Travel of America's Jim Petzel files another report on his recent trip to Florida to cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's brand new Oasis of the Seas.
Having mastered the exhilarating Zip Line (where I raced across the Boardwalk’s open air atrium while suspended nine decks above) and surf-simulating FlowRider (I opted for the Boogie Board since it’s wider and by hunkering down, I could use my body weight to keep the board balanced, ride the wave and not wipe out), I decided to check out Oasis of the Seas’ amazing Vitality at Sea Spa & Fitness Center the next day.
Billed by Royal Caribbean as a place to soothe mind, body and soul, this state-of-the-art facility – arguably the largest at sea – designed for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, combines the most advanced spa and anti-aging therapies, the latest fitness equipment and even healthy dining options. At the breezy spa café I began my day sipping a strawberry smoothie (with extra protein powder to both bulk up and slim down) followed by a fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and nut parfait. Healthy snacks, juices and nutritious entrees round out the menu.
In this welcoming retreat, guests can enjoy the benefits of a relaxing massage, including a new therapy featuring warm bamboo shoots and essential oils to soothe tired muscles. Or how about a 24-karat gold facial to restore the skin’s youthful glow with the application of a pure gold leaf mask. Couples can share the pampering experience in one of the spa’s many couples massage suites, plus there’s an entire area for teens and kids to enjoy specially catered services. Oasis’ Vitality spa also offers medi-spa enhancements including Botox, Restylane and Perlane cosmetic therapies, acupuncture and advanced tooth whitening treatments. A hair salon with the Elemis line of products complements the wide range of facilities.
At the center of the spa’s treatment area lies the Thermal Suite. Here you can find bliss and contentment as you take in a selection of aromatic steam rooms and sauna. Just outside are heated loungers, perfect for relaxing before or after your treatment.
To my surprise, the Fitness Center rivaled the gym where I work out at home – LA Fitness – with an impressive array of resistance equipment and free weights. For cardio, I could choose from banks of treadmills, recumbent bikes and elliptical crosstrainers. Spinning enthusiasts will find a dedicated area featuring well over two dozen bikes. You can also join optional classes in kickboxing, yoga and Pilates.
A stairway from the fitness center led one deck below to a covered jogging/walking track with rubber flooring that encircled the perimeter of the ship and offered stunning views from both sides and aft. (The embarkation deck area also doubles as the staging platform for the ship’s eighteen rescue craft which, unlike other vessels, do not need to be lowered into position for boarding.) Motivational slogans incorporated into the bulkheads above your head challenge you onward to complete each lap.
Feeling pumped up from the protein in my breakfast smoothie, I opted for a Kinesis class to tone my body and strengthen my muscles. Our instructor, Devin, who hailed from England and helped to set up the Fitness Center on the TransAtlantic crossing from the shipyard in Finland, informed us that Kinesis, a whole new way to work out, is slowly being introduced aboard cruise ships, and that we would be some of the first to participate in this new form of training which increases the body’s strength, endurance, flexibility and mobility.
Utilizing equipment similar to the Total Gym, endorsed by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley, Devin led nine of us through a series of toning and sculpting exercises utilizing fluid, natural movements which focused on all areas of the body – legs, thighs, back, shoulders, chest and arms, even the neck.
Based on resistance and gravity technology – not weights – the equipment’s rotating pulleys and cables gave me an incredible work out plus unrestricted body movement. Just minutes into the class, I was huffing and puffing and sweating more than I had since my P.E. classes – several lifetimes ago – but I felt inspired to persevere knowing that Kinesis exercise burns 30% more calories than traditional machines. (Maybe at dinner tonite I could splurge on a second chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier sauce, after all!)
After class, I thanked Devin for his encouragement and advice, but when he asked me if I would like to join the class again the next morning, I demurred. After all, being a good travel agent, there was so much more of the incredible Oasis of the Seas I just had to uncover – like the uber-chic Solarium – so that I might share more of my experiences aboard this revolutionary ship with you!