MSC Grandiosa offers a strong wellness lineup for cruisers who want to relax in the thermal area, book a massage or maintain their normal workout routine at sea.
The ship’s wellness facilities are spread across several decks. MSC Aurea Spa and its thermal area are on Deck 7, while the Technogym fitness center and outdoor walking track are on Deck 16. Aurea guests also have access to Top 19 Exclusive Solarium on Deck 19.
During our visit, the thermal area appeared spacious, well maintained and equipped with more than the usual collection of saunas and steam rooms. The gym was also a good size, with plenty of cardio equipment and panoramic windows overlooking the pool deck and ocean.
The one weak point is Grandiosa’s outdoor track. MSC describes it as a power walking track, and that is probably the best way to use it. Running is possible, but passenger traffic makes it difficult to maintain a consistent pace.
This MSC Grandiosa Spa and Gym Guide covers the thermal area, spa treatments, Aurea benefits, gym equipment, fitness classes, walking track and the services that cost extra.
MSC Grandiosa spa and gym at a glance
Here is where Grandiosa’s primary spa and fitness facilities are located:
- MSC Aurea Spa: Deck 7
- Thermal area: Deck 7
- Massage and treatment rooms: Deck 7
- Hair salon, barber shop and nail salon: Deck 7
- MSC Gym powered by Technogym: Deck 16
- Power Walking Track: Deck 16
- Top 19 Exclusive Solarium: Deck 19
MSC lists the Aurea Spa at approximately 1,100 square meters, or nearly 11,840 square feet.
The gym measures approximately 570 square meters, or about 6,135 square feet. That is a relatively generous amount of space for a cruise ship fitness center.
Basic gym access and use of the outdoor track are included in the cruise fare. Thermal-area access, spa treatments, salon services and some fitness classes generally cost extra unless they are included with a cruise experience or package.
Where is the spa on MSC Grandiosa?
MSC Aurea Spa is located on Deck 7.
This places the spa near Galleria Grandiosa and several of the ship’s indoor public areas. It is separate from the fitness center, which is located nine decks higher on Deck 16.
The Grandiosa spa is large enough to contain several different wellness and beauty services, including:
- Thermal area
- Massage rooms
- Body-treatment rooms
- Facial treatments
- Thalasso treatments
- Medi Spa
- Hair salon
- Barber shop
- Nail salon
- Makeup and waxing services
- Spa boutique
- Changing rooms and relaxation areas
MSC describes Aurea Spa as having a Balinese-inspired design. The space uses warm finishes and subdued lighting to create a quieter atmosphere than the nearby promenade.
During our visit, the thermal area appeared to be a good size and was well maintained. It felt like a complete spa facility rather than a small sauna and steam room added to the side of the ship.
What is included in the MSC Grandiosa thermal area?
Grandiosa has one of the more varied thermal areas in the MSC fleet.
MSC’s published facilities for the ship include:
- Dark sensory steam bath
- Bright sensory steam bath
- Mediterranean bath
- Finnish sauna
- Salt Relax area
- Harmonic Vibes Relax area
- Ice Fall
- Water Paradise
- Whirlpool
- Water benches
- Relaxation areas
The availability of an individual room or feature can change because of maintenance or operational conditions. Guests should ask the spa staff which facilities are available during their sailing.
The variety gives passengers several ways to move between heated rooms, water experiences, cold therapy and quieter relaxation spaces.
Sensory steam baths
Grandiosa has both dark and bright sensory steam baths.
These rooms combine steam with differences in lighting and atmosphere. Some guests may prefer the darker, quieter environment, while others may find the brighter room more comfortable.
The steam rooms provide a humid heat that feels different from the dry heat of the Finnish sauna. Guests can alternate between the two experiences or cool down between rooms.
Finnish sauna
The Finnish sauna provides the traditional dry-heat portion of the Grandiosa thermal circuit.
It is likely to be one of the hotter rooms in the thermal area. Guests often combine time in the sauna with a cooler shower or a visit to the Ice Fall.
As with any cruise ship sauna, passengers should limit their time, remain hydrated and follow posted health and safety guidance.
Mediterranean bath
The Mediterranean bath provides another heated experience within the thermal area.
