Body Thermals Aboard the QM2

When Cunard invited journalists aboard the Queen Mary II for a preview mini-cruise out of New York City, I headed straight for the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. All its treatment rooms were open for a tour, and two unusual pieces of equipment caught my eye.

The first was a hydrotherapy tub -- no surprise there -- but this one had a hinged top with shower heads and a place for your head to stick out! (It's the piece of equipment in the back of this photo.) "It's for our body thermals," explained the tall, handsome Australian. This is a detoxifying treatment that starts with a full-body exfoliation. Then the therapist applies natural Moor mud, clay or seaweed, which speeds up your metabolic system, helping your body carry away waste products more quickly. (That's why it's detoxifying.)

You lie on a platform over the tub, the top comes down, and the steam starts up. When it's time for a rinse, the shower heads in the top of the tub just wash it all away. Sounds fabulous, doesn't it? I was really tempted to book one. But I was lured by another untried piece of equipment that promised a warm, all-enveloping experience -- the body cocoon! More about that soon.