Dreaming of an amazing trip with friends that’s easy to plan and so much fun? It’s time to set sail! We think a cruise is always a good idea, and we are sharing some of the best cruises for a girlfriend getaway.
12 Best Cruises for a Girlfriend Getaway
One of the great things about choosing a cruise for a getaway is the ease of planning. Most cruises will take care of the itinerary for you, so all you have to do is show up. With most cruise lines charging per-person, you won’t need to worry about splitting bills and managing costs.
Sounds like the kind of laid-back adventure you and your girl group need?
Whether you are looking for far-off adventures or relaxing days in the sun, there are plenty of options to choose from. Read on to discover the best cruises for a girlfriend getaway.
1. AmaWaterways
Though many girl groups flock to the open ocean and tropical cruises, a river cruise could be perfect for your getaway.
AmaWaterways offers an array of European river cruises, and you will love an opportunity to see multiple cities in a relaxed yet efficient way. Onboard offerings like spa time, swim-up bars, local entertainment, and a chef’s table mean you are sure to have a great time between cities, too.
In addition to cruises through the heart of Europe, AmaWaterways also offers itineraries along the Nile and Mekong rivers. Some of their Africa tours include safaris and rail excursions.
2. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is an adult-only cruise line, so it’s perfect if you’re wanting a kid-free getaway. But that’s not the only reason why Virgin is one of the best cruises for a girls trip.
Their yacht-inspired atmosphere oozes with upscale sensibilities but you can still let loose! There are more than 20 bars and restaurants onboard, glistening pools, and top-notch evening entertainment.
These are new ships with cutting-edge technology and chic designs. There isn’t a buffet in sight! Instead, a Virgin Voyages cruise features stylish onboard eateries. Menus are designed by Michelin-starred chefs, and cocktails are thoughtful and hand-made.
Plush suites will elevate your entire experience, and you will fall in love with their swanky spa. Of course you will want to explore beyond the cruise ship. Off-board adventures let each destination shine, whether you are cruising to the Caribbean, Europe, or the South Pacific.
3. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is known as a family-friendly cruise line. With water slides, zip lines, and surfing simulators onboard, their ships beckon young and young-at-heart.
This may be perfect for a girls group wanting to have extra fun, especially if you’re traveling with tween and teen girls.
Even if your idea of a girls getaway doesn’t include waterslide races, you will still have a great time on Royal Caribbean cruises.
Most ships feature adult-only pools and lounges, upscale dining, late-night DJs, luxe spas, and fun off-board adventures.
We can’t talk about Royal Caribbean without mentioning its massive ship Icon of the Seas, which is the newest and largest cruise ship out there. It sails from Miami to the Caribbean and features pristine accommodations, a unique entertainment dome, fun nightlife, and an array of dining options.
So whether you want to hit the dance floor, the waterslides, or the poolside lounger, a Royal Caribbean cruise has you covered.
4. Ritz Carlton
Did you know Ritz Carlton has its own cruise line? The voyages are so elevated that we dare not even call it a cruise line – instead, it’s a “yacht collection.” So you know you’re in for a luxurious, curated experience.
There are currently three vessels in the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, and none hold more than 500 passengers. This luxurious cruising experience is perfect for girlfriends who don’t want a run-of-the-mill, high-energy excursion.
Lounges are typically lively yet spacious enough to enjoy, and there’s great live music and cocktails on board. Plus, the pool deck offers great ocean views as you sail between destinations.
There are a handful of restaurants serving three meals a day along with 24/7 room service.
We recommend a Mediterranean cruise to get a Ritz Carlton experience in beautiful destinations like Athens. They also offer cruises through the Caribbean and Europe.
5. Windstar
A Windstar cruise is a great way to make new memories with old friends, all while seeing some of the world’s best destinations. Windstar’s small yacht-style cruises (some of which have masts and sails!) offer James-Beard-inspired menus, relaxed schedules, onboard expedition guides, and complimentary water sports equipment.
Windstar dominates the market for French Polynesia cruises, so definitely check them out if you want to tour areas like Tahiti and Bora Bora. You can even book extended cruises with stays in overwater bungalows.
In addition to the South Pacific and French Polynesia, Windstar also offers cruises through Iceland, Greece, and many tropical and European destinations.
6. Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line strikes a nice balance between onboard activity and a relaxed vibe. There’s plenty to do on their spacious and well-appointed ships. Enjoy the adults-only pool or join the kids on the waterslide. Spend late nights dancing in their clubs or settle into a quiet lounge.
Budget travelers can book adjoining staterooms. But if you’re looking for a splurge-worthy stay, we highly recommend “The Haven,” luxury accommodations with an exclusive sundeck and 24-hour butler service.
Norwegian prides itself on “Freestyle Cruising,” which minimizes scheduling and timetables. Enjoy the ship – and destinations – at your own pace. Other highlights of this cruise line include Broadway-caliber entertainment and diverse dining options.
Choose from destinations like Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Bahamas, and Asia.
