I'm back! 🛳️

I know it's been 2 weeks since we last spoke but from getting back from the cruise and diving into Thanksgiving it was hectic. How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was quiet and small after such an amazing cruise the week before.

I can't even begin to tell you how magnificent our cruise was. If you remember we were going to celebrate my hubby's 40th birthday, it was Elizabeth's 1st cruise, and it was a Merrytime Christmas cruise. It was setting up for a joyous vacation.

From the moment you walk into the port everything is very organized and timely. They give you arrival times when you check in 30 days before so not everyone is showing up together. All of your documents are now checked downstairs before you get into the terminal. Which is something different then our last cruise 6 years ago. It went very smooth and when we got upstairs the kids could check out everything and we waited for our boarding group to be called.

Here is the waiting area as you pass security and documents check

Don't forget to take your welcome aboard photo. I opted to buy the photo package and I have over 200 photos 😱. So for me it was worth it. When you get on the ship you are treated like royalty. They call out your family name to present you as you enter. My girls were all about this and it made them feel so special.

There was always something to do on the cruise. Between the themed nights, character greetings, pools, water slides, kids club, adult areas, etc. You never felt like there wasn't something someone in your family wouldn't enjoy.

My girls participated every night in the kids club. After dinner they all wanted to go and have their fun. The younger ones went to Oceaneers Club which is for ages 3-12. The tweens went to Edge which is from 11-14, but Victoria was able to join because she was 10 and I signed a waiver. My god daughter enjoyed the Teen club Vibe which they had their own private pool and everything. Needless to say we didn't see much of her just at dinner. She made friends and had a great time during the cruise.

I think that is what is so great that everyone has a place they can be. The adults have their section where I was able to relax some afternoons and just read. The kids had their areas and everyone was happy. This vacation was both relaxing and fun! Here are some pics taken by photographers on board.

There was one experience that the girls did that you can no longer due at Walt Disney World...Pirate's League. This is done at Bibiddi Bobiddi Boutique on Pirate Night only. Since the girls have done the princess makeovers they wanted to try this. Oh boy was this fun! The pirates were hilarious making jokes and playing around with the girls. We did make up and accessories package since I had already gotten them their outfits. I think is was reasonably priced at $79 per child. They received all the makeup, accessories, a medallion, pirate sword, and "treasure" bag to take with them. I'm so glad the girls had a chance to do this and I think they came out amazing!

Overall, the cruise was FANTASTIC!!! I recommend this vacation to everyone 100%. It the best of both worlds...Disney fun and all inclusive with relaxation. Believe me I tried to take home our stateroom manager and servers. They were so good to us and how nice to have our room and bed done twice a day and not have to cook! LOL! Disney is offering a great deal for 2023, buy 2 get 2 free for most sailing from January-April. If interested reach out and let's chat.

In just 10 days I'm heading to Walt Disney World to finally enjoy Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party once again! I'm heading up with some fellow Smart Mom buddies. I'm also excited because we have booked the Candlelight Processional at Epcot which I have never done! They say it's beautiful and I can't wait. Ending our trip we are finally going to see Fantasmic!! After 2 long years I can't wait. Come follow along on our adventures!

I leave you with this quote:

“We didn't know we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun!" -Author Winnie the Pooh

Have a great week everyone!

All the Pixie Dust,

Jillian