Relaxation on Our Cruise

@BelleStarr (61050)
United States
March 5, 2018 7:55am CST
We just got back yesterday from our 7 days in the Western Caribbean. I will be writing about a few things we saw and di but first I want to say that this was a very relaxing vacation. Part of this was due to the fact that Holland America offers guests the option of using their thermal suite. We booked the entire week and every evening at about 8:15 p.m. we arrived and got our locker keys. You then change or at least don the very soft robe that they offer. We always wear our bathing suits since we plan to use the mineral spa. The thermal suite offers heated lounges, the mineral spa, and two steam rooms. If you go in the daytime you have beautiful views out the windows but we always go after dark. We spend 15 minutes in the spa and then 30 minutes on the lounge. It was very effective in helping Al with the back pain associated with Parkinson's. I find that I sleep very well after we relax for 45 minutes before bedtime. This is one of my favorite things about Holland America.
18 people like this
22 responses
@LadyDuck (455009)
• Switzerland
5 Mar 18
It is true that the thermal SPA helps a lot for the back pain, this is why we had one installed in the garden.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
5 Mar 18
Yes, I am thinking that we need one as well.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (455009)
• Switzerland
6 Mar 18
@BelleStarr It is very pleasant to relax inside the thermal SPA, even in summer.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116876)
• Anniston, Alabama
5 Mar 18
When I used to work out in my mid 20`s I did the sauna and steam afterwards, I always felt awesome I am glad you have a wnnderful time.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
5 Mar 18
Thank you, it was nice just to not be online for 7 days lol
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (48855)
• United States
5 Mar 18
It sounds very relaxing
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
It was and I think it is what you need when the time is right. It is really nice to be pampered for a change and not be responsible for anything.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Mar 18
Can't wait to hear more about your cruise. Using the spa before bed sounds wonderful.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
5 Mar 18
Thank you, yes that headed bed was such a treat.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (39965)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Mar 18
I love to go on cruises, too, and the spas are always wonderful. What a great way to relax!
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
Yes this thermal spa room is one thing unique about Holland America and it adds a very relaxing aspect to the trip.
1 person likes this
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Mar 18
@BelleStarr - Sounds heavenly. It has been years since I was on a cruise. I think I need one now! LOL
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (323745)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Mar 18
Welcome back and I'm glad you've had a good time. The spas, etc sound very relaxing.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
5 Mar 18
It was very relaxing and we are having a hard time getting out of vacation mode. lol
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (323745)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Mar 18
@BelleStarr I can understand that! You'll have to start planning the next one.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (110776)
• El Paso, Texas
5 Mar 18
Wow, that sounds terrific
1 person likes this
@rebelann (110776)
• El Paso, Texas
7 Mar 18
So, when did you book your next cruise @BelleStarr ? Heck, why didn't you simply book it so you wouldn't have to leave?
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
7 Mar 18
@rebelann I want to do Canada next I think but first I have to see if I can afford it lol
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
It really was, we used it as often as we had the time to,
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64363)
• United Kingdom
13 Mar 18
That sounds wonderful, and glad that it helped Al.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
14 Mar 18
It was amazing and it made the pain in his back so much better, I am going to look for some kind of full pad for the bed maybe that is heated. Then maybe he can just use it every day.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21854)
• Canada
8 Mar 18
I've not traveled with them yet, but If it happens I will check out the heated lounges, the mineral spa, and two steam rooms. I am addicted to the steam room - I'm in it every day at the Y... Sounds like a beautiful trip.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
10 Mar 18
They do have complimentary steam rooms but they are not as nice as the ones in the thermal suite. Well worth the price.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
7 Mar 18
So glad you both did the spa. They are very beneficial and rejuvenating. I always booked a 3:00 appointment (not for thermals) because we enjoyed going to the shows after dinner.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
7 Mar 18
This thermal suite is quite different, we can go there anytime we want and soak in the mineral spa or lay in the heated beds or take a sauna, we did however both get massages. On Holland America the entertainment is a little weak so the thermal suite is a good option for us lol
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
7 Mar 18
@DianneN It is really less active than some of the other lines but the quality is good except the entertainment. lol Royal Caribbean has better entertainment but I really prefer these smaller ships
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
7 Mar 18
@BelleStarr That's terrific. Not the entertainment, though. I've never been on Holland America.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67002)
• United States
5 Mar 18
So glad you had a relaxing time! Sounds like a good last thing to do before bed.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
It did make for some really good sleep I have to say.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67002)
• United States
6 Mar 18
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129117)
• Israel
7 Mar 18
It sounds like you had a good trip. I am sorry you have Parkinsons.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
7 Mar 18
I don't have it, my husband has it. We are dealing with it as best we can.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129117)
• Israel
7 Mar 18
@BelleStarr I am sorry Belle. How is he doing?
@nela13 (55684)
• Portugal
8 Mar 18
Mineral spa sounds fantastic
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
10 Mar 18
It is a hot tub with mineral water, it is wonderful.
1 person likes this
@nela13 (55684)
• Portugal
10 Mar 18
@BelleStarr I should try one day
@mlgen1037 (29901)
• Manila, Philippines
5 Mar 18
Hi! That is fantastic. Everybody deserves a break and relax once in a while. The thermal suite looks nice and promising. I am glad you and your husband enjoyed your trip.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
Thank you, yes it was a wonderful cruise.
1 person likes this
@mlgen1037 (29901)
• Manila, Philippines
6 Mar 18
@BelleStarr you’re welcome. I will try that cruise with my husband too.
1 person likes this
@maezee (42003)
• United States
5 Mar 18
That sounds excellent. Ill need to check that out. Welcome back!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
It is what makes this cruise so extra special.
@averygirl72 (37544)
• Philippines
8 Mar 18
That sounds a very relaxing experience. That's really nice you enjoy it
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
8 Mar 18
Thank you, yes we enjoyed it very much.
@jstory07 (133795)
• Roseburg, Oregon
6 Mar 18
I am glad you were able o relax everyvnight on your cruise.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
That is one thing I really miss here at home, that and someone making my bed and picking up after me lol
@moffittjc (118224)
• Gainesville, Florida
7 Mar 18
One of the things I always booked on my cruises was daily massages. It sure did help me unwind and relax, and made my cruising experience so much nicer!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
7 Mar 18
In addition to the thermal suite we each also had a massage, I had hot sone and Al had bamboo, very relaxing.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
6 Mar 18
I feel relaxed reading this. lol
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
Yes it was the most relaxing experience for sure.
@just4him (303377)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
6 Mar 18
I would imagine after your time in the spa, you would have a good night's sleep.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
6 Mar 18
We sure did, it was a wonderful way to relax and do some quiet time before bedtime. We went just about an hour before we went to bed,
1 person likes this