A DISNEY CRUISE??? Honestly, I don’t even know what to say about all of this right now! I’m sure I haven’t completely processed what an amazing adventure we just had. We returned yesterday from a week of traveling on planes and ships, across the seas and onto islands. Where the food was never-ending, and the beer flowed like wine.
The trip was good. Real good. Yes, it was difficult too (don’t think I’d leave that part out!) But in the end, we are just so exhausted and happy and overcome with pixie dust… pleased with ourselves and our experience.
After some flight delays and a very very late arrival time into Port Canaveral, we boarded the Disney Dream headed for the Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian had just passed through, leaving lots of damage. Nassau was safe. But believe me… we still felt pretty lame coming aboard a ship destined for paradise, knowing the Bahamian people just north of us were suffering such terrible loss.
We were ever so slightly relieved to read that Disney was donating a million dollars to rebuilding efforts, and during our cruise, they would be dropping off goods and supplies to neighboring islands. It’s not a perfect solution from such a giant company, but it’s something to ease the blow.
There was also some storm damage to Disney’s own private island Castaway Cay. They honestly worked so hard to get it ready for their guests. Some of the port adventures were not available during our stay, but I don’t think anyone minded. They really went above and beyond to beautify the beaches and still make it feel like the ultimate vacation destination.
And speaking of hard work, the staff aboard the ship was about as incredible as it gets. The customer service was impeccable, spoiling us for all other customer service experiences. What a treat to meet and talk with them, many of them away from their families for months at a time. We were very grateful for their kindness and their willingness to go above and beyond.
Now, with a lack of sleep mixed with extreme excitement, the first couple days with Stevie were predictably rough. He was ultra demanding, and unsatisfied. He complained, bossed around, and had tantrums at every turn. My eyes were exhausted from rolling them behind his back every 5 minutes. But my husband (and personal hero) took the brunt of the attitude, because I did have a working vacation. He gave Stevie all the lectures, and held this vacation together by a thread, while I was off shooting photos for a travel agency.
As the trip progressed, it did get a little easier. I don’t know if Stevie just gets acclimated after a few days? Or maybe he is just too tired to keep up the fight? He has just never done well with new experiences. I was hoping after our travels this summer, it would be a little easier. But he has this way of making every trip seem like a huge mistake. At first, anyway. He eventually got on board. #lol #dadjoke
By day 3, he took slightly more interest in the kids club and could spend about an hour there, which gave Paul and I some cherished quiet time. He also fell in love with one of the travel agents (hi Emily!) and she kept him occupied at meals. Of course, he was beyond thrilled to see Mickey and Donald again, and would wait in any line to the ends of the earth just to give them a hug. He took every opportunity to ride the water slide, and was happy as a clam when he was swimming or eating. No surprise there.
So I have to say, it all worked out nicely in the end. And of course I have the pictures to prove it! I’ll spare you the ones with lectures and tantrums and you can just be jealous of our glorious, sun-soaked and joyful memories.
I could cry, I’m just so over-the-top grateful that we got to have this experience. Regardless how hard it seemed at times, I know how lucky we are. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.
And tell me, have you ever been on a Disney Cruise (or any cruise for that matter)?
loves,
jaana
I cry.
No, but seriously. #StahpIt 🙂
Oh, and my mom just said, “What a lucky little boy he got them for parents.” I don’t know if that helps or hurts, just wanted to share that with you.
<3
I love these photos so much!! You always do such a great job at capturing moments. I laughed at your description of why your eyes were tired. You guys are the cutest, most loving family, tantrums and all! xoxo