The best cruises for spa lovers

As regular cruise lovers will know, the spa is one of a cruise ships most popular facilities, and on older vessels it can be difficult to get bookings for the luxurious pampering and health-improving treatments on offer. The new generation of cruise liners offers wonderful new spa options with beautiful views of the ocean, a dazzling range of treatments on offer, his-and-hers rooms for couple treatments and priority bookings or access for suite passengers. Here’s two of my favourite offerings: • Carnival Cruise Lines – the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor debuts in July, and she will feature the line's first spa staterooms which nestle next to a luxurious 6,400-square-metre spa, which the lucky passengers occupying the suites can access via a private elevator and stairway. The 68 spa suites include priority spa appointments, free fitness classes and unlimited use of the elaborate Thalassotherapy pool and thermal facilities. • Norwegian Cruise Line offers its guests the chance to opt for a Garden Villa, which almost has its own mini-spa. These villas span have a living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. In spa treatment terms, Garden Villa guests also enjoy their own private sun beds, hot tub and steam room in a sumptuous private garden, and butler and concierge service. Other luxury stateroom categories include Courtyard Villa suites. These 10 suites share a private courtyard and have their own lap pool, hot tub, steam rooms and fitness area.