six of the best to share with your clients.
Wellness tourism has become a multi-billion-dollar industry across all travel sectors – Skift Research’s recent report shows it is expected to quadruple by 2027.
The report also notes that “decisions are increasingly influenced not just by destination, but also by expectations for unique wellness experiences, including spa and fitness offerings, meditation, reconnecting with nature, and nutritious food and beverages”.
Luxury cruise lines provide all these wellness offerings and more while taking guests to sought-after destinations around the globe on ships that rival the most exclusive spa resorts on land. Here are six who are leading the wellness at sea evolution.
Celebrity Cruises – AquaClass lifestyle
Celebrity’s Edge-class ships – Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent and Xcel (which is due to set sail in November 2025) – offers its AquaClass guests an all-round wellness experience in beautifully designed spaces across the ships.
It starts in the spacious AquaClass veranda staterooms, which are kitted out with amenities such as yoga mats, eco-friendly shower products, pillow selection on request, and an in-room fitness amenities menu of accessories to customise your routines.
AquaClass guests have exclusive access to Blu restaurant which offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine, as well as fish and lean meat dishes.
They also have access to the SEA Thermal Suite, the services of a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages and healthy room-service menu options.
The AquaSpa itself offers a vast array of beauty and wellness treatments as well as fitness classes including yoga, Pilates and personal training sessions.
- Must try: Zero Gravity Wellness Massage. The high-tech WellMassage 4D table allows the masseur to reach every muscle group, targeting tension and daily stress zones for the ultimate relaxing massage.
Explora Journeys – Ocean Wellness
“The philosophy behind Ocean Wellness is deeply rooted in Explora Journeys’ origins,” says Explora Journeys’ Julanda Marais, Senior Lead Spa Operations.
“We’ve long understood the powerful effect of water and waves on body, mind and soul. This is the inspiration for Ocean Wellness. We want to give our guests a feeling of refined simplicity, relaxed luxury, and complete mental and physical replenishment.”
More than 1,000 square metres of space are dedicated to the spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas, contemporary fitness facilities and the outdoor sports court and running track onboard the glamorous new luxury ships Explora I and Explora II.
And for guests who prefer to exercise in private, there’s the option of in-suite training with a virtual coach and the specially designed Technogym Bench, a strength-training station with enclosed tools.
Spa and beauty treatments employ sustainable, natural products from renowned brands such as Dr Levy Switzerland, Aromatherapy Associates and The Tides Wellness range.
- Must try: Yoga Programs. Choices include energy flow power classes to replenish stamina; sleep yoga to induce deep slumber; relaxation yoga to rekindle a sense of self-worth; mindfulness yoga to anchor body and mind through meditation; and immune-boosting yoga to support health and reduce anxiety via pranayama breathing techniques.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – to infinity and beyond
One of the most alluring features of Regent’s Explorer-class ships is the infinity-edge plunge pool outside Serene Spa & Wellness spa at the aft of the ships. If you weren’t already feeling suitably serene post-spa visit, the mesmerising views of the wake will take you there.
Regent’s the Serene Spa & Wellness program offers beauty and wellness treatments, a wide-ranging selection of fitness classes, healthy dining options and wellness-themed shore excursions.
The spa’s elegant facilities include a hydrothermal suite with infrared sauna, a cold room, experiential shower, aromatic steam room and relaxation area with heated ceramic loungers.
Eight treatment rooms include a couples’ suite with jacuzzi, and the extensive spa menu features a wealth of lavish treatments for mind and body.
There’s also a well-equipped two-room fitness centre, comprising a space for free weights, Technogym equipment and personal training, and a separate fitness studio for classes such as yoga and pilates.
- Must try: Serene Spa & Wellness Tour. Take your wellness cruise ashore with excursions that include experiences such as tai chi classes on a beach, sunset yoga, and soaking in thermal springs.
Scenic Eclipse – spa holidays at sea
Not only do Scenic’s two elegant Discovery Yachts Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II provide state-of-the-art facilities, treatments and classes in its stunning Senses Spa, they also offer a limited number of specially tailored “spa holiday” voyages.
These are transatlantic crossings that have no or few port calls so guests can focus on a wellness program of their choice – from daily expert-guided yoga and pilates practices in a dedicated studio to meditation, zumba, calisthenics and fit ball classes for back pain relief.
Healthy cooking classes and daily lectures and workshops led by wellness experts complement the holistic wellness experience.
The Senses Spa has saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge and vitality pools, and a Salt Therapy Lounge. Access is included in the fare – whether you’re on a regular cruise or a spa holiday.
There are two Spa Holiday itineraries in 2026 – the 10-day Bridgetown (Barbados) to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain) cruise departing 24 April, 2026; and the 10-day Panama City (Panama) to Santiago (Chile) cruise departing 26 October, 2026.
- Must try: Meditation and sound healing with Tibetan bowls. Through different frequency of vibration this class can help reduce stress, anxiety, improve sleep quality and boost your immune system.
Silversea – sheer indulgence
Inspired by the traditions of ancient Rome, Silversea’s Otium wellness program is designed to combine leisure and pleasure, living well and being well – and who could resist that?
Otium, which encompasses an array of indulgent experiences and amenities, was introduced on Silver Dawn and is now available on Silver Endeavour, Silver Nova and Silver Ray.
The sumptuous Otium Spa itself features a thermal area that includes steam and sauna rooms, an indoor pool, and an extensive treatment menu.
Beyond the spa, Silver Nova introduced two vast Otium Suites that occupy prime position at the ship’s aft corners.
Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in all living areas, the two suites offer 270-degree views, while their 40-square-metre balconies boast a private whirlpool.
However, guests in all suite categories enjoy features such as essential oil shower steamers, refillable ultra-luxe bathroom products created with La Bottega, pillow menus and top-quality bedlinen.
- Must try: The Otium Balcony Experience. Relaxing on your balcony doesn’t get better than this. In cold climes, your butler will bring you cashmere blankets and hot chocolate; when it’s hot, it’s sun protection, ice cream and cool cocktails; and any time you feel like it, you can order from the Otium Food and Chill in-suite menu.
Viking Ocean – fire and ice
Not only is the LivNordic Spa onboard Viking’s ocean ships a beautifully designed space, use of the thermal pools, sauna, steam room, Snow Grotto and cold plunge pools – as well as the adjoining fitness centre – is free for all guests.
Inspired by traditional Nordic bathing traditions, the benefits of immersing your body alternately in hot water (or relaxing in the steam room or sauna) and cold water (the bucket shower, plunge pool or a rubdown with ice in the Snow Grotto) include improved circulation and relief of sore muscles.
The design of the spa is based on the use of natural materials – wood and stone – that reflect Viking’s Scandinavian sensibility, and spa treatments are similarly based on traditional Nordic practices – notably, the classic Swedish massage.
Signature spa treatments include Northern Stillness, which involves a blueberry body mask and massage finished with a Nordic scalp ‘ritual’; the Arctic Detox, where your body is scrubbed, brushed and cupped to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation; and the Royal Nordic hair and scalp treatment in the hair salon.
Spa treatments are reasonably priced, no gratuities are charged and the C/O Gerd products are popular takeaways with guests.
- Must try: Nordic bathing in the LivNordic spa. Sessions last 45 minutes and guest numbers are limited, so it never gets crowded.
For more information, visit Celebrity Cruises, Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Eclipse, Silversea, Viking.
