Couples Massages

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Sorry if there was a thread on this but I couldn't find anything!
I was looking at the Swedish couples massage, onboard or on castaway in a cabana. Has anyone ever done either? Which is better?
If I choose the onboard massage, can I book it for the arrival day of our cruise?
If I choose castaway, is it best to book the massage before or after you've explored Castaway and relaxed on the beach?

 

[rick3236]

We did a couples massage right after the sail away party and you can book it in advanced. We have also waited to be on the ship and done the tour on the first day and there are usually discounts available at that time. We really enjoyed the massage at the spa on the ship, it was very relaxing.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We did a couples Swedish on our first cruise on a port day. It was by far NOT the best massage I've ever had. My husband, who had never had a massage, thought it was the cat's meow. The sales pitch to buy products at the end was terrible. Really aggravated me right out of "the zone". I've since heard that you can ask at the start "no sales pitch". I've even heard of a person who writes on the pre-massage info sheet they have you fill out: "I'm not buying any products. Do not ask. If you ask me to buy anything you will not get a tip." That's sorta blunt but, IMO, at the prices of the services they really need to lay off the pitching. They're making good money. If it was a mention that the products are available if interested, that would be one thing. Lecturing and carrying on as to why you really should have these things and make time to use them is just tooooooo much for me.

 

[Phonedave]

We did a couples Swedish on our first cruise on a port day. It was by far NOT the best massage I've ever had. My husband, who had never had a massage, thought it was the cat's meow. The sales pitch to buy products at the end was terrible. Really aggravated me right out of "the zone". I've since heard that you can ask at the start "no sales pitch". I've even heard of a person who writes on the pre-massage info sheet they have you fill out: "I'm not buying any products. Do not ask. If you ask me to buy anything you will not get a tip." That's sorta blunt but, IMO, at the prices of the services they really need to lay off the pitching. They're making good money. If it was a mention that the products are available if interested, that would be one thing. Lecturing and carrying on as to why you really should have these things and make time to use them is just tooooooo much for me.

I did the men's shave/facial on board and had the same experience. Every step of the way she was selling me products "so can I add this to your bill?" No, and stop asking me - not relaxing at all. Also, right after the shave it felt great - close shave and skin felt good. 4 hours later it felt like I was sunburnt. I don't have sensitive skin at all, but whatever this girl did to my face was like furniture refinisher. When we did a couples massage in Sandals St Lucia it was so much better. They left a little tray of all the products at the end and said "This is what we used, if you would like to purchase any they are available at the front desk".

As for couples massages, they are good. I don't find them particulary romantic or anything like that. You can't look at each other, and you really can't talk all that much. You might as well be in seperate rooms. But I do like them.

If going for a massage on Castaway Cay, I would say after you have done all your beach stuff would be the way to go. That way you don't get a massage and then get all covered in salt and sand and have to shower. (I assume they have showers to rinse off at before you get the massage)

-dave

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I did the men's shave/facial on board and had the same experience. Every step of the way she was selling me products "so can I add this to your bill?" No, and stop asking me - not relaxing at all. Also, right after the shave it felt great - close shave and skin felt good. 4 hours later it felt like I was sunburnt. I don't have sensitive skin at all, but whatever this girl did to my face was like furniture refinisher. When we did a couples massage in Sandals St Lucia it was so much better. They left a little tray of all the products at the end and said "This is what we used, if you would like to purchase any they are available at the front desk".

As for couples massages, they are good. I don't find them particulary romantic or anything like that. You can't look at each other, and you really can't talk all that much. You might as well be in seperate rooms. But I do like them.

If going for a massage on Castaway Cay, I would say after you have done all your beach stuff would be the way to go. That way you don't get a massage and then get all covered in salt and sand and have to shower. (I assume they have showers to rinse off at before you get the massage)

-dave

"Furniture refinisher".... hehe.. Im beginning to rethink this couple massage... or maybe try one at our hotel in Disney instead

 

[sweetpee_1993]

"Furniture refinisher".... hehe.. Im beginning to rethink this couple massage... or maybe try one at our hotel in Disney instead

Honestly, I'd hit whatever place I know is decent at home before leaving on vacation to set the mood. It'll cost less and you'll know what you're getting.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Honestly, I'd hit whatever place I know is decent at home before leaving on vacation to set the mood. It'll cost less and you'll know what you're getting.

True. Is there anything you do recommend couples do on the ship since the spa seems to be a no-go