Cunard to redevelop spa concept fleetwide as Mareel debuts on refurbished Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line is introducing a brand-new spa brand fleetwide in partnership with Canyon Ranch, called Mareel Wellness & Beauty, which means ‘phosphorescence of the ocean’ in old Norse language.

The new spa concept was introduced aboard Queen Elizabeth when she emerged from a major refurbishment last month and will be expanded to the rest of the fleet in the coming two years.

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“We are delighted to share news of Mareel Wellness & Beauty, Cunard’s first ever own spa concept,” said Angus Struthers, Vice President, Marketing at Cunard. “Wellbeing is key to life, and feeling relaxed in mind and body is an important part of any holiday, and we are thrilled to offer such a luxurious spa at sea for our guests.”

The spa aboard Queen Victoria will be transformed into a Mareel Wellness & Beauty during her refurbishment later this month, while Queen Mary 2 will get the new spa brand in November 2020.

Phosphorescence of the ocean refers to the phenomenon of glowing lights that can sometimes be seen at night in the surface layers of the ocean, especially in a ship’s wake. The name reflects the inspiration that the spa takes from the ocean for its various treatments.

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Canyon Ranch has created a brand-new menu of spa treatments with more focus on mineral-rich seawater and marine-based experiences.

The revamped spa on Queen Elizabeth for example features a new couples’ suite for seaweed bathing rituals using VOYA seaweed harvested from the west coast of Ireland.

There’s also a new meditation room with acoustic resonance loungers; a reconfigured fitness centre and studio space for classes and new sound therapy facilities in every treatment room.

The spa was just one of several areas updated during Queen Elizabeth’s recent dry dock. All Grill Suites and Britannia staterooms were refreshed, as well as many public areas including The Royal Court Theatre.

Queen Elizabeth will cruise from South Africa during 2019 as she repositions to Australia for a series of Australian and Southeast Asian itineraries.

Queen Elizabeth was designed as a tribute to the two previous Queen Elizabeth-named Cunard ships: the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2 – now a floating hotel in Dubai).

She evokes the era of the 1930s, in which Cunard’s first Queen Elizabeth was launched, with many art deco interior touches and this style was retained in her most recent refit and refurbishment.