Girls' Getaway?

[SusieV]

My friends and I are trying to decide what to do for our girls' getaway in the spring. We're looking at doing a 3-4 night trip.

 

We're still brainstorming and not sure what to do yet. One idea is Vegas, another is a cruise. What would you suggest?

 

The four possible cruises are Century, Monarch of the Seas, Sovereign of the Seas, or Majesty of the Seas. If you were going to choose one, which would it be?

 

My husband and I definitely prefer Celebrity to Royal Caribbean but I am not sure which my friends would prefer as they are first time cruisers and may want a bit more in terms of nightlife. I'm quite happy with the show and the casino but they may not be.

 

One of my friends has never even done a girls' getaway before and I want to make sure that she has a great time.

 

Or do you think we should just skip the cruise idea and go to Vegas or somewhere else instead? Suggestions welcome!

[chessbriar]

Celebrity is have a cruise sale this Thurs and Friday.

 

I would take Century. Larger cabins, more upscale, recent major overhaul. If they never have cruised, they won't know what to expect and will expect cruising to be what X offers. That's how I got hooked. No other cruise has been able to match what X gives me.

[Leela]

Vegas is fun, but it involves a lot of riding around in cabs. I've done a girls' weekend in Vegas and we went to a lot of fantastic restaurants and saw a lot of shows, and the costs really added up. The shows on a cruise won't be as good as the ones in Vegas, but they are still entertaining and you don't have to worry about how to get from place to place in the horrible Las Vegas traffic.

 

Having done Vegas, I'd definitely do a cruise for my next girls' weekend. I'd probably book on RCCL, though, because after five Celebrity cruises I must say that the nightlife is on the quiet side when it comes to late-night dancing. But then, I used to be a rave DJ so to me it's not a party unless there are 700 people dancing until after the sun comes up.... :)

[jerseygirl3]

I would also recommend Celebrity Century. We did it this past spring and absolutely loved it. If you can swing it, go with a Sky Suite on Deck 12. Your butler will even arrange a cocktail party for your group on your balcony. The balcony is huge (142 sq. ft.).

 

As another poster mentioned, book this during Celebrity's sail this week. That way you'll only have to come up with $50 pp deposit (which is fully refundable up until final payment) and you'll get a shipboard credit.

[caviargal]

Celebrity is have a cruise sale this Thurs and Friday.

 

I would take Century. Larger cabins, more upscale, recent major overhaul. If they never have cruised, they won't know what to expect and will expect cruising to be what X offers. That's how I got hooked. No other cruise has been able to match what X gives me.

 

I agree with Rick about Century being a step above the others mentioned. While Century is an X ship, it was more casual and more active than any other IME.

 

And Sovereign, Majesty and Monarch cannot compete. There is more nickel and diming on these ships than ever, there are very few balconies - at huge prices to boot - small cabins, and Soveriegn was overcrowded and packed with kids and drunken 20 somethings on both of my weekend cruises aboard last year. Would not do that again.

 

Now, I personally hate Vegas but would definitely look into an all inclusive with a great beach and spa. I would prefer that to a cruise personally for a girls getaway. Lots of options for everyone and everything is included.

 

Have fun!

[KikiKruiser]

My friends and I are trying to decide what to do for our girls' getaway in the spring. We're looking at doing a 3-4 night trip.

 

We're still brainstorming and not sure what to do yet. One idea is Vegas, another is a cruise. What would you suggest?

 

The four possible cruises are Century, Monarch of the Seas, Sovereign of the Seas, or Majesty of the Seas. If you were going to choose one, which would it be?

 

My husband and I definitely prefer Celebrity to Royal Caribbean but I am not sure which my friends would prefer as they are first time cruisers and may want a bit more in terms of nightlife. I'm quite happy with the show and the casino but they may not be.

 

One of my friends has never even done a girls' getaway before and I want to make sure that she has a great time.

 

Or do you think we should just skip the cruise idea and go to Vegas or somewhere else instead? Suggestions welcome!

 

IMHO, take the cruise - out of the 4 ships you listed, I go with the consensus in choosing the Century - she's the most updated of the 4. With the cruise you know most of your costs upfront and your food and entertainment are covered. With Vegas, you only know maybe half of your expenses (accommodations), but your food and entertainment costs are still up in the air. Especially if you choose nicer restaurants or a couple of the shows. Have you seen the cost of Vegas shows lately?!:( Plus, as another poster suggested, you have those pricey taxi fares to add in, unless you intend to do LOTS of walking!!! On the cruise you can have spa treatments, hang around the spa area and relax, and not have to worry about making plans for the evening - they're aready made for you!:)

[SusieV]

Cost is an issue, so although my friends would love it, if we cruise we're taking an inside. Celebrity is about $25 more pp pd though and I don't know if they'd want to do that.

