Medi-spa treatments are about to become a major push for cruise lines around Australia, with Royal Caribbean’s new boss signalling she is looking at products like Botox injections.
The move comes as the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) reveals that Australians are ranked as one of the world’s biggest spenders on Botox, consuming more than $350 million worth of the cosmetic injectable annually.
“We look at what are the brands that are hot, it could be Botox and other medi-spa experiences or a new type of tour off the ship,” said Susan Bonner, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s managing director and vice-president Australia and New Zealand, who was interviewed in The Australian newspaper about possible changes to the line’s product.
Medi-spa products are already big business for cruise lines. Steiner Leisure and Canyon Ranch spa places licensed physicians with a medical degree from a recognised college or university on ships, to offer popular cosmetic medical procedures such as Botox and fillers to guests.
The companies list almost every big brand on their website: Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Lines, Carnival Australia, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Cunard Line, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises.
Not all lines offer the treatments on Australian routes.
On Norwegian Cruise Line, the majority their 16-strong fleet offer medi-spa services such as fillers and Botox and more. Booking a consultation with a certified physician is free for: Restylane® Dermal Filler Treatments as well as DYSPORT® and BOTOX® Cosmetic Wrinkle Treatments.
They also offer Thermage CPT®* which uses radiofrequency energy to deliver a ‘non-surgical facelift’ but can also be used on the body.
For celebrity cruises, their Botox and Juvederm XC fillers are available only on selected vessels and must be booked onboard. Services are also not available when the vessel is in port.
The prices of these cosmetic treatments vary, especially for Botox and filler procedures as it is dependent on how many volumes is used in the treatment.
Other options available at the spas on different cruises include:
Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth
Mermaid’s purse (50 mins): $177
Fresher, younger-looking skin is the result after this deeply hydrating and detoxifying treatment for tired, dry, dull skin. By stimulating blood flow, this nourishing wrap encourages the body to renew itself.
Queen Mary 2
Mermaid’s purse (50 mins): $186
Fresher, younger-looking skin is the result after this deeply hydrating and detoxifying treatment for tired, dry, dull skin. By stimulating blood flow, this nourishing wrap encourages the body to renew itself.
Tangle me up wrap (80 minutes): $257
Using grounded Laminaria digitata algae, which helps relax tired muscles, relieve stress and banish fatigue. The powerful antioxidant compounds work to firm and tone your skin and to alleviate the appearance of cellulite and signs of ageing.
Express teeth whitening (20 minutes): $199
This peroxide-free laser teeth-whitening system provides immediate results in less than half an hour. It causes no structural or enamel change, and your experience will be painless.
Norwegian Cruise Line
GO SMILE Tooth Whitening Treatment (30mins) from USD$149 (AU$208)
Princess Cruises
Oxydermy facial (50 minutes): $169
Ionithermie detox and inch loss (50 minutes): $159
Teeth whitening: $149
The Enclave (available on Enchanted, Regal, Royal and Sky Princess)
Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite features The Hammam – a Turkish-style steam bath, and from Roman times, the Caldarium –a light steam chamber infused with herbal aromas and the Laconium – a heated, dry chamber to help with purification and detoxification of the body.
I am glad to say that the Australian media have recently been warning about the importance of balancing benefits versus risks and complications that can and do occur in cosmetic medicine treatments. While I am pleased to see that appropriately qualified medical practitioners appear to be performing these procedures, I would strongly recommend that travelers research these procedures and the experience of the provider. It is not sufficient to have done a two-day short course in cosmetic medicine to be proficient, and there are many of these ‘show one, do one’ courses out there right now. Having a happy relaxing time on holiday on a cruise is magnificent. But be sure that this state of pleasure does not cloud your judgment which just might cause snap decisions to ‘just go for it, why not?’ Have realistic expectations about the recovery period in some of these procedures which can involve swelling and bruising, and actually expected temporary side effects. And finally, ask what protocols the Cruise Organisers have in place if a serious complication occurs with your injections,, such as we have seen in recent times. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not dissuading, I’m simply saying, as the President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Austrasia, think carefully before consenting and undergoing these procedures while away from the Australian health system, ask questions, and if you feel pressured, don’t do it.