The calm after the storm
The cliché of the family holiday of a lifetime and the Disney dream exist because the experience truly is something special; there really is probably nowhere else in the world that can offer so much full on, adrenalin fuelled family entertainment. The Magic Kingdom on day 1, Animal Kingdom on day 2, Universal on day 3, daddy’s trip to NASA on day 4 and so it goes on..
The problem with full on though is exactly that; more than about a week and even the most organised, best disciplined family will flag under unsustainable pressure; the heat, the humidity, the crowds... the ‘I want, you want’ exhaustion that 24hr parenting and pleasing inevitably brings.
Week one survived, Galaxy’s Edge enjoyed and Pandora land pervaded. What next?
And here’s my family sanity saving idea. A car; rented from Orlando, a scoot down the Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, a dock, and, wait… the worlds ultimate floating form of family relaxation and fun. Full on tempered with the breathing space that everyone needs to survive that second week. The family cruise.
There’s a host of family centric cruise options out of Miami (don’t forget the quick drive down South Beach pretending you are The Fresh Prince and possie before you hit the port) only four or so hours drive away from Orlando. They offer the perfect foil to the well trodden paths and pains of Disney; everything is self contained, no traipsing round, everything at your finger tips, spaces for everyone to relax. Our recent trip on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the seas, included no less than four different kids areas catering for all ages; even a games room and exclusive bar (alcohol free clearly) for the teenagers. Mummy has the spa and daddy... daddy doesn’t need a sweaty torn guide map to steer everyone from place to place.
The shear wealth of what’s on offer gives even landlocked Orlando a run for its money. Try water slides over the ocean, ice skating, multiple swimming pools, splash park, climbing wall, outdoor movies, escape rooms, laser tag... all available within two minutes walk of your cabin.
Food and drink are no longer a source of lobbying and negotiation; there is constant food available from a range of restaurants; most included in the price, and with children safely chilling in their own clubs; the chance to cocktail crawl the range of bars onboard; all within a very reasonable all inclusive drinks package.
With responsibilities lightened our cruise took us to the Bahamas over three nights; stopping at Nassau, and Royal Caribbean’s very own Coco Cay... the wealth of things to do on this cruise passengers only island warrants a blog to itself; but think every water sport imaginable, the Caribbean’s tallest water park, swim up bar, snorkelling, the list is endless...
The message I suppose is this; we live for our holidays and we live for the precious time with our kids that seems to vaporise as they seem to grow up far too quickly; but full on doesn’t need to mean forlorn; and balancing everyone’s fun, feelings and favourites is paramount to success.
To find out more about family cruising, destinations or to chat over any aspect of travel, drop me a line or give me a call and we can discuss!