7. Crystal
Crystal has reemerged as the brand in luxury cruises, with a range of destinations – including a half-year journey around the world. But if your girls trip needs to last multiple days instead of multiple months, Crystal still has you covered.
Cruise through Alaska, Africa, and Europe. Or, stay closer to home with a unique journey through North America’s northeast coast.
Their two ship designs – Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony – hold less than 800 guests, and the line claims to have nearly one staff member per guest. This signals their promise of exceptional service and customized experiences.
Crystal partners with Abercrombie & Kent for shore experiences. These small-scale excursions are curated for adventurous yet relaxed travelers (like archeology digs in the Mediterranean, or farm tours in Vietnam).
Meanwhile, onboard, you can enjoy a Nobu restaurant at sea, scenic and spacious guest rooms, pickleball courts, and top-notch live entertainment.
8. Emerald River Cruises
How about a quiet, luxury river cruise through some of the world’s most inspiring cities? Emerald River Cruises prides itself on upscale ships (and yachts!), a boutique experience, and roomy common spaces.
Emerald tends to draw an older crowd, and children under 12 aren’t allowed. So this is an excellent option if you want to avoid a fast-paced family vibe and instead enjoy a more refined onboard experience.
It’s simple yet elegant. You can enjoy their onboard pool (indoors on select ships), local entertainment, elevated dining, and a small fitness center.
Emerald cruises through parts of Europe and Asia. For a truly unforgettable girls trip, consider a tour along Portugal’s Douro River. It’s the ultimate destination for wine tasting and rolling European countryside.
9. Seabourn
Your best friends will love spending time on the yacht-inspired ships of Seabourn. This ocean cruise line aims for a relaxed, exclusive experience with heightened luxury – and you’re sure to have a good time!
Check out the Seabourn Expedition cruises, which boast an expert team of guides who take you on inclusive adventures like Zodiac cruises and snorkel excursions. Destinations include Alaska, the Mediterranean, Antarctica, The Amazon, and New England.
The onboard offerings are perfect for a luxury girls trip. Enjoy fine dining and cocktails, a champagne welcome, a hot tub, and great spa treatments. Spend your evenings at a live music show, in the casino, or simply unwinding on deck.
10. Uniworld
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has 17 ships sailing to destinations across the globe. Each ship is a unique floating boutique hotel, designed to reflect the destination in which it sails. This is one of the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise lines with an average capacity of 120 guests, exclusive excursions, gourmet cuisine, and one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry.
One of their sailings we would recommend is Brilliant Bordeaux which sails through Southwest France. This is perfect for a girlfriend getaway as it combines adventure, relaxation, and a bit of culture. Expect to see gorgeous scenery, sample fine regional wines, and visit local markets.
On board the S.S. Bon Voyage, you and your friends can expect gourmet cuisine and the brand’s only infinity pool. Your luxury suite will have French-inspired accents and of course, stunning views of the French countryside.
If this itinerary doesn’t appeal your group, consider a cruise along the Nile River, Christmas Market cruises on the Danube, or sailing past the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal.
11. Cruise Croatia
Croatia is an ideal place for a girls’ getaway cruise. Explore lush national parks, historic cities with amazing restaurants, and some of the best natural scenery in the world.
If you truly want to experience the best of Croatia, book with a company that specializes in the area. Cruise Croatia has multiple options for cruising from Dubrovnik and Split, and they also offer land tours that extend to Italy and Greece.
Best of all? Their luxury fleet of cruise ships holds a maximum of 38 guests, providing a great opportunity to enjoy quality time with your girlfriends without the hustle and bustle of a large-scale ship.
Cruise Croatia also assists guests with details beyond their time onboard, like airport transfers and pre-cruise hotels. Since the cruises are localized to Croatia, each shore excursion is curated with exceptional expertise.
Enjoy wine tasting (and oyster tasting!), swimming in secluded bays, and guided city tours. This is a great choice if you want to explore this beautiful country with minimum hassle.
12. Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is perfect for girlfriends looking for a high-end vacation with fabulous destinations and unforgettable culinary experiences. They have eight small, luxury ships which carry a maximum of 1,250 guests. The cruise line calls on over 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents.
Some of our favorite itineraries include Springtime Rivieras, an 8-day trip from Rome to Barcelona (with stops in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez) or their Western Caribbean Bliss route which is a 10-day trip from Miami to Cartagena, Colombia (perfect for friends who want fun in the sun).
All sailings include Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE value promise, meaning just about everything is included in the voyage fare, including:
- Dree roundtrip airfare and airport transfers
- Complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner
- A shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length).
Created to elevate the guest experience, simply MORE means travelers receive ultimate value on top of an ultra-premium cruise experience. So what are you waiting for? Time to book this amazing getaway with friends!
Cruises for a Girlfriend Getaway- Choosing the Best
Whether you want to take in glacial views or dive into warm tropical waters, there’s a great cruise for you. With your best friends in tow, you’re sure to have a great time on these unique and memorable getaways.
So climb aboard and discover some unbelievable destinations. We’ll see you on your next girlfriends getaway cruise!