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.

Harmony of the Seas Splashaway Bay Kids Sliding Smiling
Harmony of the Seas Splashaway Bay Kids Sliding Smiling

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.

Woman Reaching the Top of the Rock Climbing Wall
Woman Reaching the Top of the Rock Climbing Wall

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.


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Enjoy a day to yourself while on a cruise vacation with your family.

An Island Oasis

Coco Beach Club Woman Swimming Infinity Pool, Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Coco Beach Club Woman Swimming Infinity Pool, Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Don't think that mommy's day out only has to happen on the ship, there are plenty of fun and relaxing things to do once you get to your port as well. Check with your ship for excursions you can sign up for. If you're headed to The Perfect Day at Coco Cay, there are plenty of ways to relax and adventure on your own. The Perfect Day at Coco Cay has a bit of everything for moms. As soon as I stepped off of the ship, I saw the hammocks on Chill Island and headed that way. What better way to take a quick cat nap than in a hammock situated under palm trees listening to sounds of the ocean? I don't think I've ever felt so relaxed in my life.
Thrill Water Park Couple Slingshot, Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Thrill Water Park Couple Slingshot, Perfect Day at Coco Cay

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.

I've found that cruise vacations are one of the few vacation experiences that leave me feeling truly relaxed..

Adults Only Vacay

Perfect Day Coco Cay Pineapple Drink
Perfect Day Coco Cay Pineapple Drink
Grab a drink at the swim-up bar by the Oasis Lagoon. When I tell you that Royal Caribbean thought of it all while designing the Perfect Day at Coco Cay, they really did. Enjoy a piña colada in a coconut and sip while relaxing in the pool with others your age. Yes, you can have a conversation with another adult and talk about things other than your children. It might be intimidating at first, but you'll feel rejuvenated after connecting with other adults.
Izumi Sushi Specialty Roll Close-Up
Izumi Sushi Specialty Roll Close-Up

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!

Written By
LAUREN JIMESON

After living in the suburbs of both Atlanta and Tampa nearly my entire life, my husband and I decided shortly after our first daughter, Harlan, was born to take the plunge and move to the city of Manhattan. Just six weeks after Harlan was born, my husband moved to start his new job, while I stayed in Tampa to finish out my teaching career. Nine months later, Harlan and I moved to be with MacKay in New York City and start our news lives as city dwellers. Shortly after moving here I started A Mommy in the City as a way to keep my family in touch with our lives in the city. This blog has turned into much more than I could have ever imagined. Now a full time work-at-home mom (freelance writer and social media consultant) of two little girls and a baby boy, this blog chronicles our lives in New York City and the many ways that our lives have changed since our suburban days.

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