 

I'm ballparking Vegas at roughly the same costs as a cruise. I think an AI would probably cost more or require us to stay longer. We only want to do something for 3-4 days and keep costs down.

 

One friend has vetoed Monarch since she didn't like Ensenada when she went with her husband. I'm sort of relieved since I sailed Monarch in '92 and I'm sure she wouldn't feel half as grand now as she did to me then.

[caviargal]

I think an AI would probably cost more or require us to stay longer. We only want to do something for 3-4 days and keep costs down.

 

 

Cancun has several high quality, great value AIs with no mimimum stay requirements. Check out the RUI resorts.

 

There is so much included that IMO it is worth considerating.

[SusieV]

Thanks, I will look into it. What are RUI resorts?

[Lois R]

Hi Susie:) and inside is fine.....I do it all the time.

I vote for Century too.:)

 

As for Vegas, it is fun but whenever you are doing land vacations

unless you are a big gambler and get your rooms comped...well,

4 nights hotel~casino, all your meals and shows.

I may be way off base and if I am forgive me....but I just get

the feeling the cruise is a better value. (Just my opinion).

Oh I didn't know your hotel rooms are the same price as a cruise.

(re-reading your last post). Thought unless you got a deal, most

of the nicer casino's rooms would be more than an inside.

Again, maybe I am wrong. I haven't been to Vegas in 5 years.

But for me......a cruise would win hands down:D

[caviargal]

Thanks, I will look into it. What are RUI resorts?

 

SusieV, I got my vowels transposed!

 

http://www.riu.com/en/cancun-mexico.html

 

Check out early booking specials and also consider what is actually included. Drinks, meals at a variety of restaurants, lots of entertainment options, tons of daily activities, including fitness classes.

 

What I like about an AI is there is something everyone. Also, no schedules for meals and those that do not like to dress up don't have to. A much more varied and active evening than on the X cruises I have been on, not so "couply", large rooms and great value.

 

JMO but I know that is hard to please everyone and on a cruise, your options are far more limited. Add in the cost of a few drinks a day, wine with dinner, a yoga class or two, bottled water, excursions, etc. and a cruise is not such a bargain for active folks. And spa services are far more in the realm of reality than on X, whose prices are way too high for my budget.

 

My idea of a great vacation day is different from most of my friends. I start out with an early cup of coffee and the sunrise, hit the gym, shower and have a light breakfast. At an AI, I go diving or snorkeling, then come back for lunch and some beach time. A yoga class, sauna and steam, then it is time to shower and change for Happy Hour and dinner, followed by dancing or at least live music. A late night walk on the beach and I am in heaven!

 

On a cruise, this would cost me a small fortune. At an AI, I can do all this, plus take a tennis lesson, and there is no charge for any of it. My less active friends can sleep in, have room service and find their place in the sun for a day. They generally also stay out later at night than I do:D.

 

Always worth it to explore the options.

[SusieV]

Thank you for the suggestion. I looked into it and the prices seem reasonable (The Dominican Republic resorts are even cheaper than the Royal Caribbean cruise!) but I'll have to see how badly we'd be dinged on airfare. I'm coming from Ontario, one friend is from Kansas, and the third is from Washington.

 

I know we'll have to pay airfare to anywhere, and I'll probably get hit the hardest from Canada, but I'd like to minimize expenses as much as possible.

[caviargal]

Thank you for the suggestion. I looked into it and the prices seem reasonable (The Dominican Republic resorts are even cheaper than the Royal Caribbean cruise!) but I'll have to see how badly we'd be dinged on airfare. I'm coming from Ontario, one friend is from Kansas, and the third is from Washington.

 

I know we'll have to pay airfare to anywhere, and I'll probably get hit the hardest from Canada, but I'd like to minimize expenses as much as possible.

 

Yes, the DR has some great values but I generally find the airfare a lot cheaper to Cancun. Good luck!

[usha]

SuzieV, my older daughter & I went to Riu Caribe in Cancun last October, and we just had a wonderful time. It's right on the beach, and service is very friendly and warm. It's totally all-inclusive. We hardly left the compound, and that's a big plus for women traveling together. It was quite safe, and very comfortable. No "formal nights", but there's a nice "smart casual" restaurant, as well as casual buffets and beachfront buffets. Lots and lots of fun; I'd do it again without batting an eye. It's (almost) as good as a cruise on Century, but no bar bill add/on, so that sort of evens the playing field. Rooms are large; you could get 4 girls in one room comfortably, no problem. You know 4 to a cabin on a cruise would be tight! Just something to consider...:)

[the2006Junket]

Hi Susie,

 

My girlfriends and I go away every spring or early summer on what we call "Babe Junket." We have never tried a cruise, since we usually go away only for 2 or 3 nights --- we started this annual tradition after we all were mothers and it's hard for us to get away from our families for more than 4 days.

