Spa & Cruise Stories

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Cruise and Spa on P&O's Pacific Jewel - by Marc Llewellyn

There’s nothing like the gentle rocking of a cruise ship to add that extra something special to a pampering session.

For the past few days I had been enjoying laying back on a chaise lounge in the sunshine watching the blue waters of the South Seas slip by. Occasionally I’d reach out for a cocktail, or wander inside for a gourmet meal cooked by someone else. Surely I couldn’t get more relaxed.

But Pacific Jewel had a real treat lined up, something that mingled the calming strokes of oiled hands with the luxury and space that could only be provided by the largest and most impressive shipboard spa in the Southern Hemisphere.

The spa menu at Aqua Heath, Spa & Fitness Centre had several interesting options to choose from, including a Seaweed massage, a Thai herbal Poultice Massage, and Aroma Stone Therapy. I settled on a Bamboo Massage, and put myself in the firm, soothing hands of a delightful masseuse who rolled warm bamboo shoots soaked in essential oils across my grateful body and kneeded my muscles the way only  an artistl can.

Armed with a pass which allowed me to visit the spa as often as I wished during my ten-day cruise, I would rest and read in a relaxation room with panoramic ocean-view windows. Sometimes I would retreat to the seductive Turkish-style steam room, or use the state-of-the-art gym to work off the results of so much food.     

Talking of food – also onboard was well-known chef Luke Mangan, who was overseeing his fourth Australian restaurant, Salt Grill, the first celebrity chef restaurant at sea. For just an extra $20 we enjoyed the freshest fish and top-quality steak, topped off with a sublime desert of licorice parfait with lime syrup. Yum.

As chocolate lovers we were in for another treat too, because Pacific Jewel has its own chocolate café, serving up chocolate ravioli, warm chocolate fondant, Belgium waffles and a range of cookies and chocolate cake.

Another gem in Pacific Jewel’s crown is the top-deck, high-wire trapeze area, featuring acts similar to those performed in Circus Oz and Cirque du Soleil. 

If you have kids, another draw card is that you will barely ever see them – they’ll either be with their friends in the various kids clubs, or in one of the pools. Which leaves you all the time in the world to do nothing but relax. Oh, and explore sultry tropical islands, and watch the flying fish dart past form your private balcony perhaps.

For more information on great-value cruises on P&O’s Pacific Jewel, see www.pocruises.com.au.