Week 51 - Part 1

 Week 51 - Part 1

On Monday, we boarded the cruise ship. The boarding process was much more complicated than in the past. Our boarding time was 1:30pm and our hotel shuttle dropped us off at 11:30am. We originally were upset that they drop off so early but now we know why. When we arrived we had to get the kids tested for COVID again. It took a little while waiting in line for them to get tested and then you had to wait for 45 minutes for the results. We finally got the results and they were negative. Next, we headed to the next line to show our pre-boarding COVID tests. Then we went through security and finally we went through the main check-in line. The kids were crazy and excited which made it stressful. Once we were on the ship we checked out our room and then grabbed lunch. We ran into a Mexican place first which was really good. Probably one of my favorite spots on the ship. We did a little tour of the boat and played mini-golf. 

We had early dining which we loved! It was the perfect time for us and were able to finish just in time for the shows each night. The kids loved the dinners! Our waiter was amazing and spoiled the kids and really all of us. He rushed everything for us so we could make it to the shows every night and he made sure the kids never ran out of food and got them whatever they wanted. The kids kept saying these are the nicest people we have ever met! They went way above expectation to make sure we had an enjoyable dinner every night. 

The first night show was an ice skating show. You had to have a reservation which we reserved as soon as we were on the boat. We arrived early and were able to get the perfect seats! The kids loved the show and Jeremy loved the drone portion of the show. 

We headed to bed after the show and the kids were so excited when they saw they had bunk beds. It actually worked really well for us. I thought it would feel cramped, but everyone had their own space and it worked well for the most part.

Tuesday morning, we had breakfast at the buffet and then Jeremy took the kids to the kids club to see if there happened to be any openings and it was our lucky day! Both kids were able to get it! This meant Jeremy and I were able to get off the boat at Catalina Island by ourselves. We walked around the island and debated renting a golf cart. Jeremy ended up feeling too guilty not including the kids so we didn't do it. We did buy them a fun candy from the candy factory. 

We purchased an excursion from the cruise line so the kids could get off the boat at Catalina Island. We decided to do the Submarine one. The kids liked it but it definitely wasn't worth the price. It was nice for the kids to get to do something though. We did get to see tons of fish.

We headed back to the ship and Kylie went to the kids club! We met back up for dinner which the kids enjoyed again! It was fancy night but no one told us so we felt out of place. haha! Kylie's favorite food was the banana split! 

We went to the night show again. It was a dance show and we were able to get front row seats. 

Wednesday, we were in Ensenada, Mexico. We reserved the kids club for the kids so Jeremy and I could get off and explore. We took a bus to the downtown area and then walked around. We looked at tons of shops but didn't end up buying anything. We ended up walking back to the boat which wasn't very far away. We picked up the kids and headed to the pool. It was pretty cold but the kids had fun in the hot tub and Jeremy took them to the waterslides. They had a ton of fun so I decided to try them out with them. I'm always amazed by how Kylie will do anything and is never scared. We spent the rest of the day on the pool deck. The kids loved getting us ice cream and Mexican food. 

We got showered and ready for dinner. We had a few family pictures taken before dinner. Kylie was a drama queen, but they turned out pretty good considering her mood. The kids were spoiled again at dinner. They made Blake a brownie sandwich and Kylie got her favorite banana split again. We tried to bring the kids to the kids club at night but it was full. The show wasn't our favorite but the kids did pretty good. 

On Thursday, Kylie woke up grumpy. It was our sea day so we went to the dining room for breakfast. Kylie got really mad because she got a chocolate donut instead of strawberry. She ended up spilling her apple juice on herself and Jeremy. It was an eventful breakfast. :) 

We were able to get tickets to go ice skating. Kylie was really excited! It was really short and we didn't do much because I wasn't much help so Jeremy would take one around and then switch. 

We spent most of the rest of the day at the pool. I was pretty sea sick this day. I always get sea sick at least one day on every cruise. It was super cold but I braved it for Blake because he isn't tall enough to ride the waterslides alone. It's funny how kids aren't phased by the cold weather. 

I felt super sea sick but I got showered and got everyone ready for family pictures. My main Christmas gift was a photo package so I wanted to try and get something semi-decent. Kylie was in a mood again so it was torture getting the pictures but they turned out decent. 

The kids enjoyed their last dinner with the waiter. He was super sweet and they miss their nightly fruit cups. The night show was a comedy show. It wasn't the kids favorite show but overall they did good. 

Friday morning we had to be off the boat by 7:30am which was a lot earlier than past cruises we have been on. We got up early and went to the buffet for breakfast.