Mommy's Day Out: Adult-Only Relaxing Vacations For Moms
By Lauren Jimeson | Published on March 28, 2022
I've had many moms heading on a cruise ask me if relaxing vacations are actually possible with kids. And without hesitation I tell them, you're in luck! On cruise ships, you can have a mommy's day out! There are plenty of onboard activities and shore excursions that will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. I've found that cruise vacations are one of the few vacation experiences that leave me feeling truly relaxed.
As a mom, there are very few moments on a vacation when I actually feel like I am on vacation. Making sure the kids are having a good time while they adjust to a new routine can be exhausting. On my first cruise, with Royal Caribbean, my youngest was only 11 months and my oldest had just turned three. As soon as we walked onboard the ship, my husband and I learned about all of the amazing things for adults, and we wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities. We quickly researched the onboard childcare options and made exciting itineraries for ourselves.
Relaxation Time
Royal Caribbean offers programs for even their littlest guests. My youngest could go into the nursery while our oldest could have fun in the Adventure Ocean program. With the kids taken care of, it was time for me to dive into mommy time. During days at sea, there is plenty to do on the ship. My first stop for a day of relaxation was the adult-only area. In this area of the ship, I was able to grab a book and read it without interruption. Getting whisked away into a story is magical, but I hadn't done it for so long since becoming a mom. There I was in a quiet area, drinking a very nice tropical beverage, while listening to the thoughts in my own head — it was blissful.
Once I got a bit warm from relaxing in the sun with my book, I decided to cool down in the adult-only pool. Whether you choose to swim laps or just stick your feet in for a little bit of a cool down, you'll want to take advantage of this pool for some portion of your mommy's day out.
Let's Get Active
Now that you've had time to relax in the best way possible, it's time to get active. Working out and doing something to get my heart rate up is one of my favorite things to do to unwind. There are so many activities on the ship that easily helped me accomplish my goal. My first stop was the rock climbing wall. Geared up in the provided rock climbing shoes and harness, the guide helped me get up the wall with ease. Once I reached the top, I looked out and saw the incredible view of the ocean. If heights aren't your thing, but you still want to get in some cardio, the ship has a great gym where you can still see views of the ocean through the windows. There are also basketball courts, a track and even a mini golf course.
An Island Oasis
Time For Adventure
After recharging, I wanted to feel like a kid again, so I headed over to Thrill Waterpark to check out the slides. Whether you love heights and want a big thrill, or you're looking for more of a subtle ride, the waterpark has you covered. A subtle ride is more of my speed, so I went over to Splash Summit and had some fun riding down. The smile didn't leave my face while going up and down the slides.
If you prefer another type of adventure, try the zip line, which glides you through the entire island. This momma is a bit scared of heights, but I conquered my fears, and I am so glad that I did because it was one of my favorite things to do on the island.
You can also opt for Up, Up, and Away, which takes you up in an air balloon and gives you 360 degree views of the island. The view from above is spectacular, and you'll see all that Coco Cay has to offer with a beautiful view of the clear blue ocean with the reefs underneath.
Adults Only Vacay
Dinner And Entertainment
After leaving the island and heading back to the ship, it was time to get ready for a night out. Mommy's day out includes date night and a show with my husband. Date nights are few and far between in our household, so we took full advantage of the excellent daycare and decided to dine at one of the many restaurants onboard. I really wanted sushi, so we sipped on sake and ate some of the freshest fish I've ever tasted (even enjoying it at the temperature it's supposed to be eaten at, and we didn't even have to share).
Our final activity to end the perfect mommy's day out was a show! Living in New York City, I've seen many Broadway shows, and Royal Caribbean live shows are at that level — their talent is amazing. I highly recommend seeing a show on your next cruise. You'll feel as though you've been whisked away to Broadway.
Later in the evening, we returned to pick up the kids. My youngest was fast asleep thanks to the awesome staff in the nursery, while my oldest was still going strong having the best time playing with her new friends. Want to know one of the best things about taking time for me? Not only did I have a fun and relaxing day, my kids enjoyed themselves, too.
Taking a cruise with my family was one of the most relaxing vacations I've ever taken. With so much to do and childcare on-site, there's no excuse not to take time for yourself for a mommy's day out. After all, as a mom, you deserve a vacation, too!
