Cloud 9 Spa, Carnival Cruise Line’s spa and fitness facility: What you need to know
Vacation is a time to relax, unwind and focus on your mental and physical well-being. With that in mind, nearly all cruise ships offer spas, salons and fitness centers that can help you look and feel your best when you sail.
Carnival Cruise Line's wellness area is called Cloud 9 and offers seminars, classes, treatments and services that have you covered from scalp massage to pedicure. Read on to find out all about the Cloud 9 Spa, Fitness Center and Salon, including which ships have them, what they provide and what they'll cost you.
What is Cloud 9 Spa on Carnival cruises? What are the Cloud 9 Salon and Fitness Center?
Cloud 9 is the name of the trifecta of products — spa, salon and fitness center — operated on most Carnival ships by independent contractor OneSpaWorld (which manages similar facilities on most cruise lines' vessels).
Spa treatments include massages (Swedish, hot stone and so forth), body wraps, facials, cellulite reduction, intravenous therapies, acupuncture and anti-wrinkle treatments.
Passengers wishing to have their hair coiffed or nails done can visit the related Cloud 9 Salon. Services include manicures, pedicures, blowouts, hairstyling, cuts and color, as well as men’s services. Other offerings might be waxing, eyebrow shaping and teeth whitening.
Reservations are required for both the spa and the salon.
Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?
The Cloud 9 gym is affiliated with the Cloud 9 Spa and Salon on ships that have it. Like the spa and salon, it’s managed by OneSpaWorld and provides an area for passengers to partake in for-fee exercise classes (think: yoga, spin and Pilates) and personal training or to conduct their own workouts on free-to-use equipment.
The Cloud 9 gyms are frequently outfitted with treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, both standard and recumbent exercise bikes, stair-climbers, weight machines, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight benches, medicine balls, yoga mats, balance balls and foam rollers. Other amenities might include water stations, towels and sanitizer for cleaning off machines and equipment.
The spa and fitness complexes on each ship also provide men’s and women’s locker rooms, and most vessels have saunas and steam rooms, too. On ships with thermal suites, you’ll find heated tile loungers, soaking pools and other amenities. You’ll gain access if you stay in certain cabin types, book a spa treatment or purchase a thermal suite pass.
For more information on specific offerings, visit the Cloud 9 page on Carnival's website.
Cloud 9 Spa prices
Except for complimentary consultations and gym equipment that’s free to use, you’ll shell out extra for everything offered at the spa, salon and gym. Expect to pay a significant markup compared to land-based treatments and services.
Examples of treatments, services and pricing are as follows:
- Swedish massage: $179 for 50 minutes, $219 for 75 minutes and $299 for 100 minutes
- Aromatherapy hot stone massage: $199 for 50 minutes, $229 for 75 minutes and $299 for 100 minutes
- Pro-collagen facial: $199 for 50 minutes
- Traditional manicure: $59 (30 minutes)
- Traditional pedicure: $69 (45 minutes)
- Blowout: $59 to $89
- Haircut: from $89
- Fitness class (yoga, Pilates or spin): $20 per class (three- and six-class packs are also available)
Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change without notice.
An 18% gratuity is also automatically tacked on to the cost of all spa and salon treatments and services.
Watch for discounts on the first or second day of your cruise, savings if you book multiple treatments or classes, or deals for services on port days when most passengers are ashore.
Be aware that spa and salon employees are trained to pitch you pricey beauty and hair care products following any treatments you schedule. If you want to avoid high-pressure sales tactics that could bring down your relaxed vibe, request before the start of your service that they refrain from doing it.
Additionally, Carnival ships that have the Cloud 9 Spa also have Cloud 9 Spa cabins. When you book one of those, you’re entitled to Cloud 9 amenities like unlimited thermal suite access, a body scrub kit, priority spa reservations, discounts on port day treatments, a complimentary body composition analysis, upgraded Elemis toiletries in your cabin bathroom and even free fitness classes (two per person).
Is a visit to the Cloud 9 Fitness Center, Cloud 9 Salon or Cloud 9 Spa worth it?
That all depends. If you’re someone who loves being pampered and doesn't mind a bit of a splurge, yes. If you’re on a strict budget, a cruise is not the time to put the spa to the test since prices are much higher than what you likely can find at home.
If you’re able to snag one of the deals mentioned above or you have a bit of onboard credit that’s burning a hole in your account, it could make the experience a better value.
Plus, there’s something to be said for convenience. Sometimes, you just don’t have the time to paint your own nails before you embark, or you don’t feel like styling your own hair for formal night. That’s when the Cloud 9 Salon can come to the rescue — but you’ll pay handsomely for the luxury.
Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
You can almost never go wrong with a visit to the gym to use the free equipment. If you can’t break your at-home gym routine or if all the food on your sailing has you feeling sluggish, it might be worth paying for an exercise class or two as well.
Beware of free seminars offered by spa technicians and fitness instructors. They’re usually sales pitches for things like expensive beauty products, fancy treatments or shoe inserts that purport to correct posture.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time and money you want to invest in visits to the spa, salon and fitness center when you cruise.
Which Carnival ships have a Cloud 9 Spa, Salon and Fitness Center?
Of Carnival’s 27 ships, 20 have facilities that are specifically branded as Cloud 9:
- Carnival Breeze
- Carnival Celebration
- Carnival Dream
- Carnival Elation
- Carnival Firenze
- Carnival Horizon
- Carnival Jubilee
- Carnival Luminosa
- Carnival Magic
- Carnival Miracle
- Carnival Panorama
- Carnival Paradise
- Carnival Pride
- Carnival Radiance
- Carnival Splendor
- Carnival Sunrise
- Carnival Sunshine
- Carnival Venezia
- Carnival Vista
- Mardi Gras
Note: Other ships offer similar services but do not have the Cloud 9 branding.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
- Here's which Carnival ship you should try, based on your travel style
- All the classes of Carnival cruise ships, explained
- A guide to Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP loyalty program
- All about Carnival Cruise Line cabins and suites
- All you need to know about Carnival Cruise Line food
- Carnival cruise ships by age
- Carnival cruise ships by size
- Carnival Cruise Line's Cheers drink package
- Carnival cruise tips and tricks
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.