RCI survey: more girlfriend getaway trends

[Jason]

Getting Out There With Just the Girls: Royal Caribbean International Survey Explores Girlfriends Getaway Trends

MIAMI, Nov. 4 -- Girlfriends getaways are gaining ground, according to a recent independent study conducted by Royal Caribbean International of more than 1,500 women nationwide. Close to half of the women surveyed (48 percent) have taken a girlfriends-only trip in the past three years, and nearly nine out of 10 said they either have plans for a trip in the near future (33 percent) or would like to take one (56 percent).

"We host more women than men each year and see many groups of women cruising to enjoy time together and share new experiences," said Dan Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, for Royal Caribbean International. "This new survey confirms this popular trend, and reinforces Royal Caribbean offers all of the top elements women look for in a getaway -- new destinations to explore, spa treatments, beach and pool time, and great shopping, dining and nightlife."

According to the survey, girlfriends on the go are most interested in sharing a special spa retreat (66 percent), beach vacation (65 percent), shopping trip (57 percent), cruise (53 percent) or city visit (42 percent).

While where to go is important, the majority of women in favor of girls- only getaways said they feel the top reason to take these trips is to bond with friends and family (70 percent). Other motivations selected include sharing new experiences (45 percent), exploring new destinations together (40 percent), taking a break from a significant other (39 percent), taking a break from work (37 percent), taking a break from kids (35 percent) and celebrating an important occasion (33 percent).

Despite the fact that a third of women planning or hoping to get away said they would enjoy a break from their significant other, 86 percent said that men are the most popular topic of conversation. Talking about the past came in a close second at 69 percent, followed by sex (59 percent), children (57 percent) and the future (57 percent).

Although women love to take time to talk and catch up, according to the survey findings, they also like to stay active. While dining out was the most popular activity cited (89 percent), shopping (81 percent), spa sessions (75 percent), beach/pool activities (73 percent), makeovers (64 percent) and nightlife (56 percent) also proved popular.

The biggest barriers to bringing girlfriends together, according to respondents, are finding a time that works for everyone (85 percent) and selecting a trip to suit all budgets (80 percent). Not in question, however, is what they would pack differently -- more money, more makeup and more clothes. Old photos of friends on the trip and current photos of loved ones also are must-haves.

Royal Caribbean Offers Girlfriends Outstanding Options for Getaways

Girlfriends planning a group trip can find a Royal Caribbean cruise to match everyone's wish list and budget. The line has 19 ships offering itineraries ranging from three to 14 nights in Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Onboard, girlfriends cruising together will find a wide range of activities to enjoy, including day spas, fitness centers, duty-free shopping, multiple dining options, casinos, and nightlife from nightclubs to musical productions. Girlfriends can cheer each other on to reach new heights on the line's signature rock-climbing walls, practice their putting on miniature-golf courses, or simply catch up poolside at the adults-only Solariums.

Royal Caribbean also has introduced a new program to make group travel even more memorable. Royal Reunions offers guests special amenities and activities, including festive stateroom door decorations, Royal Reunions logo gifts, a group photo and group challenges run by the cruise staff.

[Lisa63]

sailinglisa is doing this right now... and on RCI. :smiley:

[sailinglisa]

Yep - just got back tonight.....only thing (besides the travel hell getting to and from Miami) is 3 days are WAY too short!!!!

I read that article when I got home and a lot of it is true....dining was the most important for us as that was when all of us got together and spent a few hours together (including pre-dinner drinks.) It is a great way to reconnect with friends........this cruise was better than I expected but RCCL has some issued to address (basically customer service from the pursers and debarkation staff - what a nightmare!)