The Largest Spa at Sea

April 27, 2010— -- We already know that Norwegian Epic -- one of the year's most hotly anticipated new ships, Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ever -- will usher in new innovations in entertainment and dining when it launches in July. Now, the cruise line has announced the ship will also debut the largest spa and fitness facility at sea, measuring more than 31,000 square feet.

The Mandara Spa will be operated by Steiner, the spa conglomerate that operates facilities on ships from NCL and many other cruise lines. But there are a few Epic-only twists, including ice cream-themed manis and pedis for kids and customizable salt scrubs and massages.

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A few highlights:

The line's first-ever spa cabins. Epic will feature 39 spa-dedicated staterooms -- a first for the line and an increasingly popular trend in the industry -- accessible only by private key-card and offering free access to the ship's Hydrotherapy Courtyard and Thermal Suite, a private enclave surrounding the spa and fitness center (the price for passengers not booked in spa cabins has yet to be set). In addition to balcony and deluxe balcony spa cabins, there will be eight spa suites with in-room whirlpools.

A variety of treatment rooms. The spa will feature 24 treatments rooms as well as two "couple's villas" and two "solo villas" for massages (each has a private, outdoor whirlpool), plus two exotic Rasul steam rooms where guests have access to organic muds, exfoliants and oils for rinsing off under the warm, rainforest-style shower. Guests can also create their own DIY sugar or salt scrub. Six treatment rooms feature balconies with chaise lounges.

There will also be a full-service salon and barber shop.

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Manis, pedis and more for kids ... Young cruisers get their own roster of treatments created around the ME! Bath line of ice-cream themed products (although ice cream itself isn't expected to be dished up at the spa, NCL spokeswoman Courtney Recht says it's a possibility). Treatments include the ME! Bath Ice Cream Manicure and Pedicure and a ME! Bath Ice Cream Social, an opportunity for a group of kids to get together and test out the products. There are also mother-daughter and father-son massage options for family bonding. Cruise Critic is an online cruise guide, featuring cruise reviews, news, deals and advice on all aspects of cruising.