Spa Life on the Queen Mary 2

How good is the Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Cunard's fabulous new $800 million luxury liner, Queen Mary 2? I had a chance to check it out when the ship came to New York City for a mini-cruise.

I’m a cruise virgin, so my tendency is to compare it to a luxury land spa. This isn't quite fair. A ship has constraints that don't apply to land. Then again, no land spa can compete with this sunny relaxation room, a row of wicker chaises facing the serene, endless ocean.

By any standard, there are some wonderful amenties here. A dramatic Vitality Pool is almost as large as a swimming pool. And take your pick of heat therapies in the “Thermal Suite”: Finnish sauna, aromatic steam, or herbal sauna. But they are co-ed, so wear your swimsuit. You get free all-day access to the Aqua Therapy center, Fitness Center and exercise classes with any treatment. Otherwise you can buy a "passport" for $19 a day at port or $25 a day at sea.

Most massage, facials and body treatments are $109 at port, $129 at sea, and include aromatherapy massage, Thai massage, Shiatsu, and “cocooning” in a new piece of spa equipment I’m going to write about next time. The international therapists are of the caliber you would expect from Canyon Ranch.

While there’s a fitness club, lectures and spa cuisine in the restaurants, this is not a substitute for Canyon Ranch Tucson or Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires. Go because you want a luxury cruise, first and foremost. But it’s nice to know you can get a stone massage while you’re on board.