No matter what the destination is, cruises are always the kids’ favorite trip! We’ve done a couple trips with Royal Caribbean, and so we were super excited to go back and check out the launch of Perfect Day and CocoCay. Sharing pics and why we love to cruise from our trip last month.

THE DESTINATIONS

Royal Caribbean has so many amazing destinations to choose from, but our day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, the first in their new Perfect Day collection of private island destinations, was probably our favorite stop yet! Honestly, I could put together a whole post just on the island – there was so much to do! It’s the perfect destination for families who have different speeds or interests (or both :). Cody and the kids are really adventurous, so they got their thrill with the helium balloon, Up, Up & Away (which gives you the highest view in all of the Bahamas!), Thrill Waterpark (which has 13 slides, including the tallest water slide in all of North America), and a 1,600 foot long zip line — did not disappoint. Then, over on the other side of the island is the most beautiful beach, Chill Island, where you can lounge and relax. The water is warm, super clear and a gorgeous color and when the tide is right, you can walk out really far (a couple hundred yards). We even found star-fish on the beach, which was a huge hit. There were also tons of great food options on the island. I could go on forever, but Perfect Day at CocoCay really had something for everyone in the family, and all in close proximity so you don’t lose any precious daylight going back and forth between different activities.

The view from the ship as we pulled up to Perfecy Day at CocoCay.

Getting ready to go up on Up Up & Away!

It’s the highest view point in The Bahamas — so cool to be able to go up and see a view you can’t get anywhere else!

Next stop – Thrill Waterpark!

Last but not least, the most beautiful beach!

You know it’s a been a good day when you can’t keep your eyes open, haha.

THE FOOD

Food is half of the experience of a cruise, so you definitely want to choose a cruise line that has the good stuff! Royal Caribbean has so many great options. I love good Mexican food so we hit up the taco spot, El Loco Fresh, every day for lunch while on Navigator of the Seas. Cody and I got the steak and chicken tacos every time and the kids’ quesadillas were really good, too! We also tries Jamie’s Italian one night for dinner and the food was amazing. Call me crazy, but the kid’s spaghetti was my favorite. And the desserts alone were worth the trip. 😂 And last but not least, the unlimited soft serve ice cream – I swear it is every kid’s dream come true! Strawberry swirl all day long!

THE WIFI

It’s the last thing you think about when you book a fun vacation, but one of the first things you think about when you are out at sea and start to lose cell coverage. I love that Royal Caribbean has Voom – the fastest at sea Wi-Fi – so we can stay connected to family at home. Plus it meant we were able to share some of our highlights in real time ;).

THE JOURNEY

Whoever said it’s all about the journey and not the destination was probably thinking of cruises haha (although the destination was pretty hard to beat!). We were on Navigator of the Seas which has so much to do on board that it was impossible to do everything. It has one of the longest waterslides at sea, The Blaster, and also The Riptide waterslide – which actually twists and turns over the water – the coolest view and feeling like you are floating in air! Wes also rode the FlowRider surf simulator for the first time. Wes got up so easy; that kid is so naturally athletic. It’s so cool to experience so many firsts with the kids… One of my favorite parts of traveling!

The FlowRider is so much fun to watch, I can’t even imagine how fun it is to actually do it!

The waterslide went over the water it was so crazy! The coolest waterslide! It felt like you were floating above the ocean.

Mara, Wes, and Beckam splashing on the Navigators of the Seas pool deck.

THE SUNSETS/SUNRISES:

Ok, we need to come to terms with the fact that all of my travel guide must-dos will include a sunset or sunrise view! I love a good sunset no matter where I am in the world, but there’s something about being out at sea and having the full horizon light up the sky with so many colors! I will never get tired of it!

Special moments aboard the Navigator of the Seas.

Have you guys cruised with Royal Caribbean before? What are some of your favorite ships or destinations? I would love to add to our must-do list!

XX, Christine

 

*In collaboration with Royal Caribbean.