Norwegian Cruise Line passengers say pricey add-on is worth it
This expensive upgrade is especially popular on Alaska cruises and sailings with more sea days.
For many cruisers, relaxation is an essential part of a cruise vacation.
Although there are many ways to relax on a cruise, spending time at the cruise ship spa adds an extra touch of tranquility to enhance a restful vacation at sea. Massages, facials and other soothing spa treatments can help passengers to really unwind and restore balance.
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But beyond spa treatments, most cruise ship spas also hold the key to a hidden oasis that’s a refuge for self-care at sea—the thermal suite. Modern takes on the Turkish bath experience, thermal suites are a haven for relaxation that feature saunas, steam rooms, vitality pools, heated loungers, and more.
On most cruise lines’ ships, passengers are required to purchase a thermal suite pass to enjoy these exclusive areas of the spa during their cruise. Prices vary by cruise ship, but thermal suite passes are an expensive cruise add-on that can sometimes cost cruisers more than $300 for a seven-day cruise pass.
The thermal suite pass has been a hot topic in the Norwegian Cruise Line Reddit community recently as some passengers turn to other cruisers to help them decide if the pricey pass is worth the splurge for upcoming sailings.
“Husband and I are going on the 9 day Alaskan cruise on the Joy in April. Is the thermal spa full cruise package worth it?” asked Reddit user Bohcinodoza. “It is a bit pricey and I don't want to drop that money if it would not be utilized. Thoughts?”
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Passengers share why they think Norwegian’s thermal suite is worth it
Some passengers in the Norwegian Reddit community say the thermal suite pass is a cruise luxury they won’t sail without, especially when sailing in Alaska and on itineraries with more sea days.
“We do it each time. It feels so good to be out all day walking, hiking, then come back to ship and soak in a spa or steam room it to relax,” shared Commercial_Rule_7823. “We use it everyday on a cruise and love it.”
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One passenger who was currently on a cruise also shared their satisfaction with their thermal suite experience.
“This is an 11-day cruise, and I am so glad I purchased the thermal suite cruise pass. It gives me an option for a more peaceful day; I have used it every day in some form,” commented 80sladie. “If I get tired of the crowds at the hot tubs and pool I can come to the thermal spa; it is usually very quiet. Sometimes I have it completely to myself.”
Another passenger shared that the thermal spa is what keeps them cruising.
“It’s the main reason I cruise now (after 20+ cruises). I’ll go to the thermal spa every day to do a circuit of hydrotherapy pool, salt room, steam room, sauna, ice room and repeat,” commented Big_Mood8848. “It’s also a relaxing quiet spot to read while lying on the heated ceramic loungers.”
Passengers offer tips for saving on thermal suite passes
In the Norwegian Cruise Line Reddit community threads, passengers also noted that you can sometimes purchase a one-day pass or a three-day pass for the thermal spa if the ship is not sold out with full cruise passes.
One passenger shared a tip for potentially scoring a lower price on the full cruise pass too.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers share advice for new cruisers
“The joy has one of the nicest ones. Don’t buy ahead of time. Wait till embarking and take a tour,” suggested aae2808. “Don’t take their first price either. They negotiated the price with me down $50 for a 5-day cruise ($279 negotiated down to $229). It’s worth it if you use it. I really enjoyed it and was in it all but one day. I can only imagine getting back from a hike in Alaska to go sit in the spa.”
Passengers also noted that smaller cruise ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet typically have less thermal suite amenities, and therefore charge lower fees.
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