It's possible we were super spoiled to go on a cruise the same week we've been in Disneyland.
It's also possible that there were kiddos ready and willing to permanently live on a boat.
We went on a Carnival cruise from Long Beach to Catalina Island to Ensenada, Mexico. It was the first time any of us had been on a cruise, but my grandparents (seasoned cruisers) came along too.
We left the hotel and headed straight for the dock. We waited in line for a very long time and then went straight for the buffet. It was then that all the kiddos' dreams came true. Ice cream 24 hours a day.
The cruise was pretty low-key. There were plenty of shows and events available, but many of them weren't exactly family-appropriate.
The kiddos enjoyed the swimming pool, even though it was filled with saltwater and it was pretty darn cold. They spent most of their time in the hot tub.
Sam and Drew really liked the buffet. And the TV.
Ainsley went to a kid's camp and met some new friends.
Owen liked the elevators. He knew what buttons to push and how to get to his room, the pool, and the food by himself.
Finley liked getting to try fancy food. Even if she didn't like the lobster.
The kiddos wore themselves out everyday so much that they would fall asleep at dinner. Owen ordered himself a banana split every night.
We had fun getting off the boat in Catalina and Ensenada. We loved swimming in the ocean in Mexico. Even if Ainsley did swim too far, headed for a riptide, and got chased by the lifeguard.
This boat was not necessarily geared towards families. There was plenty of smoking and drinking. I understand that happens in the casinos, but I did not appreciate our lovely neighbors who decided to smoke something illegal in their room. Their room became "unoccupied." We are pretty sure they spent the last of the trip in the briggs. At least that's what I like to think. I got pretty fed up when their fumes got sucked into the air system in my room.
I was worried that 4 days would feel too short for a cruise, but it actually turned out to be a good amount. I was impressed by the staff on the boat. They take their jobs so seriously.
Another fun fact: Owen likes donuts almost as much as chocolate muffins. One year, Owen had a pyramid of donuts instead of a birthday cake. He could not have been happier.
By the time we boarded the tram, I was already busting with excitement. I have mad love for that place.
Damage control was much needed so we took a spin on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Owen liked this much more, though he was still not very trusting of us after the Space Mountain fiasco.
