10 Favorites on a CRUISE!
Our children LOVE to explore right along with us and never hesitate to jump at the opportunity to explore new destinations on our cruises! Each ship that we have experienced has not disappointed! So, what are our 10 favorites on a cruise?
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“Travelling in the company of those we love is home in motion”
– Leigh Hunt.
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – Family Time!
Is there any better way to spend your days? Our children grow way too fast…
Captive family time is so precious! Carnival Cruises have brought us closer together for that amazing bonding time that becomes much needed in the midst of our busy lifestyles. Now that our eldest son is away at college, this special time is even more precious! As long as we remember those most important TOP 10 THINGS TO PACK for a cruise, all should go as planned! Believe it or not, once on the night before we were to depart on a cruise out of Galveston, Texas, our oldest son realized he did not have his cruise luggage. It was still at home! Double check your luggage count! TRUE STORY! AHHHH!
2016 
2017 
2018 
DUNN’S RIVER FALLS ~OCHOS RIOS JAMAICA 2017
Our children LOVE to explore right along with us and never hesitate to jump at the opportunity to explore new destinations on our cruises! Each ship that we have experienced has not disappointed! GREAT EXPERIENCES each time! I can list 10 reasons to cruise easily!
Each person in our family has different preferences for daytime entertainment. I love to lay in the sun with a book and be left alone. My boys enjoy playing basketball on the top deck or playing on the water slide or using the running track. My husband enjoys people watching in the shade around the pool area in between naps, but in the evenings we reconnect over dinner and the evenings entertainment together.
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – TRANQUILITY at SUNRISE!
Balcony is a must! PIN IT #13 
Sunrise at sea!
SUNRISE…my favorite time of the day while cruising! There is no more peaceful moment that I can begin to explain than this exact moment. Do you enjoy a SUNRISE or SUNSET? I put my order out the night before for an early morning tray to be delivered while it is pre-dawn. I usually pick a pot of coffee with cream and croissants with jam to nibble on while I watch the sunrise over the waves and listen to the sounds of the sea. I read, enjoy the moist, humid air, and soak up the warmth of the southern climate. Complete tranquility! So amazingly great! Usually the night before the steward will leave the next days activity list out for us to study to determine what we want to do, or not do, the next day. I bring a highlighter to mark my preferences. So much entertainment available, if I choose!
These precious moments are priceless to me. It provides me with those stolen chunks of time to feed my need for INNER STILLNESS. This is necessary every day!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – OH THE FOOD!
The food! Oh the food! Nothing prepares you for the Lido deck! When you embark on Day 1 you go straight to the Lido deck as a place to wait while the final touches are placed on your room. Picture the never ending buffet line. Stations exist. You name the type of food…it is present, section by section, from one end of the ship to the other on the 9th level of most carnival cruise ships.
Evenings you have the option to dine in one of the dining rooms! Picture chandeliers, white linen and two levels with a cathedral ceiling! Very impressive. Our first cruise we had an ocean view window table in the rear of the ship. Each guest is assigned a table in a dining area. The menu is formal and starts with drinks and appetizers, salad and soup course, then the main course, followed by coffee and dessert. Many nights before dessert the servers put on a “SHOW” for you while you dine. It is a highlight and we always look forward to this experience. Elaborate breakfasts are also an option!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – PEOPLE WATCHING
Who doesn’t like to people watch and relax? Never a dull moment here! From the BIG screen to the pool activities…something always has your attention on a cruise. Watch a movie under the stars on deck with the BIG SCREEN all the while with the ocean breeze blowing!
PIN IT #19 
We LEARNED THE TRICKS TO CRUISING FROM TRUSTED FRIENDS and have enjoyed every minute! The most valuable tip that they gave us was about motion sickness. We are avid boaters at home, so we were sure we wouldn’t have any problems with this. WRONG! The motion of a large cruise ship is so different than our usual boating at home. Our first cruise we encountered rough seas. The boat was really rolling in the ocean waves. My husband suffered the first night terribly. Our friends had told us to take natural ginger tablets a couple of days prior to cruising. We had not, thinking we knew better! BIG MISTAKE! Immediately when my husband began feeling ill, we both took the natural ginger tablets and sucked on ginger candies that I had packed “just in case.” WHEW! By the next morning we started to feel better and both of us learned our lesson! We take the ginger now 2 days prior to sailing and throughout the duration of being at sea on vacation. Never have we had a problem with motion sickness since!
