Sunset from the MSC Preziosa. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Recently I went on a Mediterranean cruise with my daughter. This is her review of the spa treatments we enjoyed while on board.

Guest post by Izzy  Schifano, age 15.

Aboard the MSC Preziosa, the easiest way to get to the Aurea Spa is to walk through the pool area. You make your way through sticky heat and the entertainment team (leading a samba lesson and a disco at the same time), but as soon as you step through those doors you are greeted by blissful air conditioning, tranquillity, and the lovely Balinese spa therapists. In my eyes, just sitting in the reception would be a relaxing treatment in itself! We are extremely lucky to have been given some spa services as part of our hospitality on the ship.

Relax Face Treatment

This facial only lasts half an hour but it is truly the most relaxed I have been for a long time, having just completed 11 GCSE’s, 24 exams and months of revising. It also feels like much longer than thirty minutes as your therapist does so much in a seemingly short amount of time. I honestly have no idea which particular products my therapist Ni Ketut Sutini used on me as I kept on dozing off, but all I know is that they all felt gorgeous and smelt divine. The brand she used is called Collistar. Ni Ketut Sutini asked me before the facial about my skin type so I assume they use different products depending on your levels of dryness and oiliness. The treatment is described as a ‘face cleansing treatment’ using cream ‘designed to firm your skin and give you a wonderful feeling of relaxation’ and although I can’t comment on whether it firmed my skin or not (I hopefully won’t get wrinkles for another fifteen years or so), my skin felt very cleansed and smooth after the treatment. Mum and I were able to have our facials in the same room which I thought was a nice touch. I also had a head and neck massage, which felt incredibly relaxing, although I had to bite my cheek to stop myself bursting with laugher when she was massaging my neck as I’m very ticklish! If you were going to have this treatment I would say remember to reapply sun cream after your facial on your neck and chest as well as your face. Especially if you’re going to be lying in the sun for the whole day and if your prom is in one weeks time.

The 30-minute Relax Facial Treatment costs 50 euros.

Spa therapist on board the MSC Preziosa. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Balinese massage 

We went to this a couple of days after our facial, and boy oh boy this is a whole new level of relaxation. At first I found it a bit strange as I had never had a massage before and was slightly bemused by the underwear I was given to wear, but soon felt at ease. You can choose your massage to be 30, 45 or 60 minutes, but we were given a whole hour which I was very excited about. This full body massage goes from foot to scalp and most places inbetween, using ‘traditional’ and ‘oriental techniques’.  I fell asleep several times during this, except of course when I had the inevitable neck massage. The oil felt slightly gross and sticky but after a shower my skin just felt totally moisturised and soft.

The 60-minute Balinese massage costs 126 euros.

Aurea spa

We had also been given time in the spa’s Solarium and Sauna, but sadly we were too busy doing things like going on shore excursions and eating lovely food and we didn’t have time to go. The spa runs daily exercise classes, like morning yoga, and has amazing facilities, such as a gym, frigidarium, relaxation rooms and even a beauty parlour with a hairdresser and beautician. They offer countless massages, facials and other treatments. Overall I loved the whole spa experience and would definitely tell anyone about to embark on a cruise to make use of the spa at least once. It’s a great use of your time and also a great way to kick your holiday off to a relaxing start. Thank you very much to MSC for having us.

Aurea spa on board the MSC Preziosa. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Disclaimer: We received our treatments free of charge for the purposes of this review.