I’m so thrilled for today’s post, all about our recent cruise. We decided due to Covid that we would go on a trip versus having a party for Camden and Ella’s 5thbirthday. They had so much fun that now they want to go on a cruise every year for their birthday! This was our first cruise since Covid hit the world so we weren’t sure what to expect but honestly with the changes they made (lower capacity, cleanliness protocols, social distancing requirements, and staff serving you at buffets), we loved cruising even better! Covid protocols are constantly changing but this is what we experienced in February 2022.
We went on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. We booked two connecting balcony cabins and it was heavenly. I think this spoiled us and I don’t think we’re going to be able to go back to the four of us sharing one cabin. I’m not sure what it is about cruising but I feel more relaxed on a cruise ship then I do anywhere…it could be the rocking of the ship at night that makes me sleep like a baby, not having to cook and we all love the food, or just the excitement of the activities going on! But whatever it is, I love it and I can’t get enough of cruising.
The first day we spent exploring the ship.
We decorated Camden and Ella’s cabin for their birthday. We got these adorable decorations from Big Dot of Happiness.
We took the kids ice-skating and they loved it!
The next day we woke up to these breathtaking views of Atlantis/Nassau.
We booked an excursion to swim with the dolphins. It was so much fun!
The dolphins kissed us, danced with us, did tricks, and so much more.
Ella did surprise us by hanging on to me for dear life during the excursion…not because she was scared of the dolphins (she loved that part) but because she saw a fish that was a couple inches long and was terrified. This cracked us up because we live at the beach but I guess our ocean water isn’t as clear so she doesn’t notice them as much. Haha!
We then hung out on the island/beach until it was time to head back to the ship.
We took this photo as we were heading to dinner. I just can’t get enough of this view!
The next day we woke up in Coco Cay which is Royal Caribbean’s new(ish) island. It was a blast. This is definitely one of our most favorite ports for our family now. It is beautiful and there is so much to do!
We went down a million water slides.
Swam at the beach.
Ate all the ice-cream cones.
Camden and Ella pretended to be pirates at the adorable ship.
Ate until there was no more room in our bellies.
And had oh so much fun!! We are already counting down the days till we can come back here. Royal Caribbean outdid themselves designing this place. And as Royal Caribbean says, it was THE PERFECT DAY!
Look at our view at dinner every night!
The next day was an at sea day and the kiddos 5thbirthday! We spent the day swimming, opening gifts, eating, playing, and going to shows.
It was a wonderful trip that we will never forget.
sara lafountain
Oh my goodness, what a fun way to celebrate the twins birthday! Love all your photos, you created some amazing memories.
Heather
It looks like you guys had a blast. I’ve been dying to go back on a cruise since the last one we went on! Hopefully this year!
Tweenselmom
Tons of fun things to do here! This will definitely be a good memory for your kids 🙂
Beth
Oh, wow! that’s the most amazing birthday a kid could ever have! Very exciting.
Eileen M Loya
Oh wow. That was a truly memorable 5th birthday celebration! You guys sure look like you had a lot of fun. Wishing your kids a very happy birthday!
briannemanzb
What a blast! Looks like you had a great time and a wonderful time together.
Claudia
This is such a wonderful trip you and your family will never forget. I’d treasure this so much.
Gervin Khan
Wow! That was truly an amazing, fun, and memorable birthday celebration.
Happy birthday!
Ris
Wow, it looks like a happy celebration for the whole family. Happy 5th Birthday to your baby Ella!
Millie
How lucky are these kids! I’ll take a cruise over a birthday party any day! It looked like you all had so much fun!
Tara Pittman
What a great trip. It seems that the ship is not that crowded, was that the case?
April
Looks like you all had a blast! We went on our last Royal Caribbean cruise in Feb 2020 right before the pandemic hit America.
Abida
Looks like you guys had an awesome experience. By the way, the babies are looking really cute.
Elizabeth Neas
This is definitely a birthday your twins will never forget. So I hope you will be able to continue the tradition lol. So much fun was packed into that time on the cruise. That is what making memories is all about.
Neely Moldovan
Oh how fun! WE are doing a trip to disney in June for my sons 5th birthday!
Richelle Milar
Wow! That looks like a really amazing and a wonderful trip! I know you guys had so much fun!
Fransic verso
I’m looking to go and see the dolphin in real life. I hope you guys had fun going on this trip!
Autumn Murray
Wow, what an amazing experience for your family to have. Looks like you had the time of your lives.
Lynndee
Happy Birthday! Looks like y’all had a blast. My son went on a cruise to the Bahamas last year and had a blast as well.
Sol
So glad to see you’ve enjoyed her birthday celebration with the whole fam. Happy Birthday Ella!
Melissa Cushing
Such cuties you have on your hand 😉 Just love the post and looks like you guys had an amazing time 😉