Cruise ships have turned pampering into an art form, with a range of indulgent activities to satisfy the most ardent hedonist. Top of the list are increasingly exotic and expansive spas with treatment lists as long as your arm, butlers rushing to meet your every need, and the exclusivity of dining a la carte on your own private balcony.

Here's a taste of the indulgences on offer:

Costa Cruises

Costa has the largest spas afloat with its Samsara Spa on the Costa Concordia and Costa Serena covering more than 2,000 m² spread over two decks, the largest ever built onboard a ship. It even has special Samsara cabins and suites which have direct access to the spa.

The treatments available in the wellness area will be based on the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science of holistic healing and wellbeing, and combine age-old techiques of oriental massage with cutting-edge scientific research.

The spa also contains three steam rooms at different temperatures, ranging from the hottest, the Rock Sauna, to the Aromatic Turkish Bath and the Tepidarium traditional spa bath area.

Royal Caribbean

Acupuncture fans should head for Royal Caribbean International spas, where treatments are now being offered with a new line of Jou herbal supplements. The line's new Liberty of Seas is also launching a Vitality programme which offers guests everything from tai chi to mini-makeovers.

For total relaxation there is luxurious range of relaxing massage techniques and treatments programmes. Choices include oxygenating facials, detocifying seaweed wraps, aromatherapy and reflexology massages or exotic treatments such as Chakra Stone therapy or Rasul.

Silversea

Silversea is launching its own spa brand called The Spa at Silversea on its four ships, starting with Silver Shadow. New treatments are being added to offer more "personalised and holistic experience". These include Wellness Ceremonies; a wider range of treatments for men, including a half-day pampering session; and a personalised couples' ceremony including an in-suite massage and calming bathing ritual.

MSC Cruises

Italian cruise line takes its inspiration from Bali for its spa treatments, on of which, the Special Bali Massage, involves two masseuses and four hands "working in perfect harmony to rejuvenate your body".

There is also the odd-sounding Q Frequency treatment, which penetrates the sking through radio frequencies to increase skin tone; crystal body decorations; and even temporary "tooth piercing".

Celebrity Cruises

More than 40 therapies are offered in Celebrity's AquaSpa. They include exclusive treatments such as Sensory Day Ceremonies, a Tahitian Ceremony of Flowers and Japanese Face Rituals.