The exact temperature and operation can vary. It generally offers a milder alternative to the hottest sauna and steam-room experiences.
Passengers who find the Finnish sauna too intense may want to begin with one of the less extreme heated rooms.
Salt Relax
Salt Relax is designed as a quieter place to sit and unwind within a salt-room-style environment.
It should be viewed as a relaxation feature rather than a medical treatment. Although salt rooms are sometimes promoted with broad wellness claims, passengers should not expect the room to treat or cure a health condition.
Ice Fall
Grandiosa has an Ice Fall that guests can use after spending time in the sauna or steam rooms.
The Ice Fall provides crushed or loose ice for a cold contrast experience. It is different from the walk-in snow rooms found on some other MSC ships, but it serves a similar purpose within the thermal circuit.
Not everyone will enjoy moving directly from a hot room to the ice experience. Guests should use it gradually and avoid extreme temperature changes if they have a medical condition that makes them unsafe.
Water Paradise and water features
MSC lists Water Paradise, water benches and a whirlpool among Grandiosa’s thermal facilities.
Water Paradise appears to be a multisensory water or shower experience rather than a swimming pool. The water benches and whirlpool provide additional hydrotherapy-style relaxation options.
The exact operation of these features can vary, so guests should ask the spa staff for an explanation before beginning their thermal session.
Who can use the thermal area?
Thermal-area access is generally limited to passengers ages 18 and older.
MSC also places health restrictions on some heat and thermal experiences. Pregnant guests are not permitted to use certain thermal treatments, and passengers with heart conditions, circulation problems or other medical concerns should speak with their doctor before using the facilities.
The spa may require reservations for the thermal area. Even passengers with included access should not assume they can walk in at any time.
Is the thermal area included on MSC Grandiosa?
Thermal-area access is not normally included with a standard Bella or Fantastica booking.
Passengers in those experience levels can purchase access before the cruise or onboard. Depending on the sailing, MSC may offer:
- A single thermal session
- A pass for multiple visits
- A cruise-length thermal package
- Couples packages
- Spa packages combining thermal access with treatments
Prices can change by sailing and itinerary. Passengers should check the MSC cruise planner before departure and compare the pre-cruise price with any packages offered onboard.
Purchasing a massage does not necessarily include access to the thermal area. Ask what is included before completing the reservation.
Aurea Experience spa benefits
Grandiosa passengers booked with the Aurea Experience receive additional wellness benefits.
MSC’s current Aurea benefits generally include:
- Thermal-area access for adults, by reservation
- A discount on spa treatments purchased onboard
- Access to Top 19 Exclusive Solarium
- Bathrobes and slippers in the cabin
- A pillow menu and other relaxation-oriented cabin amenities
Aurea guests should visit the spa reception shortly after boarding to confirm how the included thermal access works.
Included access does not always mean unlimited walk-in access. The spa may use scheduled sessions to manage capacity, especially on sea days.
It is a good idea to reserve preferred sea-day sessions early. Passengers who wait until later in the cruise may find that the most desirable times are already taken.
You can learn more about the differences between the booking options in our MSC Experience Levels guide.
Top 19 Exclusive Solarium
Top 19 Exclusive Solarium is located on Deck 19.
This outdoor relaxation area is primarily available to Aurea guests and is separate from the indoor thermal area on Deck 7.
Top 19 gives passengers a quieter place to relax away from Grandiosa’s busiest pool areas. The area includes loungers and a whirlpool, although the exact setup and available services can vary.
The distinction between the two Aurea benefits is important:
- Thermal-area access covers the indoor spa facilities on Deck 7.
- Top 19 provides access to an exclusive outdoor solarium on Deck 19.
Top 19 can be particularly valuable on a busy sea day when the main pool deck is crowded. However, it is still an outdoor area, so wind, rain and cold weather can affect how useful it is.
Do Yacht Club guests receive free thermal access?
Grandiosa provides Yacht Club guests with convenient access to spa services, including priority elevator access and dedicated massage facilities.
However, passengers should not automatically assume Yacht Club includes unlimited complimentary use of the thermal area.
MSC’s published benefits make thermal access much clearer for Aurea guests than for Yacht Club guests. Yacht Club passengers should confirm current access with the concierge or spa desk after boarding.
