NCL Cruises’ ship the Norwegian Epic boasts one of the biggest spas at sea. It has no less than 24 treatment rooms, a hydro-therapy courtyard, a thermal suite and even Rasul rooms for those who love a good old mud bath and then steam it off.

The ship has 39 spa cabins, with direct access to the thermal rooms and hydrotherapy area. There are even eight suites with in-room whirlpools. NCL has not forgotten the teens either: the ship features father-son Chill Out massages and a mother-daughter Paradise. Then there is the ME! Bath Ice Cream pedicure and manicure – for the whole family to enjoy.

Passengers on board the Norwegian Epic can also create their own custom exfoliating body scrub, specially prepared by a mixologist utilising the passenger’s own selection of scents, which are then blended with sugar or salt and dried herbs.

P&O’s new pride, the Azura, has the same facilities. Here the spa package even includes events, gifts, treatments and also a priority spa service. The Oasis Spa also boasts a private outdoor terrace for a massage in the open air. In fact all treatment rooms are fitted with balconies so clients can enjoy being pampered outdoors.

Other cruise ships with similar facilities include MSC’s Magnifica, Carnival’s Carnival Dream, Celebrity’s Eclipse and Equinox, Windstar’s yacht the Wind Surf, Costa’s new ship the Deliziosa and Silversea’s latest addition, the Silver Spirit.