 

The most important thing you should be asking yourselves is "what do we want to do most?" Is soaking up the sun most important? Nightlife? Meeting guys?? Excellent entertainment/shows? Spa treatments? Gourmet food? Or is staying within a budget critical? Your answer will help guide you. Certainly if nightlife and entertainment or shows is most important...then Vegas or even Miami would get my vote.

 

I really enjoy cruising, lately with my family, and we have a great time. For me and my girlfriends though, I think the Celebrity ships I've been on would be a little too quiet at night for us. Both the Millenium last August and the Century did not have very happening disco scene at all. Fantastic ships with many other wonderful attributes -- but with a clientle of mostly families and couples -- it was pretty sedate at night, except for the casino (which none of my friends would want to spend much time in anyway.)

 

Here are some other places my friends and I have gone on "Babe Junket:"

Miami (South Beach)

Vegas

Newport, Rhode Island

Boston

Charleston, SC

Palm Beach, Fla

London

Vermont

 

We usually look for a place where we can have fun at night, but more importantly we look for interesting things to do during the day (sights to see, or hiking or spa or beach), great restaurants, excellent restaurants and easy non-stop flights from the places we live.

 

Happy planning!

 

Lynne

[bobbyleduck]

Dear Susie:

 

My wife and I did a 4 night getaway to Hawaii, Feb. 1, I was in Las Vegas for 3 nights in the middle of March and my wife, myself and 7 other family members went on a Panama Canal cruise aboard Infinity on March 25.

 

I want to take a moment and mention the Hawaii trip, because it was quite unusual. It came about after we had begun planning the cruise, and we just couldn't pass it up. This deal became available in December for trips in January, February and March. We had to fly out of San Francisco on a Thursday and return Monday, but it only cost us $323 each for our flight, hotel room for 4 nights, and transportation from the airport to the hotel near Waikiki Beach, and back to the airport.

 

With proper planning, you can make any of those trips, along with trips to other destination resorts, more fun than you can imagine and you can do any of them for a reasonable price if you pay attention.

 

For ease of planning, though, a cruise is certainly your best bet (no pun intended), and Celebrity is the way to go.

 

Bob

[Lois R]

"$323 each for our flight, hotel room for 4 nights, and transportation from the airport to the hotel near Waikiki Beach, and back to the airport."

So, basically you only had to pay extra for food?

 

Bob, that is a GREAT DEAL:D :eek: If I lived on the west coast

I would look at it on my own!

[hcat]

For cruises: Could you swing a 5 day trip? if so I would suggest Enchantment of the Seas on Royal carib--it has been recently stretched & refurbished. I think a better choice than the other Royal Carib.ships listed. Century is a nice ship . We were on in April (W. Carib) & will be on again in Sept.(W Medit.) While service & food are excellent & some of the refurbished areas very nice--it is still an older ship . I found the outdoor deck to be dated--& didn't even go in the pools. We probabaly would not go on it again in the Carib...fine for Europe which is port intensive. Just my opinion--others will disagree. My dd did a girls thing in San Juan, P.R.--close by, easy airfare... They went to Westin Rio Mar--in the boondacks... but there's a new Melia resort there from what I have heard. have fun with the girls!

[Mysteryreader]

Two yrs ago dh and I went on a 4-nt Zenith cruise out of Miami. There were a lot of groups of women on that cruise. Many groups even had had t-shirts made up for all members. Just an outsider's opinion: they seemed to be having the time of the lives. They were still partying in the lounges when we were waiting to disembark.

 

M/R

[funship freddy]

We started boys cruises years ago. We have done Carnival, RCCL and Celebrity (Zenith and Century).

Also have done Vegas. I think for many reasons.... a cruise makes the most sense and we have had the most fun. No cabs...no driving....meals included. Last fall Century had five night cruises at reasonable prices.

 

I vote cruise.:)

[SusieV]

Argh, it's starting to look like we won't be able to do a cruise. Apparently one woman's husband is a worrier and he'd prefer that she stay in the continental USA.

 

Oh well! I'm sure we'll figure something out. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.

[bobbyleduck]

"$323 each for our flight, hotel room for 4 nights, and transportation from the airport to the hotel near Waikiki Beach, and back to the airport."

So, basically you only had to pay extra for food?

