Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Crown Princess for a Day - DesireDid you ever play dress up as a child or trick-or-treat dressed as a Princess?  Ever fantasized about your ultimate wedding?

After a day at sea as a guest of Princess Cruises Crown Princess, I've experienced the pampering of the Lotus Spa, wandered into the adult-only Sanctuary and gazed upon a bride-to-be as she transformed from a fiancee to a newlywed, to half of a honeymooning couple on her wedding day. All of this took place during a day at sea.

SPA TIPS

As a newbie to cruising, I've learned that it's best to book your spa treatment in advance if you'd like your appointment to be during a day at sea. Often times, spa treatments can be less expensive if you schedule them during a day in port. My masseuse on the Crown Princess noted that prices may drop toward the end of a 15 day cruise.

Crown Princess Thermal SuiteHave you tried the Aroma Stone Therapy massage? For cruisers allocating dollars to pampering, the cost is $195. As a guest of Princess Cruises I was fortunate to enjoy 75 minutes of bliss at the Lotus Spa. They were running a little behind on my visit, so I was escorted into the Thermal Suite and promptly settled into a heated ceramic lounge chair.

Recycling Program On Board Crown Princess

After pouring myself a cup of lemon water, I was pleased to see that Crown Princess had a container for recycling the paper cups alonside the water pitcher. For a ship of this size, carrying 3,000 passengers, it is reassuring to know that Princess Cruises cares about their environmental impact.

While cruising Alaska recently, on Holland America Lines Westerdam, I enjoyed hanging out in their Thermal Suite while I watched the ship sail scenic Tracy Arm. If your ship has a thermal suite looking out over the water, the minimal cost of a half day pass might land you the best seat in the house!

Escape to The Sanctuary

Adult-Only Sanctuary on Crown PrincessFor those of us hoping to escape loud children or loud adults, for that matter, The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat located on deck 17. Guests may purchase a half day pass for $10 or full day pass for $20. Additional amenities such as MP3 players with Bose headphones or an Evian Face Mist, at $3.50 a pop, will further isolate the noises of the outside world and leave you feeling moisturized and toned (according to the brochure.)

Personally, if I had a budget for pampering, I would try the cabana massage for $119, accompanied with a little cabana cuisine. Afterall, I'd be on vacation.

What are your recommendations for a day at Sea?

You can follow along on my discoveries via the #FollowMeAtSea hashtag I’m using on Twitter.

All photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown