Celebrity Cruises can be an attractive cruise line choice for those looking for an elevated cruise vacation experience offered at a decent value.
The cruise line is known for its premium and relaxed atmosphere, which can be enhanced by luxurious cruise add-ons like sophisticated specialty dining experiences and rejuvenating spa treatments.
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Some cruise passengers say spa treatments on board a Celebrity cruise ship (and really any cruise ship) aren’t as relaxing as those offered at land-based spas, however, because cruise spa appointments can come with aggressive upselling. Cruisers often feel pressured to purchase various spa products to complement their treatments.
Along with upsells, passengers seeking the relaxation of onboard spa treatments should be aware of shifting cruise ship spa service prices. The prices you see advertised before your cruise are not always the same as the onboard prices.
One passenger who found this out the hard way recently urged others to learn from their expensive error in a post shared in the Celebrity Cruises community on Reddit.
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The Solarium is one of the most popular spots for relaxation on a Celebrity cruise ship.
Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com
Celebrity Cruises passenger shares costly spa slip-up
“I didn’t book anything from the spa beforehand. However, they gave me a voucher for $50 off a 50 min. or more treatment. So, I looked online for prices. Little did I know that once you board, the online prices are no longer accurate,” spongeboblazypants explained.
“The 50-minute body scrub I thought was $158 was actually $199. I had to go to guest relations after the fact to learn that the prices online are pre-cruise prices.”
The passenger had mistakenly assumed that the spa treatment price listed on the cruise line’s website in the ‘already booked’ pre-cruise platform would apply to treatments booked on board the ship. However, higher prices often apply if you don’t book your spa service in advance of your cruise.
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In the Reddit thread’s comments, another passenger shared a similar onboard issue that led to spa service price confusion.
“My worst was recently they offered me a 50% discount for booking a spa related thing the next day. I returned later and asked about it again,” Jacgaur wrote. “I didn’t confirm the actual price at the time, just the 50%.”
“Fast forward to the end of my massage and they tried to give me a 15% discount. I was like, no it was 50%.” Jacgaur explained. “In the end they gave me the 50% off, but I really hated that they wanted me to sign a receipt with only 15%.”
Make sure to verify onboard spa service prices
When booking your cruise ship spa services, it’s important to verify the actual price before your service rather than the discount amount, as another passenger noted.
“It’s a shame, but you do need to watch them. If I ever book any massage on board, I confirm an actual price instead of a discount. It can be a moving target,” Drinking_Frog wrote. “I actually get a massage fairly often while on a cruise, but I (typically) make a point of booking off-times beforehand (i.e., online).”
Pre-booking your spa services before your cruise via the Celebrity Cruises website may save you some money and help you avoid price confusion.
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If you’re looking for a deal on spa services once on board your Celebrity cruise, consider planning some spa time on a port day, as another passenger suggested.
“They usually drop the prices for port days. I’d wait for a deal,” mirukuuuu wrote.
Celebrity Cruises often offers spa specials for port days. During your cruise, you can check for specials in the spa section of the daily cruise program, cruise app, or contact spa reception. Just make sure to confirm the final price for your spa service if you decide to book on board.
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