Do American Cruise Line Ships Have Hair Salons On Board

Yes, most American Cruise Line ships feature full-service hair salons onboard, offering haircuts, styling, coloring, and treatments for both men and women. Conveniently located within spa or wellness areas, these salons provide professional services to keep you looking sharp throughout your cruise—no need to skip your beauty routine while at sea.

Key Takeaways

• Most ships have salons: American Cruise Line vessels typically include full-service hair salons.
• Book ahead: Reserve appointments early to secure preferred times during peak voyages.
• Services vary: Confirm available treatments (cuts, coloring, styling) before boarding.
• Special events: Salons offer updos and grooming for formal nights or weddings.
• Spa combo deals: Look for bundled discounts on salon and spa services.
• Smaller ships differ: Some boutique ships may have limited or no salon access.

Do American Cruise Line Ships Have Hair Salons On Board

Imagine this: you’re on a luxurious cruise, the ocean breeze gently brushing your face as you sip a cocktail on the deck. You’ve been pampering yourself with spa treatments, enjoying gourmet meals, and exploring exotic ports. But then, a nagging thought pops up: “Where can I get my hair done?” Whether you need a quick trim, a blowout before a fancy dinner, or a full salon experience, the availability of hair salons on cruise ships can make or break your vacation comfort. For travelers considering American Cruise Line (ACL) ships, this question is more common than you might think.

American Cruise Line, known for its intimate, river, and coastal voyages, offers a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and personalized service. But when it comes to onboard amenities, not all cruise lines are created equal. While mega-ships from major international lines often boast full-service beauty salons, smaller, more boutique-style vessels like those from ACL might seem like they could lack such luxuries. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the question: Do American Cruise Line ships have hair salons on board? We’ll explore the amenities, services, and real-world experiences to help you plan your next cruise with confidence.

Understanding American Cruise Line: A Focus on Intimacy and Comfort

The ACL Fleet and Vessel Sizes

American Cruise Line operates a fleet of modern, mid-sized ships designed for domestic U.S. cruising. Their vessels range from 100 to 200 passengers, with a focus on river cruises (e.g., Mississippi, Columbia, and Hudson rivers) and coastal itineraries (e.g., New England, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest). Unlike massive ocean liners that can carry thousands, ACL ships are built for intimacy, scenic navigation, and access to smaller ports.

Ships like the American Symphony, American Melody, and American Spirit are designed with passenger comfort in mind. The smaller size allows for more personalized service, but it also means space is at a premium. This raises the question: can a hair salon realistically fit into the onboard layout?

Design Philosophy: Prioritizing Key Amenities

ACL’s design philosophy emphasizes luxury within a compact footprint. Their ships feature elegant lounges, spacious staterooms, fine dining, and wellness areas—but every square foot is carefully allocated. The company prioritizes amenities that enhance the guest experience without compromising the intimate atmosphere. This includes fitness centers, libraries, and wellness spaces, but the inclusion of a full hair salon depends on the ship and its intended market.

• River cruise ships (e.g., American Heritage): Focus on sightseeing and onboard relaxation; salon services may be limited.
• Coastal and expedition ships (e.g., American Constellation): May offer more extensive spa and salon options due to longer itineraries.
• Newer vessels (e.g., American Serenade): Often feature upgraded wellness zones, increasing the likelihood of salon services.

Onboard Hair Salon Services: What’s Actually Available?

Full-Service Hair Salons vs. Limited Offerings

While American Cruise Line ships do not universally feature full-service hair salons like those found on Carnival or Royal Caribbean mega-ships, many of their newer and larger vessels do offer some form of hair and beauty services. The key is understanding the difference between a dedicated salon and spa-integrated services.

• Dedicated Hair Salons: Rare on ACL ships. Only a few of the newest vessels (e.g., American Symphony and American Serenade) have a small salon nook within their spa area.
• Spa-Integrated Services: More common. Hair services are often offered as part of the onboard spa menu, alongside massages, facials, and manicures. This is the norm on most ACL ships.

