Delivering a Bespoke Hydrotherapy Spa Installation Aboard MS Borealis
Last summer, Catalina Spas was awarded an exciting and highly specialised contract - to supply and install a brand-new hydrotherapy spa shell, upgrade the full plant system, and install a dedicated airline aboard MS Borealis.
Months of Planning and Precision Design
Every marine project begins long before stepping on board. In this case, months of meticulous planning went into designing a completely bespoke hydrotherapy unit tailored to the vessel’s unique spatial constraints and existing plant room configuration.
Unlike land-based installations, cruise ship systems must integrate seamlessly with marine operating standards, safety regulations, and strict performance requirements. Detailed surveys, design coordination, and logistical planning were critical to ensuring the installation could be completed within a tight dry dock window.
Mobilising for Dry Dock
In late October, our specialist engineering team travelled to the Port of Southampton to board Borealis as she made her way to Rotterdam for scheduled dry dock.
With just two weeks allocated for the full removal and installation, precision timing was everything.
Removing the Existing Spa
The first phase involved the careful dismantling of the existing commercial spa shell and associated plumbing and plant equipment. Due to the intricate configuration of the ship’s plant room, this stage required several days of systematic, methodical work to ensure safe removal without affecting surrounding systems.
Marine environments leave no room for shortcuts, every step must be executed with care and accuracy.
Installing the New Bespoke Hydrotherapy Unit
Once the original installation had been removed, the new bespoke hydrotherapy spa shell was manoeuvred into position and secured by our coordinated team.
From there, we completed:
- Installation of upgraded plant equipment
- Full plumbing system reconfiguration
- Integration of a dedicated airline
- Pressure testing and calibration
- Full commissioning to commercial marine standards
All systems were rigorously tested to ensure durability, efficiency, and optimal hydrotherapy performance for a high-usage cruise environment accommodating up to 1,400 guests per sailing.
Delivered on Time, Ready to Sail
After two intensive weeks in dry dock, MS Borealis emerged with a fully refurbished, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool - ready to welcome guests on her next voyage.
Completing a project of this scale within such strict operational timeframes highlights the depth of expertise within our team and our ability to deliver technically demanding installations under pressure.
From Gomeldon to the Open Sea
Operating since 1997 from our showroom in Gomeldon, Salisbury, Catalina Spas supplies and installs hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, automated covers, and a full range of pool and spa accessories for both residential and commercial clients.
While many customers know us for transforming gardens and leisure facilities across the region, projects like this demonstrate the breadth of our commercial capability — from private homes to hospitality venues and even cruise ships!
If you’re planning a commercial spa, hydrotherapy, or wellness installation, our helpful team would be delighted to discuss your project. Get in touch here.