Consult your doctor first before taking any supplements, I am simply relaying what worked for us! Great advice from our trusted friends!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS!
Strolling from deck to deck, multiple performers can be found in different lounges throughout the ship at the same time. The beat of the bass can be heard coming from the dance clubs nightly. Teenage dance clubs and arcades provide ample entertainment for teens. Comedy Clubs and comedians are stand-out memories when I think of favorites from past cruises. Family friendly performances are offered earlier in the evenings and adult only performances are offered later in the evening. Outstanding talent is certainly provided. The shows performed by the singers and dancers are really good as well. It reminds me of “Young American” style performers. The entertainers switch out at ports, so new talent can be seen by the guests on board ship. The cruise directors lead interactions with the passenger by playing games like “the Newly-wed Game”, or the “Hairy Chest” competition around the pool, allowing passengers the opportunity to laugh at oneself and give people watchers a great show! So much fun!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – EXCURSIONS ~ SNORKELING OPPORTUNITIES PLENTIFUL!
Each port offers the opportunity to debark and explore the port. Excursions can be booked based on your interests at each location. We tend to gravitate towards snorkeling experiences. We have booked catamaran rides and private island get-aways for a day of relaxing on a beach too!
Cozumel snorkeling 
Cozumel snorkeling 
Cozumel snorkeling 
snorkeling Cozumel 
Diving for conch in Grand Cayman 
Grand Cayman snorkeling
Crystal clear, turquoise blue, refreshingly soothing, salt water, calmness, tranquility, buoyancy…so many thoughts come to mind when considering snorkeling. Exploring under the surface of the water to find God’s inspiration in all creation! It’s fascinating. Antigua, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Hawaii to name a few, each snorkel destination holds different adventures and underwater microcosm. Make sure to pack your SNORKEL & FINS to ensure a great snorkeling experience. The freedom afforded the underwater explorer provides extensive opportunities to experience nature in many new ways. Like the photos? Try this WATERPROOF CAMERA on your next snorkeling adventure! Don’t forget an UNDERWATER VALUABLES POUCH to secure your phone & wallet.
Grand Cayman boat ride 
Ochos Rios, Jamaica 
Cozumel, Mexico 
Grand Cayman 
San Gervasio-Aztec Ruins 
Jeeping in Cozumel 
Cozumel Mariachi entertainment beach lunch 
Stingray City 
Snorkeling
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – CRUISE-SHIP ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS
We have cruised with all four of us in one balcony room and we have cruised with two in two rooms. Options for a family of four are balcony rooms with connecting interior doors or a balcony room with an interior room (no window) across the hallway. Suites are also an option. Kids use the rooms to change, shower, and sleep and are not in the room that much. It is a preference choice. We prefer a balcony room.
What deck level to stay on? Well, we have been on the 6th deck aft, 6th deck center. 7th deck center, and the 9th deck center. I am ruined now for anything but the 9th deck center ship! It is way too convenient! I have been spoiled! People have opinions on right (starboard) side of the ship or left (port) side of the ship…we have cruised both.
One item to mention about your cruise ship cabin…especially if you are traveling with children with electronics! The room has limited electrical plugs (other than the restroom). YES! I know! This can be a problem!! Don’t forget to pack a converter! We learned the first time! Now we take a TRAVEL PLUG CONVERTER!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – RELAXATION, POOLS, HOT TUBS
We tend to use the pools and water slides more when the boys cruise with us. However on a really hot day, it is a great way to cool down. An ice cold drink with your feet dangling in the pool are great ways to enjoy the day! A nap on a lounger in the ocean breeze or reading a book in the sunshine! Relax and take it all in! Don’t forget your CRUISE SHIP TOWEL CLIPS or your towel will blow away. Also, the towel is what holds your spot all day long!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – LAST MORNING AT SEA TOWEL ART SURPRISE!
