Spa-ahh! It even sounds relaxing! Luxurious skin and body treatments are the perfect enhancement for your vacation. But look at the spa experience as part of a wellness ritual, not a luxury, recommends Steiner, the company who has specialized in cruise line spas for 30 years. Costa Cruise spas offer a wide variety of massage, spa baths and aromatherapy sessions--a personal retreat for the mind, body and spirit.

In addition to a spa and full-service beauty salon, every Costa Cruise ship will have a gymnasium, complete with a fitness instructor, equipment and classes for a range of interests and fitness levels. You may opt to burn off your dinner using free weights, doing aerobics classes or joining a deck-walking group. Whatever your preference, the spa manager can assist you--or may suggest a seminar to learn more about a wellness topic.

While cruising, surrounded by the cool, blue ocean, it seems natural to take advantage of Costa's hydrotherapy spas. From the Greek, "thalass" meaning sea, Thalassotherapy combines the healing powers of sea water with natures own healing agents, like herbs and plant essences. Sea water is high in iodine and numerous minerals, and spa professionals individualize treatments by adding milk whey for dry skin, sea weed and essential oils for relaxation and rejuvenation. Strong air pressure jets invigorate and help circulate additives. "This is more than a jacuzzi," explains Sarah Walker,a vp for Steiner, "It is reminiscent of the ancient Roman baths, as this therapy can help detoxify and re-mineralize the body with vital trace elements, as well as increase a sluggish metabolism," she adds.

Ionithermie treatments help address a few extra inches or bit of cellulite for those who already lead a healthy lifestyle. The combination of astringents, sea mineral moisturizers and electrodes help fat cells absorb the ingredients, resulting in a firm, smooth appearance.

Experience a relaxing and revitalizing massage, using the highest quality essential oils, or try the comprehensive Synergistic Therapy that includes foot, scalp, facial and body massage. For a sensual experience, join with your partner in receiving a massage by the therapist, while also learning some hands-on training to practice on each other.

Skin treatments can go beyond the regular cleansing and moisturizing, by using galvanic stimuli, a mild current, to enhance absorption of natural healing ingredients into the deeper layers of skin cells of the face, hands, chest and back. High frequency is also used to sterilize, heal and protect the skin, while masks and peels can drain impurities.

Try several treatments and receive a selected additional service, compliments of Steiner--your cruise will be enhanced as you ease into the experience!

Note: Since facilities vary by cruise ship, check with your spa director on board for schedules, available services and prices.