 

Bob, that is a GREAT DEAL:D :eek: If I lived on the west coast

I would look at it on my own!

 

Dear Lois:

 

That's what I meant about going even though we had already planned the Panama Canal cruise for just a couple months later. No other expenses except food and fun.

 

Bob

[romancing_the_sea]

Argh, it's starting to look like we won't be able to do a cruise. Apparently one woman's husband is a worrier and he'd prefer that she stay in the continental USA.

 

Oh well! I'm sure we'll figure something out. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.

 

Oh, that's too bad because I was just going to suggest that a cruise is a much better social environment for a group of women because you're all onboard the ship - nobody's going to get lost in one of the casinos and, for the most part, a cruise is self-contained and unexpected strangers aren't going to show up.

 

Naturally, you need to be cautious on a cruise, too, but it just seems like a safer environment to me. No matter what you do - you've always got your cabin to go back to - it's always nearby. So if somebody in the group doesn't want to go out one night they can just go back to their cabin and it's right there.

 

On that note, if you really are going to choose Vegas, I'd choose a hotel where you might be hanging out the most or one nearby for that very reason. If somebody gets tired or doesn't want to go along with everybody else, the room is right there.

 

And just for the fun of it, check out "Cyn's Fabulous Guide to Cruising" - a free Ebook I wrote starring the main character in my novel "Real Women Wear Red" about 3 women on a Caribbean cruise. It's rather tongue-in-cheek but could be useful.

[hcat]

What about a cruise to Bermuda--that's not such a foreign land! And with the cruise ship, there's a spa right on board---maybe check out other lines that have short hops to Bermuda... or on the west coast to Catalina...

[BrendaJ]

Hi Susie

 

How are you guys doing? (you may remember we met on the Galaxy in February)

 

I guess I can speak with the voice of experience for girls' trips, since I've organized tons of them, although we've never done a girls' cruise (I have 16 girlfriends who did a 3-day Disney cruise and loved it). I was actually just pricing out a girls' cruise a few minutes ago, on the Century, and it didn't seem too bad, if we were to fly with a cheap carrier from Detroit to Ft. Lauderdale.

 

In your case, as well as mine, it's the flights that really kill us, since we don't have half as many opportunities for deals, especially from Toronto. We have flown from Detroit for quite a few trips, because it is so much cheaper than Toronto, but that's farther for you than it is for us (although perhaps Buffalo might not be that bad for you?) Many times, the air price makes a short trip just not worthwhile. We have done Vegas for short trips, but it's really not cheap, especially from Toronto, and although years ago, there were tons of meal deals in Vegas, that really isn't the case anymore. Drinks are pricey and good food is not cheap. Everything is pretty spread out, so unless you plan to stick close to your hotel, you're up for a lot of walking or cabbing, unless you rent a car.

 

We've done a girls' trip to New York city, flying from Detroit, and the cost really wasn't so bad, although meals and drinks did add up. Affordable hotel prices in good locations are hard to come by in NYC, but I'm sure they can be found with some research. We stayed at the Hotel Edison which, while old and not fancy, was fairly reasonably priced, and about half a block from Times Square.

 

I've also done a girls' trip to Chicago where we took the train and that was a lot of fun - great shopping and a nice hop-on hop-off bus tour around the city. It does take a while to get to Chicago by train, and those Amtrak trains are prone to delays at the border (it took us over 12 hours because of a delay.)

 

We've done lots of girls' trips to Montreal, both by train and by van rental (depends on how many of you there are). We always have a fabulous time there and the hotels are very nice and well-priced compared to large American cities. There's lots of night life, the restaurants are great (especially on Rue Prince Arthur, where you can bring your own wine) and the shopping is endless.

 

If you could get a good deal on air, Riu resorts are fabulous. We've been to several, and I know lots of people who have gone to them and have yet to hear that anyone was less than thrilled. If the girls in your group are big drinkers, it may be cheaper to go to an all-inclusive like the Riu's than to a big North American city. However, they're all far enough away that getting there is going to cost quite a bit, unless you fly from the States. If you have to stay in the continental U.S., I guess that's not an option anyways.

 

Whenever I plan a girls' trip, I try to minimize the potential hassles as much as possible. I book a hotel where we can walk to shopping and entertainment because cabs can be a pain, especially when not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time. I also try to book suites, or rooms that have fridges because many times, a girls' trip for us is more about hanging out and chatting over drinks than actually being out at night (you can tell we're all old and married).:D

 

I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide on. I'm planning a girls' trip for August in Toronto (I know, big excitement!) Everyone just seemed so busy, we couldn't do more than one night. Oh well, next year, you never know . . .