Why a Virgin Voyages cruise is the ultimate girls getaway
Editor's note: TPG's Bhawna Khowal accepted a free trip from Virgin Voyages to attend the Limitless Voyage on Scarlet Lady. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.
As a mom of two boys with a full-time job, a girls getaway does not exist in the top 50 items on my to-do list. Even if it did break into the top five, all the planning around where to go, how to get there and which activities to book would feel like just another big task I couldn't fit into my never-ending everyday to-do list. But I definitely needed a break from my busy life and some relaxation with a friend.
Just as I thought I might reach my breaking point, a friend messaged me about going on a Virgin Voyages cruise to the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
I had never been on a cruise! When I was growing up in Southeast Asia, my family never considered a cruise as a vacation option, perhaps due to geographical reasons and cost. But as I learned more about cruising, I discovered I wanted to try it. For a busy mom, it's a time-saving option where you do not need to spend hours planning an itinerary or choosing a hotel with breakfast, reasonable parking and a location that aligns with your itinerary.
All those painful hours of planning and researching have been a big reason why I don't travel as much as I'd like.
Before I could enthusiastically accept the invitation, I had to check if my husband could manage if I went. Although my kids are almost independent now (at ages 8 and 14), my family is not used to me being away for almost a week.
My husband did not want to say no. After several planning sessions around the chores and responsibilities while I was gone, I was ready to take off for my much-needed week of R&R.
The cruise lived up to my expectations, and I came back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you're a woman eager for time with her besties, here are five reasons why a Virgin Voyages cruise makes a great girlfriends getaway.
A Virgin Voyages cruise offers activities for all types of travelers
When planning a vacation with girlfriends, it is essential to select a place and itinerary that appeals to all members of the group. That way, everyone can have a fun and memorable experience. Finding a trip that everyone agrees on can be a real challenge.
One of my friends and her college friends have been planning a reunion for 2 1/2 years and haven't been able to make it happen for just this reason. I've now recommended that they consider a Virgin Voyages cruise because it offers something for everyone.
On the ship, spa-loving friends can enjoy wellness activities such as sauna time, yoga classes and relaxing by the pool. Sporty types can try some stunts in the boxing ring, enjoy a game of basketball at the outdoor court or work up a sweat during HIIT workouts. Your adventurous buddy might get a tattoo, while the extroverts in your group can make new friends in the game room and then join them for an evening singing karaoke. Night owls can watch a fast-paced gravity-defying act after dinner – and then dance the night away in the club.
Related: Cruise ship drinks packages: A line-by-line guide
The all-inclusive experience makes budgeting easier
A Virgin Voyages cruise makes planning a girls trip easier because it is an all-inclusive holiday package. It's easy to see the full cost of the trip from the beginning, with few surprise expenses popping up during the trip.
Your cruise fare includes meals at all the restaurants on board, Wi-Fi, tips for the crew and nonalcoholic drinks, such as coffee, tea and soda.
If someone in the group likes to keep their fitness regime on track while on vacation, they can choose from a group workout, an outdoor gym and a morning yoga class in the fresh sea air — all at no additional cost.
At night, girlfriends in a party mood can enjoy live music, karaoke, dance performances and shows, even a poker lesson, for free. A girls trip cannot be complete without dancing the night away in a club. Virgin Voyages has got you covered without any club fee; plus, the disco is just a few steps away from your cabin.
Foodies can choose from Korean barbecue, a sophisticated meal of steak and seafood, a new spin on Mexican cuisine, made-to-order pizza, an experimental food lab, Mediterranean and exquisite Italian without having to worry about how much the final bill will be.
In fact, the salon, spa, casino, shops, bars and tattoo parlor are the only places where you can spend money on board. Book during the right promotion and Virgin Voyages will give you "Sailor Loot" – onboard credit to spend on drinks or other purchases.
Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their 1st cruise
You can spend time on your own or hang out with your friends
While you enjoy a nice nap by the pool during the day, your friend can choose to participate in pub trivia or play foosball. You might wish to sip a cocktail at a bar while your bestie pampers herself in the salon. Even if you do different activities during the day, you can still meet up for dinner and evening fun.
The same is true when the ship docks for a day in port. Your girlfriend group can plan to take a tour, go to the beach or explore in port together. Or, you can sign up for tours on your own through the cruise line, knowing you won't be alone even if you split up. This is a great option when one friend wants to be active and try surfing or snorkeling while another friend wants a lazy day at a beach club.
Related: The best time to go on a cruise
Virgin Voyages is adults-only
Girlfriend getaways are a good way to disconnect from your everyday life — especially your mom duties. If I go out for a dinner date with my husband and I see someone else's child being naughty or cute, it always reminds me of my kids. Then my mom instinct kicks in, and I call home to check on them or start worrying if they're okay. Not having any kids around gives me a total mental break.
As a mom of two, kids pools, kids clubs and kids menus define my typical vacation. These things don't exist on Virgin Voyages.
The pools, hot tubs, swings, board games, video arcade and ice cream parlor on board are meant only for grown-ups to enjoy. The only people singing, screaming or being silly are all over the age of 18.
When the entire ship is designed for grown-ups, it has a totally different vibe than regular cruise ships that might have one adults-only pool or sun deck. Naughty signage adds more humor to the experience.
I love my kids, but I don't mind a few days' break away from them — and everyone else's kids, too.
Related: Jennifer Lopez didn't show up for her own cruise, but I did — and let me say, she missed out
The onboard entertainment and nightlife are superb
If your girlfriend group loves nightlife, you will love a Virgin Voyages cruise. The entertainment options on the ships are sure to impress and keep you all having fun well past your normal bedtime.
You can start your evening with an immersive and modern acrobatic or dance performance. Or, perhaps you need to laugh together at a comedy or drag show.
Later in the evening, you might transition to a dance party in the club or up on deck. Maybe your girlfriends will want to coordinate outfits for the PJ Party or Scarlet Night.
If your feet decide to give up on your party shoes, sneak out to join a group of casino players trying their luck. Who knows – you might win enough money to fund another cruise!
Related: 16 cruise activities you don't want to miss on sea days
Bottom line
Life moves faster than you realize. I can't recall the last time I went on a vacation with my girlfriends. When you're busy with work and family, it's easy to procrastinate planning a trip. Suddenly, years have gone by, and you never got away.
A cruise can remove obstacles because you only need a little effort to plan a much-needed break with a friend. With so much to do on board and in port, and so many decisions taken care of for you, you can really relax and reconnect with your friends.
Virgin Voyages was my first cruise, and it has surely set the benchmark. When I am ready to sail again with a bigger group of girlfriends, Virgin Voyages would be my first choice, especially as the cruise line is adding more ships and destinations to its list.
But first I may need to take a family cruise — if I don't want to see a revolution in my house for keeping all the fun to myself.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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