When two of Princesså’ ships are launched next spring, a new sea-going spa product will also debut, marking the first time a major cruise line has created and operated its own onboard spas.
The new “Lotus Spa” aboard Caribbean Princess and Sapphire Princess will feature an array of renowned sea-based treatments and services designed for both men and women, with even some special services for teens, plus custom staff uniforms designed by noted L.A. fashion designer Sue Wong. 
And, in an industry first, consumers will be able to make advance reservations for spa treatments prior to their cruise through Princess’ web site. 
The first new Lotus Spa will debut onboard Caribbean Princess in April 2004, and the second will launch on Sapphire Princess when the ship enters service in May.  The Steiner Corporation, with whom Princess has had a long and successful history, will continue to operate the spas on the remainder of the Princess fleet. 
“With the introduction of Caribbean and Sapphire Princess we had the opportunity to further enhance the onboard spa experience, ” explained Jeff Kohl, Princess’ Director of Spa Operations.  “Our goal is to create a sanctuary for our guests where relaxation and rejuvenation of the body and mind come together in a warm, service-oriented environment.” 
Kohl explained that the serenity of an Asian-themed spa setting has been well received by Princess passengers, and this latest move is designed to build upon that success. 
“It’s very exciting to be able to create a Princess-branded spa experience from the ground up.  We were able to assemble an impressive collection of some of the most exciting products and treatments in the spa and beauty industries, plus add a distinctive element of Asian flair to the experience with the custom-designed uniforms by Sue Wong,” Kohl said.  “Combine all this with a top-notch service credo of warmth and customer care, and we expect our passengers will discover yet another new experience which sets Princess apart.” 
Kohl, who is also President of the International SPA Association (ISPA), says “The industry numbers, along with our own results, show that the spa experience is growing in importance as a leisure activity. And we want to provide to our passengers the most innovative, pampering and rejuvenating spa experience possible
.”
High Style on the High Seas 
Princess has tapped noted L.A. fashion designer Sue Wong, known for her silky, hand-beaded and hand-painted evening wear, to bring some distinctly Asian fashion flair to the new Lotus Spas. 
Wong’s creations regularly appear in fashion magazines outfitting the many celebrities who are taken with her stylish designs.  Wong, whose Chinese name coincidentally is “Lotus,” will design and manufacture the uniforms worn by all members of the spa staff, from the managers to the estheticians. 
Advance Reservations an Industry First
With the debut of the new Lotus Spas, Princess becomes the only cruise line to offer its passengers the ability to conveniently make reservations for spa treatments in advance of their cruise.
The New Lotus Spa reservation system, accessed through Princess’ web site, will begin accepting bookings in February 2004 for the Caribbean and Sapphire Princess sailings beginning with their inaugural voyages.
“The technology and back-of-house support behind accepting advance spa reservations is quite complex, but we placed a high priority on making this possible since we know that getting the appointments they wish at the time they would like is an important part of the cruise vacation experience for many of our passengers,” said Kohl.  “We’re delighted to break new ground with this service, and we’re sure our spa guests are going to love the convenience of booking their treatments before they even step aboard.”
Treatments to Relax and Rejuvenate
These Princess-created and operated spas will feature an innovative menu of treatments, including the distinctive “rasul experience,” an eastern combination of healing muds, steam and dry heat in a private sauna and steam suite for couples, plus new offerings especially designed for teens, and for men as well.
According to the 2002 ISPA study, men make up 29 percent of spa-goers, and 14 percent are young adults in the 14-24 year age bracket.  “It makes sense that we would welcome both of these groups into our spas by designing treatments just for them,” said Kohl. 
The new men’s section includes five special treatments including an Aromatic Pine Sea Scrub, Muscle Thermal Repair and Fitness Massage, Cool Marine Facial and Massage, and an AromaVedic Manicure or Pedicure.  On the menu for teens are a body polish and tanning, facials, manicures and pedicures.
The wide array of facials, body treatments and massages will include treatments to relax, exfoliate, hydrate, nourish, soothe and firm.  Besides being made from natural ingredients, many of which have been derived from the sea, most treatments include an aromatherapy component.
There’s even a Golden Sun Kiss tanning treatment for passengers who want a tan but are conscious about the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
Special Touches Enhance Spa Visits
It won’t be only the treatments and products that will set the new Lotus Spas apart.  Special touches will enhance a passenger’s spa visit, such as enjoying a live string quartet during yoga or Pilates lessons in the Lotus Spa fitness center.
Smoothies and energy drinks, a signature Lotus Spa drink and spa snacks will also be featured, and at the conclusion of each treatment guests will receive a special thank you gift.  A signature Lotus Spa fragrance will also debut.
Products Celebrate Therapeutic Powers of the Ocean
A special element of the new Lotus Spas will be the treatment products exclusive to Princess, supplied by Phytomer, a French company who will bring their 30 years of experience as worldwide experts in marine-based cosmetics.
With the company name literally meaning “plant of the sea,” Phytomer researches and develops products that include vital sea elements their high-tech, natural products have at their core a unique seawater concentrate that is the foundation of their product lines.
Found in prestigious resorts and spas around the world, Phytomer’s wide range of award-winning products, combined with special training of all spa staff, are designed to regenerate and protect the skin, and relax the body and mind.

Carita Paris will be featured in the hair salon of the new Lotus Spas. The company is known for combining science with fragrance and texture, to create some of the most sought-after products in the beauty industry.

               
In the 1960s, the founders of the line revolutionized the way the world looked at hair and, since then, Carita Paris has become one of the top hair care lines in the world, with products found in upscale stores, salons and resort spas.
Rounding out the product line, one of the best-known names in nail care CreativeSpa has been selected to supply the manicure and pedicure spa treatment line for the new Lotus Spas.  Used at select salons and destination spas, the products are made with natural therapeutic marine ingredients such as botanicals and natural sea extracts. 
One of the best-known names in North American cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company.  Part of Carnival Corporation and plc, its current fleet of 11 ships sail on approximately 150 different itineraries around the globe, calling at more than 260 ports on all seven continents.
By 2006 a further four ships will be introduced. Additional information is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.
——-