Massages, salon appointments and other spa treatments still cost extra unless they are part of a package, promotion or specific booking benefit.
Massages and body treatments
MSC Aurea Spa offers a wide selection of massages and body treatments.
Available options may include:
- Balinese massage
- Swedish-style massage
- Deep-tissue massage
- Couples massage
- Hot-stone treatments
- Body scrubs
- Body wraps
- Facials
- Thalasso treatments
- Anti-aging treatments
- Other relaxation and beauty services
The exact treatment menu, names and prices can change.
Passengers who want a specific treatment time should book early. Sea-day appointments, particularly during the late morning and afternoon, are often the most popular.
Port days may offer better availability and occasional discounts. However, a discounted port-day appointment is not a good value if it prevents you from visiting a destination that is important to you.
Before booking, ask:
- How long is the treatment?
- Is thermal-area access included?
- Is a service charge included in the displayed price?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Are there medical or age restrictions?
- Will the treatment conflict with another reservation?
- Does the package require multiple appointments?
Passengers should disclose injuries, allergies, pregnancy, medications and other relevant health conditions before beginning a treatment.
Will the spa staff try to sell products?
Spa product recommendations are common on cruise ships, and Grandiosa is no exception.
We received a sales pitch for spa products, but it was not excessive or overly aggressive. The staff made recommendations without making the experience uncomfortable.
Passengers should still remember that any skincare, haircare or wellness products recommended after a treatment cost extra.
You are not required to purchase a product to complete the appointment. A polite “no, thank you” is usually enough if you are not interested.
If you are considering a purchase, ask about the total price and return policy before authorizing the charge.
Medi Spa services
Grandiosa’s Medi Spa may offer services such as:
- Injectable fillers
- Anti-aging treatments
- Body-shaping treatments
- Acupuncture
- Skin consultations
These services should be considered more carefully than a standard massage or facial.
Ask about the provider’s qualifications, potential side effects, realistic results and the availability of follow-up care. Passengers should also understand the full cost of any recommended treatment series before agreeing to begin.
A cruise is generally not the ideal time to make an impulsive decision about a medical or cosmetic procedure.
Hair salon, barber shop and nail salon
The Grandiosa spa complex also includes a hair salon, barber shop and nail services.
Available appointments may include:
- Haircuts
- Shampoo and styling
- Hair coloring
- Conditioning treatments
- Barber cuts
- Shaves and grooming services
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Makeup services
- Waxing
Salon appointments can become popular before Gala Night, weddings, vow renewals and other special occasions.
If you need a service before a particular event, reserve it early instead of waiting until the day of the event.
Where is the gym on MSC Grandiosa?
MSC Gym powered by Technogym is located on Deck 16.
The gym is separate from Aurea Spa and sits much higher on the ship. At approximately 6,135 square feet, it is a good-sized fitness center for a cruise ship.
Its most impressive feature is the view. Large panoramic windows overlook the pool deck and ocean, giving passengers a much better setting than a windowless hotel gym.
The elevated location also allows plenty of natural light into the fitness center during the day.
Basic gym access is included in the cruise fare.
What equipment is in the MSC Grandiosa gym?
Grandiosa has a standard cruise ship gym with a particularly strong selection of cardio equipment.
During our visit, we saw plenty of:
- Treadmills
- Stair machines
- Elliptical machines
- Stationary bikes
- Cable-based strength machines
The gym had enough cardio equipment that it did not feel as though every passenger was competing for the same few machines.
The strength-training selection appeared more focused on cable machines than on a large collection of free weights. Equipment can be moved or replaced, so passengers looking for a specific machine, bench or dumbbell weight should check the current setup after boarding.
For most passengers, the gym provides enough equipment for a normal vacation workout. Serious powerlifters or guests following a highly specialized strength program may need to adjust their routine.
Our MSC Gym by Technogym guide provides a closer look at the equipment typically found in MSC fitness centers.
Does the MSC Grandiosa gym get crowded?
The gym was not crowded when we visited.
However, we did not use it during the busiest early-morning periods on a sea day. That is typically when cruise ship gyms experience their highest demand.
