We are both very grateful for the lives we get to lead, it is fast paced and full of action, but it isn’t always just glitter glasses and good times. Summer and I are probably what you would classify as workaholics. From the wonderful yet intense responsibilities of motherhood and family life, combined with the demands of our jobs, it seems like there is never a break. There is always a deadline. We spend late nights at computers editing, writing, emailing, researching, prepping, blogging and beyond and days chasing bright, busy toddlers.
Truth be told, we’ve been a bit worn down and REALLY REALLY needed this vacation and we couldn’t be more thankful to Carnival for providing us with an opportunity to mix more play in with our work. Cruising was just the perfect pace for us. From slow days to unwind at sea to exciting excursions on beautiful islands — it was an ideal combination. While we were creating these little videos, we truly had some amazing and magical experiences cruising the Caribbean on the Carnival Breeze, or as my Londy Loo calls it “the big big boat”. It was indeed a big big ship, filled with fun, food, entertainment, and relaxation. To be surrounded by the blue of the ocean each day was such an inspiration to us and recharged our spirits! Indeed we live in a beautiful world and we were so lucky to get to see this part of it! As we wrap up our experience, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite snap shots from our Cruise Scrapbook!
^Here she is, the Carnival Breeze, our home away from home for 8 days! ^
^ The water slides were our kids favorite place to be! One of the best things of cruising was it was so kid and family friendly. When they weren’t splashing around with us, they spent time in Camp Carnival running, playing games and making cute crafts! This is a win win for the little ones and the parents! ^
Check out our whole Cruise Fashion video HERE
^Our first port was Grand Turk, it was the smallest of the islands that we visited, but it was full of quaint charm, such as this historical lighthouse! ^
^There may have been an epic pillow fight or two aboard the Carnival Breeze in stateroom #672. It was a tie, we don’t give up easily! ^
^Upon arrival to the Dominican Republic, we were greeted by the locals for a bit of music and dancing! We love to dance! ^
^The Dominican Republic was definitely our favorite port, because of how colorful and diverse it was. There was so much to do here. But first, a stop at a mini market for drinks and lots of snacks. ^
^ Altos De Chavon was probably one of the prettiest sites, a beautifully crafted place with cobblestone walkways, a church and an amphitheater all overlooking the gorgeous Chavon River. The kids loved walking along the walls^
^ Neither of us know a darn thing about cigars, as we don’t smoke. However we thought it was interesting to visit the LFD Cigar Factory and watch how each one is created by hand. Cigar making plays a large part in the Dominican Republic Industry. We came out of the place stinking like we smoked a whole case. ^
^Last stop before the ship set back out to sea was Sosua Beach. It was as amazing as it looks, the water was warm and crystal clear. The sand was soft as velvet as we walked down the shore. Rockwell however wanted to run!^
See all of our favorite sites from our Pretty Ports video HERE!
^Pretty high up on our list of favorite things about our cruise, was having cookies and milk brought to our room… everyday… while in our jammies! #amazing ^
^Definitely a close second to Dominican Republic, we absolutely loved Curacao! The weather was the most mild of the islands, with less humidity. Here we are mapping out our next adventure. It was such a gorgeous and colorful place and the clouds were picture perfect.^
^This was hands down, the cutest little cab we’ve ever seen, as well as the driver, she was saving money to go to college. She was so humble and kind! It is great getting to meet and get to know the locals.^
^We almost decided to not visit the Ostrich Farm, and that would have been a darn shame! We totally loved getting to ride around the farm and learn about these great big birds. We also got to feed them which was both exhilarating and frightening. Note: I was trying super hard to act calm for the photo.^
^You may notice that a lot of our cruise photos include food. It’s true, we love eating, and if you love to eat, then you love to cruise. You don’t get to eat Nutella pancakes everyday.^
^Our Final Stop was Aruba, we came on a windy day with a nice light tropical rain. We climbed to the top of this rock and took this picture for you, we hope you like it. I had to face my fear of heights, yes it’s taller than it looks. ^
^Here was our last chance to soak up some sun on the beach. The sands of Aruba did not disappoint! A little slice of paradise!^
^Here is a view of the ship from our pier, you just can’t get a picture of the whole thing, it’s that big. Check out the water slide! Truly, it’s like an island unto itself! ^
^Back on the ship and back at sea we spent a full day of filming with this guy, Kerry the camera man, director of Girls with Glasses, and Summer’s other half. Thanks Kerry! ^
Watch our video for how to best capture your cruise HERE
Cloud 9 would be our number 1 favorite place aboard the Carnival Breeze. The opportunity to be pampered and to relax was something we haven’t experienced in a long time. The view was astounding and the service was just perfect. We didn’t want to leave!
Watch our video for five of our favorite things about Cruising HERE!
^Not having to worry about meals for 8 days was an enormous luxury. Every night we had dinner in the Blush Lounge at this very table overlooking the ocean. Our kids had dinner at Camp Carnival and we had a chance to enjoy a delicious three course meal, warm chocolate melting cake and wonderful conversation. Dinner time was a real highlight for us. Also it was fun to dress up snazzy for the formal nights. ^
^Every night was like a date night. There were shows after dinner with some great entertainment, there was music, dancing, comedians and a hypnotist. Though none of us wanted to volunteer for that one! Here’s Summer and Kerry right before Diva’s Live. ^
^ Days at sea are great for getting sporty on the Sports Deck, how about a round of mini golf?! I know my golf game needed some work, I was certain to hit a ball out into the ocean.^
This was probably the thing I needed the most, was to wake up and walk out onto the balcony and behold this view of creation. Of course the cruise is full of fun and non-stop action, but it also provides a sanctuary and a place of peace and quiet right out your door.
It was like I stopped time for a moment. Seeing this was a humbling reminder of how incredible our planet is, and how vast and extraordinary it is. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude to get to partake in its beauty. It was like hitting a reset button. Just in time to go back to reality!
We hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into our journey on the Seas, and that it might inspire you to take a break and get out!
We thank Carnival Cruise Lines once again for the opportunity and all of the amazing people on the Carnival Breeze who took great care of us. Until next time, Bon Voyage!
This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.
