Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
“There were significantly more children aboard this cruise compared to previous ones, which was fantastic because it allowed my kids to make new friends,” Courtney shared. The presence of other kids provided her children with instant playmates, enhancing their overall experience and making it a bit easier for her to relax.
Another pleasant surprise came from Guy Fieri’s burger restaurant on the ship. “It was a popular spot,” Courtney noted. “We didn’t have high expectations, but we found ourselves returning again and again.” Often, it’s the simple joys, like discovering a favorite dining option, that leave a lasting impact on a family vacation.
However, not all surprises were pleasant. Just five hours before their scheduled departure, their original flight to Miami was canceled. This unexpected turn transformed what was intended to be a straightforward direct trip into a lengthy 12-hour journey involving two separate flights. “The kids weren’t exactly excited about the extended airport stay, but to their credit, they handled it remarkably well,” she recounted.
Fortunately, Courtney had decided to arrive a day early, which averted what could have been a much larger setback. Despite the frustrating delays, they managed to board the ship on time, highlighting the value of having extra days built into travel plans.
While some surprises added enjoyment, others tested their resilience; collectively, these experiences contributed to the overall adventure.
Considerations for Future Trips
Despite the successful trip, Courtney plans to make a few adjustments for her next cruise. For one, she felt the duration of this cruise was slightly excessive. “I think it was about a day too long,” she explained. “In the future, we’re looking for cruises that are between five to seven days.”
Additionally, she would reconsider the cruise ship they selected. “The vessel we were on felt a bit outdated,” she remarked. “While it still offered plenty of activities, I would prefer to explore newer ships like Icon of the Seas. It’s not just about size; it’s about the variety of offerings to keep the kids engaged.”
Insights for Other Single Parents Considering Cruising
This trip reinforced for Courtney the advantages of cruising for her family. It strikes a balance between structure and freedom, provides built-in entertainment, and facilitates exploration of new destinations without overwhelming pressures. Her key advice for fellow single parents? Take the plunge.
“Approach the experience with an open mind and involve the kids in planning parts of the trip,” she suggested.
On the practical side, her most important logistic tip is simple yet vital: “Always bring more snacks than you think you’ll need for the airport, and make it a point to fly in at least 24 hours before your cruise departs,” she advised. “Our flight cancellation would have been disastrous if we hadn’t arrived the day before.”
Would Courtney choose to cruise again? Definitely. “We’ve been on three cruises so far, and the kids really enjoy them,” she affirmed. “We’d consider it again if the destination and ship are right.”
Ultimately, her goal is to find a vacation that accommodates everyone’s interests while creating shared memories, and cruising consistently meets that need.
Overview of the Trip
Group size: 3
Days: 8
Cruise cost: $2,100
Flight cost: $1,700
Hotel cost: They opted for a free stay using points the night before the cruise.
Additional expenses: $180 for Wi-Fi, $400 for alcoholic beverages, $1,000 for excursions (of which $300 was covered with points), $200 for Ubers, and $500 for miscellaneous spending.
Total cost: $6,000
Source
www.cntraveler.com