The busiest times are likely to include:
- Early mornings on sea days
- The period immediately before breakfast
- Late mornings when the ship is at sea
- The first full day of the cruise
Quieter periods may include:
- Port mornings
- Lunchtime
- Late afternoon
- During popular activities or shows
- When most passengers are preparing for dinner
Passengers who want a treadmill overlooking the ocean should avoid the busiest periods whenever possible.
Fitness classes and personal training
Grandiosa may offer a changing schedule of fitness classes and paid services.
Options can include:
- Indoor cycling
- Stretching
- Yoga-style classes
- Core workouts
- Group fitness sessions
- Personal training
- Body-composition assessments
- Fitness consultations
Some basic organized activities may be complimentary, while specialty classes, assessments and personal-training sessions usually cost extra.
Check the fitness schedule early in the cruise. Classes may have limited capacity and could require advance registration.
A body-composition assessment may also lead to recommendations for additional paid services or products. Passengers should ask about the full price before participating.
Is there a running track on MSC Grandiosa?
MSC Grandiosa has a 328-meter Power Walking Track on Deck 16.
That works out to approximately:
- Three laps per kilometer
- Five laps per mile
The track is included in the cruise fare and provides a convenient place to walk outdoors.
Although some passengers do run on it, we did not find it particularly practical for maintaining a consistent running pace. The route receives considerable pedestrian traffic, and runners may need to slow down or move around other passengers.
MSC’s description of it as a power walking track is accurate.
It works best for:
- Casual walking
- Brisk walking
- Warming up before a gym workout
- Getting steps while enjoying the ocean air
- Short, easy jogs when the route is quiet
It is less suitable for:
- Speed workouts
- Tempo runs
- Long uninterrupted runs
- Maintaining an exact pace
- Running during busy deck periods
Passengers planning a serious run will probably have a better experience on one of the gym’s treadmills.
Our MSC running and walking tracks guide explains how the outdoor routes differ across the MSC fleet.
Tips for using the walking track
If you want to walk or jog outside, try the track early in the morning before the surrounding decks become busy.
Keep these practical points in mind:
- Follow the posted direction of travel.
- Stay aware of casual pedestrians.
- Expect to slow down around busy sections.
- Avoid trying to set a personal record.
- Wear shoes with good traction.
- Be careful when the deck is wet.
- Expect stronger wind on exposed sections.
- Use sunscreen during daytime workouts.
- Move to a treadmill if passenger traffic becomes frustrating.
The track is a welcome feature, but it should not be treated like a dedicated land-based running path.
What is included in the cruise fare?
The following Grandiosa fitness facilities are generally included:
- Basic gym access
- Treadmills
- Stair machines
- Elliptical machines
- Stationary bikes
- Strength and cable machines
- Stretching and workout areas
- Power Walking Track
- Some basic organized fitness activities
Aurea guests also receive thermal-area access by reservation and access to Top 19 under MSC’s current experience benefits.
Passengers should confirm the details of their specific booking because benefits can change.
What costs extra?
The following spa and fitness services generally cost extra:
- Thermal-area passes for Bella and Fantastica guests
- Massages
- Couples treatments
- Body treatments
- Facials
- Thalasso treatments
- Medi Spa services
- Hair salon appointments
- Barber services
- Manicures and pedicures
- Makeup and waxing
- Spa boutique products
- Specialty fitness classes
- Personal training
- Body-composition assessments
Ask whether service charges are already included before comparing prices.
How to save money at the Grandiosa spa
MSC frequently sells spa treatments and thermal access before the cruise.
The advance price may be lower than the standard onboard price, but passengers should still compare what each package includes.
Ways to potentially save include:
- Check the MSC cruise planner before sailing.
- Compare single-session and cruise-length thermal passes.
- Look for port-day appointment specials.
- Ask whether a treatment includes thermal access.
- Compare the spa benefits of Aurea with the cost of purchasing thermal passes separately.
- Review onboard promotions before committing to a full package.
- Confirm whether service charges are included.
- Avoid purchasing a package until appointment availability is confirmed.
- Decline product recommendations you do not genuinely want.
Do not assume waiting until the final day will always produce the best price. Popular appointment times may be gone by then.
