Cruising with Carnival! 4 Reasons it’s the Perfect Family Vacation

My family and I have been lucky enough to take some pretty amazing vacations over the years. From road trips to resorts, we’re not picky about where we go or how we get there since every new place has something different to see and do. But I have to admit that I’m especially excited for our next vacation…a Carnival 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise! These are four reasons I’m especially looking forward to my first ever Carnival Cruise experience.

1) Amazing Food

guys burger joint

If there’s one thing that can make a vacation stand out in my mind, it’s delicious food. And it’s clear that the Carnival Magic, our home for the week-long cruise, will have plenty of it! Personally, I can’t wait to try one of the burgers at Guy’s Burger Shop, created by Food Network star Guy Fieri. With a unique toppings bar, a burger can become a personalized work of art! And as a family that can’t get enough Mexican food, the homemade tortillas and salsa at the Blueiguana Cantina are something that I’m sure will make that restaurant a favourite too.

For those looking for something extra special, the Chef’s Table, available on all Carnival ships, promises a gourmet experience unlike any other. This VIP experience starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation. The evening concludes with a mind-blowing full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular dining menus. And of course, what could be better than unwinding with a tropical cocktail whipped up at the Alchemy Bar once the kids are tucked into bed?

2) Exotic Ports

belize

Exploring a new country is always thrilling. Getting to explore numerous countries on one perfectly-planned trip is even better! With ports on the Western Caribbean cruise including the two Mexican ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel as well as Belize and the Honduras island of Roatan, this itinerary lets vacationers discover what makes each different spot so popular, and what makes each one unique in its own way.

Personally, I’m especially excited to visit Belize, as it’s always seemed like the very definition of a tropical paradise. With a combination of historic Mayan ruins and stunning natural wildlife, it’s a country that has something to offer everyone. But after doing a bit of reading about Roatan, I’m looking forward to the stop in Mahogany Bay just as much. The beaches look incredible and I do love being beside the ocean!

3) Incredible Excursions

lost mayan adventure park

While every port on a Carnival Cruise has unique entertainment to offer, there’s even more enjoyment to be had by arranging fun-filled shore excursions! I was actually a little overwhelmed by just how many shore excursions are offered at each and every port. I’m lucky enough to be going on two different shore excursions and I honestly can’t decide which one I’m more excited about. In the port of Costa Maya, we’ll be heading to the Lost Maya Kingdom Adventure Park, complete with waterslides, ziplines and Cenotes for swimming. In the port of Belize, we’ll be experiencing history by taking a river ride to the Altun Ha Mayan Site.

With other excursions including dolphin swim experiences, catamaran rides to private beaches, cave tubing, scuba diving and so much more, there’s really no end to the exploring options on a Carnival Cruise. I haven’t even boarded the boat and I’m already thinking about how much I want to plan another cruise just so I can try all the different excursions that have caught my eye!

4) Entertainment for Everyone

carnival magic waterworks

For my family, a perfect vacation means spending lots of time doing things together, but also occasionally letting the boys do their own thing while I relax and bond with my fiancé. On a Carnival Cruise, there’s ample opportunity to do both. In fact, I already booked a couple’s massage for our first day on the trip! The on-board spa offers a full menu of services and I can’t think of a better way to start our vacation than by loosening up tense muscles and letting the weight of the world roll away.

And there’s no need to worry about the kids while we’re relaxing, thanks to Camp Ocean! Designed for kids from 2-11 years of age, this is the spot where kids can do the things they love, from arts and crafts to active team sports. And since every counsellor in Camp Ocean has education or childcare experience, Jeremy and I can feel confident that our boys are in good hands while we indulge in some time together.

But best of all, a Carnival Cruise also has tons of activities that we can all enjoy together! Personally, I’m most looking forward to WaterWorks, the onboard water park complete with a variety of heart-pounding waterslides! With side-by-side racing slides, I’m planning to take on all the members of my family as we zip down into the water! And when we’d rather stay dry, the SportSquare offers plenty of family activities to keep us entertained. The SkyCourse, which lets families climb through the air on an awesome rope course, is going to be a must-try for me! And when we’re looking for something less active, but just as fun, mini golf, pool and much more are also available!

#LetsGOCarnival Twitter Party [204306]

Want to learn more about what makes a Carnival Cruise the ultimate vacation choice? Make sure to follow Carnival on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more great information about its cruises!

With all the amazing included experiences on a Carnival Cruise, not to mention the chance to visit so many beautiful places, it’s really no surprise that Jeremy and I are counting down the minutes until we sail away. And if the boys knew about the trip, I’m sure they’d be doing the same! But we decided it would be even more fun to surprise them by not telling them about the cruise until we walk onto the ship…and I can’t wait to see their faces when that happens! Come join in the party on July 6 and make sure to stay tuned for blog posts about our adventure, and hopefully a video of the boys’ reaction when we get to the ship! This is one summer vacation that any family is sure to find unforgettable!

Disclosure: I am participating in the #LetsGOCarnival retreat managed by SJ Consulting. The opinions on this blog are my own.

24 thoughts on “Cruising with Carnival! 4 Reasons it’s the Perfect Family Vacation”

  1. Looks like a blast to me and you make very good reasons to go and give it a shot, only cruise I have been on was to Alaska so not the same.

  2. We have tried a different cruise line in the past, but Carnival looks great – family oriented and fun for all! Thanks for the review.

  3. Wow – I love the idea of club ocean! Our 5 year old is really social and friendly so it’d be nice to know he;s in good hands while we have a rest!

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