If you have been a P & T reader for long, you are familiar with the many world class spas I write about.  This one I experienced on my recent cruise to Alaska on Holland America’s outstanding Oosterdam ship.

To say that the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, is the largest and most luxurious spa in the Holland American fleet is an outstanding statement.  But it is true!  As the Oosterdam travels the warm waters of the Caribbean, transits the Panama Canal, explores Mexico, cruises the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska's icy  Inside Passage, and Glacier Bay waters.  All the while the travelers inside  can enjoy one of the finest spas of any large cruise ship on the oceans.

Holland American states, “Holland America Line is expanding the exclusive Greenhouse Spa, to offer guests a luxurious and pampering experience that is as self-indulgent as it is therapeutic". Relaxing treatment rooms offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. The Greenhouse Spa fitness facility includes the latest exercise equipment, and experienced exercise professionals for personal training. Enhancements include: Additional treatment rooms-including couple's massage rooms-offering an impressive menu of luxurious treatments,   dry float suite with massage option,   thermal suites with hydro-therapy pool, steam and aromatic room, heated ceramic lounges and in-suite showers.   There is the new relaxation area, new manicure and pedicure area,   a Lifestyle Fitness Center complete with yoga, Pilate's, spinning and the latest exercise and weight-training equipment.   Choose the blissful pampering of a facial. Let the trained fingers of a massage therapist sooth your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in exotic herbs. All this while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying other Holland America Line onboard experience indulgences.

Spas onboard Holland America Line cruise ships feature the beauty and wellness rituals of renowned Steiner Leisure, the global spa leader. With everything from the hydro-therapy pools to hair and nail care, the spas and salons leave you feeling pampered and refreshed.

For rejuvenation thru exercise, Holland America Line cruise ship spas offer fitness classes to help you achieve optimum health and vitality. Yoga, Pilate's, spinning, aquarobics and cardio Ki-Bo circuit training are available for students of all levels. Take advantage of treadmills, stationary bikes, stair steppers, rowing machines, weights and weight machines. And while you're working out, refresh your soul with soothing panoramic views of the ocean.

As part of our Signature of Excellence®initiative, the spa and salon facilities on each of our premium cruise ships is being expanded and enhanced. Staffed with professionals from Steiner Leisure, the tranquil Greenhouse Spa and Salon invites guests to embrace sensory indulgence. The Greenhouse Spa and Salon is currently is on the entire Holland America Line fleet.    “Among the massage treatments offered are:  Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage Excessive physical activity can cause deep muscular and joint distress. This deep massage warms the joints, ligaments and muscles to melt the aches away. It is also a wonderfully relaxing way to pamper and care for the body.  Swedish Massage   (25 and 50 minutes) For the ultimate relief of muscle tension, choose a Swedish massage. Swedish massage uses Effleurage, Pettrisage, Tapotement and Friction to aid the body's internal cleansing system. Complete relaxation is only minutes away.  Couples Massage (50 minutes)  Couples may choose to enjoy a Swedish massage together. Lie side-by-side in the same therapy room as our massage professionals soothe sore muscle and tissue. Relax together and leave refreshed.”   I found the full body exfoliation treatment to be especially refreshing.  There are many enthralling facial and body treatments to choose from including manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening, and hydra lifting facials.

I can personally say, after a number of massages and spa treatments on the Alaskan tour, this spa is worthy of  my special Editor’s Choice ! 

                                                                           Happy Traveling