Best times to visit the spa and gym
The best time depends on whether your priority is availability, price or a quieter atmosphere.
For the thermal area, consider:
- Reserving sea-day sessions shortly after boarding
- Visiting during dinner hours
- Looking for port-day availability
- Avoiding the most popular late-morning sea-day periods
For the gym, consider:
- Going during lunchtime
- Visiting in the late afternoon
- Working out while most passengers are ashore
- Avoiding early sea-day mornings
For the walking track, early morning is generally the best option. Passenger traffic usually increases as the day continues.
MSC Grandiosa spa and gym tips
- Visit the spa desk on embarkation day if thermal access is important to you.
- Do not assume included Aurea access means unrestricted walk-in use.
- Reserve popular sea-day thermal sessions early.
- Ask whether thermal access is included with a massage.
- Compare pre-cruise and onboard spa prices.
- Confirm the cancellation policy before booking.
- Disclose medical conditions, injuries, allergies and pregnancy.
- Bring comfortable workout shoes.
- Use the gym’s treadmills for uninterrupted running.
- Treat the outdoor track primarily as a walking route.
- Visit the gym outside early-morning sea-day hours.
- Check the fitness-class schedule near the beginning of the cruise.
- Confirm age and waiver rules for teenagers.
- Ask whether service charges are included in spa prices.
- Feel comfortable declining product recommendations.
- Book salon appointments early if you need one before Gala Night.
- Do not make an impulsive decision about Medi Spa services.
- Stay hydrated when using the sauna, steam rooms and gym.
Is the MSC Grandiosa thermal area worth it?
The Grandiosa thermal area is most likely to be worth the extra cost for passengers who plan to use it more than once.
The space is a good size, well maintained and offers considerably more variety than a basic sauna and steam room. The combination of sensory steam baths, Finnish sauna, Mediterranean bath, Salt Relax, Ice Fall, water experiences and relaxation areas creates a complete thermal circuit.
It may be less worthwhile for passengers who have a port-intensive itinerary or do not expect to spend much time onboard during the day.
Before purchasing a cruise-length pass, consider:
- How many sea days are on the itinerary?
- How often will you realistically visit?
- Are reservations required?
- Are convenient appointment times still available?
- Does your booking already include access?
- Would a single session be enough?
For Aurea guests, the included thermal access is one of the experience level’s most valuable benefits, especially on an itinerary with several sea days.
Is the MSC Grandiosa gym good?
Grandiosa has a good cruise ship gym.
It offers plenty of treadmills, stair machines, ellipticals and bikes, along with cable-based strength equipment. The panoramic view over the pool deck and ocean makes it a pleasant place to work out.
The gym was not busy when we visited, although passengers using it during an early sea-day morning may have a different experience.
Most recreational exercisers will find everything they need for a normal cardio or resistance workout. Passengers who rely on a large free-weight collection or specialized strength equipment may need to modify their routine.
The outdoor track is useful for walking but is not one of the ship’s strongest fitness features. Too much passenger traffic crosses or shares the route for it to function as a truly dedicated running track.
Final verdict
MSC Grandiosa provides a well-rounded collection of spa and fitness facilities.
The Aurea Spa is large, well maintained and offers a deeper thermal experience than passengers might expect from a standard cruise ship spa. It combines heated rooms, steam baths, cold therapy, water features and relaxation areas with a complete menu of massages, beauty treatments and salon services.
The gym is also a strong feature. It has plenty of cardio equipment, cable machines and excellent panoramic views of the pool deck and ocean. Basic use is included, and the fitness center should meet the needs of most passengers who want to continue exercising during their cruise.
The Power Walking Track is less impressive for serious runners. It is a legitimate outdoor walking route, but passenger traffic makes continuous running difficult. Anyone planning a structured workout will be better off using a treadmill.
Overall, Grandiosa works well for both spa-focused cruisers and passengers who simply want a good place to exercise. Aurea guests receive the most value because thermal access and Top 19 are included, but Bella and Fantastica guests can still build a worthwhile spa experience by purchasing individual sessions or treatments.
For more information about the ship, visit our complete MSC Grandiosa guide and our MSC gym and fitness center tips.