Each cruise I am so excited to see this display! We get coffee and walk around in amazement! The creativity is superb! If you are lucky enough to have been assigned a GREAT steward you may find towel art in your room daily too!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE!
I LOVE walking around the morning of the last day of the cruise to enjoy the towel art! It is so much fun! The staff are so creative! This little special touch is so AMAZING for the guests!
10 Favorites on a CRUISE – RECONNECTING ROMANCE
Every relationship requires time and attention to thrive. My husband is my best friend. We require time away from the stress of daily life to reconnect and try to make that a priority. We try to “date” weekly and keep our marriage growing each day. A cruise is a great opportunity to really focus on each other and truly enjoy spending time in each other’s company!
Life can be hectic! I wouldn’t trade my boys for the world, but let’s be real! Children can be draining! We all need “our person” to feel whole. God intended for husband and wives to be two halves that when together make a whole for fulfillment. My husband and I try to nurture that promise that we made together many years ago when we said, “I do!” Cruising is a fun and easy way to carve out special time for each other! Give it a try too!
Leave a reply comment below on how you feel about cruising. Where are the ports that you’d like to discover? What are your favorites on a cruise?
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
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91 Comments
Lisa
This was great for me to read, I have never been on a cruise! I would like to try it sometime
Barbara Robinson
We were very sceptical the first time. I worked hard to convince my husband to try it. HE LOVED IT! We try to go once a year now!
Carey
We love cruising and everything a cruise offers. Its the best family vacation we have to date and can’t wait to go on another one soon.
Alice
That sounds like almost Heaven. Especially now as I’m surrounded by boxes and stuff. Can’t wait for this move to be over!
Pauline
What fun. I think I would enjoy all of the cruise activities and food the most.
Sarah Camp
I love this! Sweet family memories being made – cherish these moments! Snorkeling always sticks with me anytime we go anywhere 🙂
Kristin
The only cruise I’ve ever taken in my life was as a teenager (many years ago now!). It was to these same locations. I truly loved it. This post brought back many happy memories.
Barbara Robinson
Glad you enjoyed!
Douglas Jasper
We have only done one cruise, it was awesome. We did do Dunns River Falls and Stingray City. Both were amazing experiences!
Barbara Robinson
YES! Those were easy choices and highly recommended for all!
Sabrina DeWalt
I wish I was able to take my boys on more vacations. Unfortunately, it has only been in the last few years that I have started traveling.
Holly
My all-time favorite family vacation..
Cruising, so much to do together and food food 24-7 for the kids, all the ice cream they can eat..
Barbara Robinson
My husband LOVES SOFT SERVE ice cream! Those intermittent machines around the ship are DANGEROUS to our waistlines! 🙂
Laura Lee
I sooo want to go on a cruise. I paid for my parents to cruise to Alaska for their 40th anniversary, and they’d been on several before, but I’ve never been on one. And, since you asked – I like both sunrise and sunset, but there’s something about a sunrise – the stillness and promise of new beginnings.
Lisa
I hope covid goes away because I want to take my children on a cruise before they grow up!
Barbara Robinson
We took our oldest for a senior trip. Our youngest is about to start his senior year this fall. We have booked his senior trip “Cruise”. FINGERS CROSSED!
Kendra
Cruises are so much fun! I’m glad I finally got to go on one before all this travel restriction stuff. The folded towel creatures are one of my favorite things too! So creative!
Santana
I love being out on the boat, but I don’t know if I could do a cruise. I’m too paranoid about something going wrong. 😅
Barbara Robinson
I don’t allow myself to consider the ocean depth, etc. All of those things that could go wrong…I refuse to even think about at sea!
Mariah French
I miss cruises! One of my favorite things about them is that we can see multiple destinations in a shorter amount of time – I’m all for excursions!
Barbara Robinson
I call it speed dating future vacation locations! If we really enjoy a location…now we know where we’d like to return for a lengthier stay!
Tricia Snow
I loved Dunn’s river. I have been to many of these spots! They are all great places to visit with some new ideas! Thanks!
