"I Love it when we're Cruisin' Together"

Note: If you have already seen Cami's blog, you may think this is identical with the layout being the same and all, but it's not and I had this idea all along, so there.

It feels like we just left for the cruise, and at the same time feels like we've been gone for weeks. I guess that's what happens when you spend every waking (and when you are supposed to be sleeping) moment doing something eventful. It was a truly luxurious vacation and we were so happy to have been able to spend it with the Turpins. There was so much to do on this trip so I took notes each day and will list them here with the pictures for that day. I didn't write in the journal at all about this so this is my record. Sorry if it's boring for you. But it might give you some ideas for future vacations. It is perfect for kids and Disney Lovers, but if you are not a fan or Disney and you don't kids there are things that you can do where you would've even know it was a Disney Cruise, but just a nice relaxing vacation. I'll never cruise with anyone else again. Read on if you need convincing.

DAY 1:

• Had a pretty good flight and got our bags quicker than ever before.
  
• We were greeted at almost every door throughout the entire cruise by a crew member handing out hand wipes to clean our hands. I LOVED this being the slight germaphobe that I am. They are all over the boat.
  
• We started with an enormous and beautiful buffet.
  
• We toured the ship, went to the safety talk, and then did some swimming.
• We had the late dinner so we justified a "snack" of pizza, fries, wraps, and fruit, collectively.
• We left the kids in the free kiddie place where they were always sad to leave when we came to get them.
  
• Dinner was in Triton's this night. Throughout dinner the colors change to look like your under the sea. I wasn't afraid to order two entrees for dinner every night. It was duckling and sirloin steak this night. Each meal was four courses. The appetizers were things like goat cheese and zucchini quiche. We ate very well.
  
• We saw an amazing Hercules show. I was seriously awed at the talent and energy they put into these shows.
  
• KC and I managed to stay up for a 10:45 pm showing of Dan in Real Life. I've really been wanting to see this show and was delighted to see that they were showing it in the Buena Vista Theater. I had to drink some Diet Coke for that night.
  

DAY 2:

• Cami and I worked out at 7:00 both the mornings. We started in the fitness center for 3o minutes to watch the sun rise, then we went to the luxurious spa to shower and let our feet get massaged on a chaise lounge in the bath robes provided. Probably my highlight on the boat.
  
• We ate a huge buffet breakfast and then left the ship to visit Nassau in the Bahamas. We did light shopping and took a taxi to a beautiful private beach that would've cost $15/person if the lady made us pay.
  
• I didn't need chapstick or lotion from the humidity in the air. I'm usually addicted to these things.
  
• We dropped off the kids again and watched National Treasure two, where Jake made a run to get everyone ice cream and chocolate chip cookies from the deck.
• We were waiting to the Golden Mickey show to start when we spotted Jeffy and Jake on the big screen being interviews on the "red carpet" before the show. He was so cute.
  
• When we were getting ready for dinner, my pants were significantly tighter.
• We played a little Wheel or Fortune in the lounge. Jake is really good at that game.
  
• We ate another huge dinner in Animators Palate. All over the walls the pictures start as black and white and eventually become colorful.
• We didn't party too much at the huge pirate party on the deck, but they have an AMAZING buffet that I took a million pictures of and was first in line to try the desserts. I was already stuffed, but managed to try a few things.
  

DAY 3:

• We did our work out again. I just loved it.
  
• My breakfast was a buckwheat crepe with eggs, tofu, and spinach inside. Cool, eh? I also had a mango yogurt and granola parfait. I want it right now.
  
• We disembarked and headed for Castaway Cay, the Cruise's private island. It was like you were still on the boat with all the amenities like free food, and free shuttles. We could even drop off the kids at the beach so we could spend some time alone at Serenity Bay, the adults only beach. We floated around pretty much all by ourselves. It was paradise.
  
• We ate a pretty amazing barbecue lunch, and picked up the kids to go to the family beach.
• KC took initiative and rented some snorkel gear. I'm usually a little frightened of this, but I bucked up, and loved it!
• We just chilled on the hammock and had a wonderful time on the beach.
• We got back on the ship, walked the decks at sunset, checked out the teen loft which was awesome, and then got ready for dinner.
• Dinner was at Palo, a reservation and adult only restaurant. We reserved right when we booked the cruise. It was so so so delicious and we again ate a lot of amazing food. It was true luxury.
• We saw our finale show, Disney Dreams. I loved singing along to all the songs. We are putting all the shows on our Netflix right aways. I'm so in the mood to see them all.
  
• We were so tired every night. KC and Jake went to see a football game in one of the lounges, and I fell quickly to sleep.
  

DAY 4:

• We woke up, packed, and headed for our finale breakfast. It was sad to go but were glad to be able to go home where we weren't forced to eat constantly and be entertained from sun up to way past sun down. Okay, okay, we would've loved to stay, but it's good to leave wanting more, right. The kids were pretty tired by this point, making everyone a little relieved it was time to go.
• We had a different flight than the Turpins, so we said our goodbyes, and after a couple hours of waiting to board the flight, and an hour waiting to actually take off (luckily I slept through this) we made it home safe and sound. (Don't worry, this slide show it much shorter.)
  

This vacation would not have been possible with out Cami and Jake and we couldn't be more grateful that they took us with them. We are the luckiest aunt and uncle in the world!

Now if I can just get used to not eating 5 HUGE ready-made meals a day. I guess I have to go grocery shopping sometime as soon as my food shivers have subsided.