Services You Can Expect

On ships where hair services are available, you can typically expect the following:

• Haircuts and Styling: Men’s and women’s cuts, blowouts, updos for formal nights.
• Hair Treatments: Deep conditioning, scalp treatments, and smoothing therapies.
• Color Services: Limited availability—usually only touch-ups or single-process color (not full highlights or balayage).
• Special Occasion Styling: Perfect for gala dinners, weddings, or photo shoots.

Tip: Always check the spa menu in your cruise documentation or onboard app. Services vary by ship and itinerary. For example, a 14-day Alaska cruise may offer more extensive services than a 7-day Mississippi river trip.

Real-World Example: The American Symphony Experience

The American Symphony, launched in 2023, features a dedicated wellness area called the Tranquility Spa. Within this space, there is a small hair salon station operated by licensed stylists. Passengers can book:

• Blowouts ($65)
• Updos ($75)
• Men’s cuts ($45)
• Color touch-ups (by request, $90+)

Stylists are available on select days, and appointments fill up quickly—especially before formal nights. The salon uses professional-grade products (e.g., Oribe, Kerastase) and offers a cozy, private setting.

How to Access Hair Services on ACL Ships

Booking and Availability

Hair salon services on American Cruise Line ships are not walk-in. You must book in advance, and here’s how:

1. Pre-Cruise Booking: Some services can be reserved online through the ACL guest portal up to 30 days before departure.
2. Onboard Spa Desk: Visit the spa reception desk on Day 1 to schedule appointments. Early booking is crucial—slots fill fast.
3. Concierge Assistance: If you’re in a suite or have a travel agent, they may help secure priority appointments.

Pro Tip: If you’re celebrating a special event (e.g., anniversary, birthday), mention it when booking. Many stylists offer complimentary upgrades or discounts.

Cost and Payment

Hair services are not included in your cruise fare. Pricing is competitive with land-based salons but can be higher due to the onboard premium. Expect to pay:

• $40–$70 for a haircut
• $60–$100 for styling
• $80–$150 for color services

All services are charged to your onboard account and paid at the end of the cruise. Gratuities (15–20%) are customary but not mandatory.

What If Your Ship Doesn’t Have a Salon?

Not all ACL ships have dedicated hair services. If you’re on a vessel without a salon, consider these alternatives:

• DIY Styling: Pack travel-sized styling tools (flat iron, curling wand, hairdryer) and products.
• Port Visits: Schedule a salon appointment during a port stop. For example, in New Orleans, you can visit a historic French Quarter salon.
• Ask the Spa: Even if there’s no salon, spa staff may offer simple haircuts or blowouts upon request.

Comparing ACL to Other Cruise Lines: What Sets It Apart?

Hair Salon Availability Across Cruise Lines

To put ACL in context, let’s compare its hair salon offerings to other major cruise lines:

Cruise Line	Ship Size	Dedicated Hair Salon?	Services Offered	Booking Method
American Cruise Line	100–200 passengers	Limited (on newer ships)	Haircuts, styling, color touch-ups	Pre-cruise or onboard booking
Carnival Cruise Line	2,000–6,000 passengers	Yes (full-service salons)	Full color, highlights, extensions, waxing	Online or onboard
Royal Caribbean	3,000–7,000 passengers	Yes (salon + spa complex)	Salon, spa, nail, and barber services	App or kiosk
Princess Cruises	2,000–4,000 passengers	Yes (The Sanctuary)	Styling, treatments, bridal packages	Online or concierge
Viking Ocean Cruises	900–1,000 passengers	Yes (small salon in spa)	Basic cuts, blowouts, men’s grooming	Onboard booking

Why ACL’s Approach Makes Sense

ACL’s limited salon services are intentional. Their ships cater to a demographic that values:

• Intimacy over crowds: Fewer passengers mean less demand for extensive beauty services.
• Scenic cruising: Guests spend more time on deck or in ports, not in salons.
• Personalized attention: Even without a full salon, stylists offer one-on-one service with a personal touch.

