Chances are if you know cruises, you know that this ship has been retired long ago, but the memories we made on board have lasted a life time and as I begin planning where we are traveling over the next year, my mind has set sail to the high seas of cruising as a family. It would seem that as my life has progressed and kids have come along, it seems that each year I forget a little bit more about where we have traveled to and what fun we had as a couple. Some of our best times were cruising the high seas, and you can see the one cruise line we cruised with. It was never about the vacation, it was about the time we spent, enjoying everything from the land to the sea and all the food in between the stops.

What is unique about cruising is that while you are on the ship you are part of the on-water community and then voyaging on each of the ports of call for a new adventure each day.

I think what makes parenting challenging and sometime life, is that part of the person who we are and can be, has to be hidden, in order to really be able to keep control(parental control) over your kids, because how can you preach, “don’t do this, and don’t do that” if you, yourself are doing it. Lavishly live travel out loud it’s time to look at Travel, Destinations & Cruising.

Travel, Destinations & Cruising

It’s about considering the pros, the cons and everything in between. You see I am totally cruise addicted but that does not mean that everyone else would be. I don’t know how anyone can say they don’t like cruising because it’s just a whole other floating paradise you have to experience to understand.

While my kids understand they are not my equals, I still have to keep some of that personality at bay that used to live out loud when I can. I find that I do have a great time no matter what I do, and I love my kids more than life itself, but the basic stresses of life, and daily encountered ‘light’ problems often hinder that bit of free spirit and party girl that I used to be. What was wonderful about cruising and vacations in general, is the fact that you get to unwind, relax and just let life go.

Kids & Entertainment

The kids have fun eating and swimming and with all the activities and as cruising is multi-dimensional, adults find themselves dancing, being entertained and partying in a safe, and fun environment. One of the best commercials about cruising in my opinion is the one where the kids get to see side of their parents they have never seen before. It’s true, the food on cruises is nothing short of 5 star, the entertainment is Broadway-like and the ports of call transport you to places you never dream existed.

You can get as ‘jiggy'(yes I just said that) with it as you want or you can just lay low and take in the scenery: me, when cruising, I dance, party, sing, interact and bring out that whole side that goes to sleep in between the fun ship cruises.

PARTY ON & ESCAPE REALITY

As you can see I am always the life of the party, and nothing has changed over the last several years. While we were adventuring on the ports of call, I always took part in the dancing, music, and interaction opportunities because there are no REPEAT buttons in life. I enjoy meeting new people, new experiences(as long as there are no heights or snakes involved) and I love adventures.

My husband is the same way, while he is much more quiet and reserved(hey someone has to take my picture) he enjoys meeting and greeting the adventures and experiences as well. I guess my kids have gotten the best of both of us because they are party happy and love to adventure which is something that will lend itself well to cruising and adventures.

I have always been amused with the creatures that our cabin host prepares, and you never know what it will be, take a look at this little character that greeted us.

NIGHT LIFE

The cruise ships take on a whole new look at night and between the shows, the food and the deck night life you are sure to find yourself and your family busy, busy, busy. I was always moving, from the conga line to the casino, I never rested, until the last day, when we just crashed for the cruise back to home port!

We would stay up until the wee hours of the night, dancing, drinking, playing in the casino and of course outside on the deck with the sea below. We walked every possible stairwell in the ship and we went up as high as we could and down as low as possible. We adventured both on the ship and on land, and we know that is half the fun of the cruise.

One of the coolest things that happens when you get to a port of call is that you can walk(through many of the ports) and go through the towns, villages, etc. Purchasing souvenirs is easy to do and you are sure to find some of the greatest people you will ever meet.

ADVENTURE

We had more fun stopping to talk and learning about the island through the people in the stores than we did on some of the tours. The towns are culture rich and offer a great look into the country. Sometimes getting to the islands was a bit of a challenge and that is what this little boat does, takes the cruisers right into the port of call, so you basically get off the mother ship and go to a baby ship! Lots of fun and a true experience that every cruiser must embark upon.

As a family it is often challenging to find things you can do together, and it is even more so when the kids are in their teens. You want to provide a vacation that is all-inclusive for the kids so they can have fun, but how do you do that?

CALLING ALL FOODIES

With cruising, food is always available so you never have to worry if the kids have eaten, because I assure you they will pack it in 24/7 and you also don’t have to worry about fun, because the ships are packed with sports courts, swimming pools, kid-friendly entertainment, and theaters.

If the kids need that time to just run it out, they will certainly have it, and if you need that time for a drink, dance and to get your party on, you can. Your rooms are hosted by the best in the business an there is nothing you shall want, unless of course you don’t ask.

What is it with me and a glass of wine always in all of my photos? LOL! I do love my red wine. We celebrated my birthday on this cruise and I was simply blown away by the singing, the attention and fanfare, and exhausted from the whole trip, as we had not slept because my husband and I were up late into the night in the casino, at the bars, dancing and watching the sea, pass by us.

Our room was great for showering and changing clothes but who came to stay in a room? I was there to live out loud and this is just ONE of a few cruises we have taken. I can’t wait to return to the cruise ship for a party with my family, where we will all have a great adventure together, no for the hard part, which ship? which cruise line and where? Lavishly life cruising out loud.

Need More Cruising Inspiration? Here are a few more articles from my traveling entries!

3 Tips To Effectively Pack For A Cruise

Well Packed Shore Excursion Bag For Cruisers

Why Families Take Cruises

Best Reasons To Cruise

3 Tips To Find Entertainment On Cruise Ships

What Happens In A Cruise Ship Dining Room?

Best Cruising Tips From Teenagers For Teenagers

Best Of Cruising

Cruising Carnival Safety, Security, Luggage & Check-In

Family Cruising Basics

Ultimate Vacation Experiences For Every Trip