Danielle Ardizzone
Going on a cruise is definitely on my bucket list!
Barbara Robinson
It is a great vacation for kids! So much for them to do with or without you. We felt totally safe turning the boys loose as long as they stayed together when they were younger!
Cathy
It looks like a lot of fun! You are blessed that your children still want to vacation with you. Enjoy!
Barbara Robinson
Here’s to hoping that they continue enjoying hanging out with Mom & Dad! Transitioning to this “next phase” where we vacation without them more is tough!
Sara
We have never been on a cruise, but when we do get to go, the excursions are what I am looking forward to the most.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
What great memories you & your family have from cruising. I actually enjoyed my cruise & agree, the balcony is a must!
Alice
What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time away. I would love this!
Marianne
I have only ever been on one cruise. It was a pretty small ship for our Greek cruise last summer. I get motion sickness pretty easily, so I have been hesitant. I didn’t do too badly, so maybe once the pandemic is behind us, we might try a cruise.
Charlene
I just booked our first ever cruise for August 2021. It’ll be a long wait, but I’m so excited!
Lina
What great family memories! I have not been on a cruise yet and thankful for the natural ginger tablet advice.
Jordan
I love cruises, but haven’t been on one in ages! I get motion sick, so thank you for the tip about ginger. I hadn’t heard that before. Looking forward to cruising again soon!
melissa
I love your idea of ordering coffee to enjoy during the sunrise! I loved watching the sunrise on our cruise; it’s so peaceful. The towels are pretty awesome, as well! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Pam
So many wonderful reasons to go on a cruise! I agree with all of them.
Stacey Billingsley
Cruises look so fun! I can’t wait to go on one someday. I’d love to see the world when we dock. Your pictures make it look like a lot of fun!
Lisa Manderino
This looks like an amazing vacation. I haven’t been on a cruise yet and I hope I get to one day!
Eva Keller
I love cruises! I can’t wait to go on one again. It’s been way too long!
Tricia Snow
We love cruising too … it is a shame all of this is happening but you have so many great memories!
Jennifer
A balcony and sunrise at sea sounds idyllic
Cindy
I’ve never been on a cruise. I fly somewhere! I really want to experience a cruise though at least once. You make them sound wonderful.
Cindy Mailhot
I cannot wait to get back to cruising. We are due to cruise to Antarctica in March-crossing my fingers!
kmf
Cruises seem like a fun and practical getaway where there’s something for everyone.
Christina Furnival
We did a big family cruise many years ago and it was amazing. I hope to do it one day with my kids too!
Alexis Farmer
People watching is always fun haha. I’ve never been on a cruise but it looks like a good time!
Karie
I hope to go on a cruise one day it looks amazing! I was worried about sea sickness. I am going to have to try the ginger just riding in a car. I can’t take dramamine because even the non drowsy knocks me out. But ginger might be my trick. Thanks for the tip
Sabrina DeWalt
My son went on a cruise for the first time (right as the Covid madness was starting) and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bonnie
I have never been on a cruise before – we usually travel independently. My kids have been bugging me to book a cruise so we may have to try it 🙂
Emily Ackerman
I have never been on a cruise and not sure I ever want to, but this looks super fun!
Sandi Barrett
We love cruising, just booked a river cruise down the Danube for next spring. Can’t wait.
Amanda
This brings back strong memories of our time on a cruise! It was one of our best vacays ever! And I love how you mentioned nurturing your relationship with your husband! It’s wonderful to hear in today’s society.
Beth
Though I have never been on a cruise, I can see it’s something my boys would have enjoyed a lot, maybe in their pre-teens. Once Covid is over I try to convince my husband to give it a go, even if just for that fun towel art.
Barbara Robinson
We have a senior in high school this year…booked our spring break cruise to celebrate his accomplishments with other HS senior families for Spring 2021…not sure that is happening now….bummed!
Angela
I hope to get back to a cruise soon but not sure when it will feel safe / ready.
Cindy Mailhot
I love everything about cruising! Looks like you had some great cruising experiences.
Leeandra
This looks like an amzing family trip to take, so much to see and do!