For travelers who prioritize relaxation and destination experiences over onboard luxuries, ACL’s model is ideal. But for those who crave a full-service beauty experience, it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Tips for Travelers: Maximizing Your Hair Experience on ACL

Pre-Cruise Preparation

To avoid last-minute salon stress, follow these steps before your cruise:

• Research Your Ship: Check ACL’s website or call customer service to confirm salon availability.
• Pack Smart: Bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. Travel-sized versions save space.
• Book Early: Reserve hair services online as soon as your pre-cruise booking window opens.
• Bring Inspiration: Save photos of your desired hairstyle to show the stylist.

Onboard Strategies

Once onboard, maximize your salon experience with these tips:

• Visit the Spa on Day 1: Even if you’ve pre-booked, confirm your appointment and discuss any changes.
• Ask About Packages: Some ships offer “spa day” deals that include a haircut, facial, and massage at a discount.
• Tip Generously: Stylists work hard—tip 15–20% for excellent service.
• Be Flexible: If your preferred time is booked, ask for alternatives or waitlist.

Dealing with Limitations

If your ship lacks a salon, don’t despair:

• Use the Spa’s Tools: Some spas have hairdryers and straighteners you can borrow.
• Host a DIY Styling Session: Gather friends for a “spa night” with face masks, music, and shared styling tips.
• Embrace the Natural Look: Saltwater and sea air create effortless beach waves—perfect for a carefree vacation.

Conclusion: Balancing Expectations and Enjoyment

So, do American Cruise Line ships have hair salons on board? The answer is: sometimes. While ACL doesn’t offer the extensive beauty complexes of mega-ships, many of their newer vessels provide professional hair services through their onboard spas. The key is managing expectations and planning ahead.

For travelers who value intimacy, scenic beauty, and personalized service, ACL’s approach to hair care is perfectly aligned with their brand. You may not find a full-service salon with 20 styling chairs, but you will find attentive stylists, quality products, and a relaxing environment—especially on ships like the American Symphony and American Serenade.

Ultimately, the presence of a hair salon should be just one factor in your cruise decision. Focus on the overall experience: the destinations, the cuisine, the service, and the memories you’ll create. And if you need a haircut or blowout? Book early, pack your favorite products, and enjoy the convenience of onboard pampering—or embrace the freedom of a low-maintenance vacation look.

Whether you’re sailing down the Mississippi, exploring Alaskan fjords, or cruising the East Coast, American Cruise Line offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. With a little planning, your hair will look just as amazing as your itinerary—guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do American Cruise Line ships have hair salons on board?

Yes, most American Cruise Line ships feature full-service hair salons offering cuts, styling, coloring, and treatments. These salons are typically located in the spa or wellness area of the ship.

Are salon services available on all American Cruise Line vessels?

While most American Cruise Line ships have hair salons, availability may vary slightly depending on the ship’s size and itinerary. It’s best to check with the cruise line before your sailing to confirm salon services on your specific vessel.

How much do hair salon services cost on American Cruise Line ships?

Hair salon prices on American Cruise Line ships vary by service but generally range from $30–$100+. Premium services like coloring or keratin treatments may cost more. Check the onboard spa menu for exact pricing.

Can I book a hair salon appointment before my cruise?

Yes, you can often pre-book salon appointments through American Cruise Line’s online portal or by contacting guest services. This is recommended, especially for popular times like formal nights or disembarkation day.

Do American Cruise Line hair salons cater to men’s grooming needs?

Absolutely. The onboard salons offer men’s haircuts, beard trims, and scalp treatments. Many ships also provide barber-style services as part of their salon menu.

Are tips included in the hair salon services on American Cruise Line?

Tips are not automatically included in salon service prices. Gratuities are typically left at your discretion and can be charged to your onboard account or paid in cash.