Sistahood at Sea: A Girls' Cruise Adventure to the Dominican Republic

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey to the sun-soaked shores of the Dominican Republic? Picture this: 40 amazing women, a luxury cruise ship, craft cocktails, and endless laughter. This is the story of Sistahood at Sea, a travel adventure that started as a dream and turned into a vibrant reality. Join us as we take you through our incredible cruise experience aboard the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, complete with delicious cocktails, new friendships, and unforgettable memories.

The Birth of Sistahood@Sea

Before we dive into the cruise itself, let's rewind a bit and explore how Sistahood at Sea came to be. It all started with a passionate and dedicated wife and mom – me. I was used to doing things solo and didn't have a lot of girlfriends to share experiences with. If an activity didn't involve my family or my husband, I often didn't consider it.

Fast forward a few years, and I found myself an empty nester, still juggling the roles of a dedicated wife, mother, and full-time employee, all while running a side hustle as a travel advisor. It hit me that I wasn't alone in this balancing act. Many women missed out on connecting with others and taking time for themselves because they put their obligations first.

And so, the idea of a women-only cruise was born. I envisioned a vacation where busy women could let loose, escape their everyday responsibilities, and have some well-deserved fun. A vacation where they could pamper themselves, sleep in, and make new friends from around the world.

Sistahood at Sea became a reality, and we were overwhelmed by the response from women who resonated with this idea. It was clear that there was a strong desire for a getaway that allowed women of all ages and backgrounds to connect and have a blast.

Setting Sail on Scarlet Lady

The anticipation was palpable as we prepared to board the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, the first cruise in what would become a series of annual events hosted by Sistahood at Sea. Our next adventure would be aboard Valiant Lady, possibly exploring the Mediterranean or Europe in the future. But for now, we were ready to set sail on Scarlet Lady.

Day 1: All Aboard and Sail Away Party

Our cruise adventure began with a fabulous welcome aboard the ship. We gathered at the Sip bar for an initial meet and greet, where everyone received swag bags filled with exciting surprises. The excitement was infectious, and we couldn't wait to start exploring the ship.

Next up was the sail away party, a lively celebration that marked the beginning of our adventure. If you missed our live coverage of this fantastic event, be sure to check it out on our YouTube channel.

The fun continued as we dined, enjoyed a show, and then joined the pajama party, where our very own Carlene (@seeitwithc) won the pajama contest. It was a night filled with laughter and dancing.

Day 2: Sip and Soiree

Our official Sistahood at Sea activities kicked off on the second day, which was our first day at sea. Many of the ladies began their day with breakfast together or morning workout classes. We gathered at the Shot for Shot class, a unique experience where we learned how to make popular cocktails onboard and capture stunning photos of them with our phones.

Following the class, we reconvened at the Loose Cannon bar for the Sip and Soiree Cocktail Party. It was an excellent opportunity to mingle and get to know each other better. Meanwhile, another group of ladies attended the Rum Runners class, a history lesson on rum with plenty of sampling.

We came together for our first group dinner at Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant onboard, all dressed in elegant black attire. After dinner, we enjoyed shots at Pink Agave and a lively karaoke session at the Dock, where hidden talents among our group emerged. The night wouldn't have been complete without dancing at the Manor nightclub.

Day 3: Adventure in Puerto Plata

Our first port day took us to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We had an exciting group excursion planned on a private party boat. However, rough waters due to recent storms made the experience challenging for some. Despite a few seasickness incidents, some enjoyed dancing, snorkeling, and even taking a thrilling waterslide plunge.

Disembarking from the boat was an adventure in itself, with small dinghies ferrying us back to shore through choppy waters. Once back in port, we explored the newer parts of Taino Bay, each of us finding our own unique experiences.

Day 4: Blossoms and Brunch

Day four marked our second day at sea, and it began with many ladies taking advantage of morning workouts. Our Blossoms and Brunch event took place at the Wake restaurant, where everyone showcased their fabulous florals and Rich Auntie vibes. The brunch was a delightful and stylish affair.

Later that night, we experienced the infamous Scarlet Night, a highlight of Virgin Voyages cruises. This night of storytelling, wearing red, and lots of dancing culminated in some of us ending up in the pool, laughter echoing through the air.

After drying off, we gathered at the nightclub, but our party soon moved to the On the Rocks Bar, where the West Wave Band, a soul, funk, and R&B band from Florida, performed nightly. This became a favorite late-night hangout spot for everyone onboard.

Day 5: Relaxation in Bimini

Our final day in Bimini was a relaxing one. We had a blast at the Beach Club, where everyone showed off their matching white swimwear. Although we didn't plan any extravagant activities that day, we all enjoyed the pool, beach, and floaties, making the most of our time in paradise.

Our last group event was a farewell dinner at Gunbae, the Korean BBQ style restaurant onboard. It was the perfect setting for our farewell celebration, complete with drinking games and cheers of "Gunbae!" The cocktails and food were simply amazing.

One last recommendation for all the ladies was to see the UntitledDanceShowPartyThing, one of our favorite production shows by Virgin Voyages. The crew on this sailing of Scarlet Lady made the show incredibly fun.

And just like that, our vacation came to an end. We met on a Friday, said our goodbyes on Tuesday night, and left with memories that will stay with us forever.

Join Us on the Next Adventure

If you're a woman or know a woman in need of a getaway with like-minded women, join us on the next Sistahood at Sea adventure. Whether you come alone, with your daughters, mothers, sisters, cousins, or best friends, it's a chance to treat the ladies in your life to some fun and relaxation.

Our next cruise will be on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady, exploring the Riviera Maya itinerary with visits to Cozumel or Playa del Carmen and the Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas, complete with fun excursions and group events. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book now.

Our cruise adventure with Sistahood at Sea aboard the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady was nothing short of amazing. It was a journey filled with laughter, cocktails, and newfound friendships.

To see this wrap up of Sistahood@Sea on our YouTube channel, click below 😊