Jill
It looks like such a lovely experience! Thanks for sharing so much of your trip!!
Elaina
We love cruise’s, I think it’s a bit less stressful and you get more for your money.
ANgela
We have been on several cruises and love them for all these reasons too. I sure hope we can get on one again in the future.
Cindy Mailhot
I would like to get back to it soon!
Alyssa
Great post! I’ll pass this along to my cruise loving sister! Unfortunately boats (large and small) make me sick so cruises are out of the picture for me.
Tiffany Smith
I’ve never been on a cruise before. One day! (I am amazed by how many animals can be created from towels!!!)
Magan
I’ve never been on a cruise, but there looks to be some definite benefits! I think my girls would love it.
Megan
Food and entertainment all day long are my favorite parts of a cruise!
Cindy
What great ideas. I love the towel art.
Sydney Delong
I would love to go on a Cruise someday! You showed how much fun it is!!
Debbie
So ready to get back to cruising! I always enjoy the towel art too.
Justine
It’s been years since we went on a cruise. I had one fantastic experience and one horrible experience… this looks like you all had a blast though! I love the towel animals. So cute!
Chelsea Baxter
I’ve never seen the towel displays anywhere else other than on a cruise. They are a pretty fun treat!
Marianne
Haha! I found it funny that People Watching made this list! That is SOOOOO me!! LOL! I gotta say… I lingered a little too long on the food pics!
Karie
I cant wait to take my family on a cruise. It might be that perfect trip…kinda like when we realized going to a Buffet was best for a family to all be happy because there is something there for everyone. lol
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
Great idea to bring the plug converter!
Beth Shields
This is a ton of great information and pictures. But I do think that the people watching might be one of my favorite things to do….relaxing while watching the oceans and then all the people. Thanks
Denise Lenahan
That cruise looked like so much fun! Any time spent with family is so precious and doing it as many times as you can before they get older is so true. Adding a cruise to my bucket list for the future is definitely being added. Thank you for sharing this family adventure 😊
Melissa Jones
I LOVE cruises! I just rebooked one with my husband for February. I can’t wait!! (We were supposed to have gone this past September)
Ayesha Siddiqui
I’ve never been on a cruise but it’s on my bucket list. You listed some great activities to do on a cruise!
heather J Jandrue
YES TO IT ALL!!! LOL. There is so much to do and see on a cruise. One of the many reasons we love it.
Danielle Ardizzone
This makes me want to travel, like, TODAY! Great pics.
Susan
I love the idea of cruises… everyone should go. You can take the whole family and everyone can be together, but doing their own adventures. People watching is one of my favorites and it looks like you all had a great time…oh and I love all the pictures you included. Thanks.
Maya
Gread read! Love the picttures!
Annette
Such an AMAZING way to make those precious memories!! Never stop!! Thanks for sharing!!
Lisa S
We have never been on a cruise, it is on our bucket list! Your pictures make us want to book one soon!!
Roselyn Franke
Your 10 Fav cruise article was very informative – good tip about the ginger! I’m with you – snorkeling is the best! We just need to get back in shape before we go again!
Missy
We love crusing. There are many ports that we would like to visit in the french polynesian areas. I love snorkeling at the areas the cruise visits.
Erin
I love to cruise and your list is spot on for my favorite things as well. Thank you for sharing.
Jordan
These are great favorites about cruising. I’m a sunset person, as it’s hard to get up so early for sunrise! Also, the food is always my favorite part of cruises. I do get seasick but have never tried the ginger tablets before. I’ll try that next time!
Stacey Billingsley
I haven’t been on a cruise yet, but my husband and I have recently created a challenge for ourselves that we call 50 by 50. We’re trying to visit all 50 states before we turn 50. I’m thinking that for Hawaii or Alaska we may want to give cruising a try.
simplyjolayne
We are headed on a cruise soon and are looking forward to some prime family bonding time.
Karen
I can see why these are your top 10 favorites on a cruise. What a fun family experience.
Jay H
I really enjoyed your blog. Now I have to find designated time to go on a cruise, and someone to go with me.
Chantelle
I love cruising for all of the reasons you mentioned! Its such a great family vacation.