While Ponce de Leon spent a lifetime searching for the legendary fountain of youth, 400 years later Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Mandara Spa continue the quest to offer passengers more options in finding their version of eternal youth. As of January 2001, all NCL ships offer the services of Mandara Spa, the leading operator of resort spas in the world, which complements NCL’s innovative Freestyle Cruising offering passengers more freedom and choices in a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.

The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods’ quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. While NCL’s Mandara Spa experience cannot promise immortality, it emphasizes wellness, relaxation and pampering combining the best of East and West and reflecting the beauty, spirit and ancient rituals and traditions of Bali. Some features of the NCL spa product from Mandara include luxurious private hydrotherapy baths incorporating milk and honey, mineral salts or black moor; simultaneous in-spa treatments for couples; in-stateroom spa treatments; Mandara Spa signature service standards; exotic Asian Spa treatments; poolside and on-deck massages during port days; and massage and de-stress treatments on secluded beaches during private island visits in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Massage pictures and moods are out of this world.

Mandara Spa incorporates local spa traditions and therapies particular to the history, culture and geographical regions to which NCL sails and seeks fresh, indigenous products from local markets to include in spa services. Examples include:

When cruising in South America, a Fire and Ice treatment is offered honoring the dramatic Andes Mountains. This treatment utilizes warmed and chilled volcanic stones that are caressed simultaneously over the body to create an extraordinary sensory experience.

During NCL’s Hawaii cruises, freshly grated coconuts are used for the Coconut Body Polish, a gentle, smoothing and natural cleansing body treatment which is rich in nutrients and relaxes the body with pure healing oils -- ideal for sunburned and wind-swept skin.

Also in Hawaii, fresh Kona coffee is ground and mixed with Balinese coffee and volcanic pumice to enhance the Balinese Coffee Scrub, a treatment which stimulates, smoothes and refines skin and elevates moods.

Originally reserved for Hawaiian kings and queens, Mandara Spa’s Hawaiian Majesty Massage incorporates a traditional Hawaiian lomi-lomi-style massage with long soothing strokes designed to relax and rejuvenate.