Well what can I say, I am finally posting my trip report, yes it is almost 9 months later. My only excuse is I am a full time working mom of twins and a 5 year old. Most days I barely have time to brush my hair, enough said. 
We planned our trip months in advance. Cast of attendees, DH Eric, 5yo DD Emily, 9 month old Twins DS Chase and DD Taylor and of course, yours truly mom of this clan, Darlene.
Emily and I were most excited about our trip. We planned for months. Visited the sites for weeks. We even download the music and practiced dancing on the deck. We role played our entry onto the boat when they announced our names...yes the whole deal. DH of course was much less excited as he does not appreciate the Mouse, the boat or the Bahamas nearly as much. (I am not sure why he even decided to go with us other than the term Family vacation usually means the entire family).
Of course, I started packing a week ahead. We had one suitcase full of just diapers, wipes, nursery water, formula and baby food. So you can imagine we definitely overpacked. I took my over door shoe holder, I had done all of my homework. I memorized the boat map, I knew everything about everything. Our entire trip was mapped out. This was our first problem. I am a planner (I have twins, i have to be and DH is not).
Of course the morning of our cruise I planned to wake up at 6am, load the car, stop for breakfast and arrive at the port no later than 9:45am. Afterall, we had to get the FIRST boarding card number. DH on the other hand would prefer to arrive just before the pull the gang plank in. I was tempted to take 2 cars.
After a calm (ok it wasn't calm) discussion, we mutually decided I was right and we needed to get there early so I would not have a panic attack. We arrived by about 10:30 (he had to stop for coffee, gas and cash - just like any other man!) and that set us behind schedule. We ended up with boarding number 6! He dropped me and the kids at the curb and went to park the car.
Then the fun started. I had the double stroller, diaper bag, my purse and 3 kids to get through security by myself. That was fun. Sometimes I feel like Mr. Incredible because it didn't phase me in the least to grab all the stuff, drop it on the conveyor belt, grab both babies and push my 5 yo through the security point. I then kindly asked the officer to please help push the stroller through, I figured it was the least they could do, I was doing everything else and short of balancing on one foot to kick the stroller through I was out of ideas. Now of course if DH was faced with this situation, he would have had to hand off babies to perfect strangers just to help him get through that situation.
We went up the elevator and to the registration line. There was no wait and we walked right up to check in. I could see out the windows behind, DH was still parking the car and getting it angled just right in the parking spot. (I rolled my eyes) he will do anything to get out of taking a baby! Geez.
Well I was fully through security and checked in by the time our handsome man joined us.
In the lobby we checked out the model of the ship, took photos and meet this family from "Texas". They were too funny. I can say that because my DH and I were both raised in Texas and when you are from Texas you think everyone should just stop and bow to you when you mention you are from there. We had to chuckle!
Well we finally had our number called and off we were.....#6, it didn't take long at all.
As you board they take your family photo, so be prepared! Have your lipstick on!
We then couldn't wait for the next moment which was "Welcome aboard to the Stone family".,.......and the applause!! We were all smiles.
We went for lunch, went exploring and then went to our cabin about 1pm. I ordered a basket for our DD and signed the card from Cinderella. She was thrilled. We got a Deluxe family stateroom with Veranda so all 5 of us could stay in one room. We loved the balcony and the view! it was fabulous. We loved the split restrooms. Our bags were there when we arrived so I of course had to un pack and get the room organized.
Our stateroom attendant came by to say hello and also brought us the infant life jackets. looking at them, I knew muster drill was not going to be fun. We rested for a while and then off to muster drill. You know those families that wait until the 'last call' before going to muster drill...well I must admit that was us this time. You have to understand that the babies each had to be in their lifejackets (which they hated) and each of us had to carry one of these babies (now weighing like 50 pounds) and travel down like 100 million steps. We were not having fun and this was the worst part. We arrived like last and as soon as we got there, they were so kind and compassionate at our screaming babies (or just sympathetic to the rest of the 100,000 passengers that they went ahead and excused us to leave). Wasn't that nice! Thank heavens!! So off we went walking back up the 100 million steps to our room to drop back off the life jackets. This is one major disadvantage of twins on a cruise.
The other learning experience we had was stroller selection. I made an error (which I know all of you by now are finding very hard to believe) but I brought the side by side stroller), I had my reasons and they were very valid (large storage underneath, it reclines so they can sleep, we can feed them from it, I was afraid our other one would be too long to fit on the elevator etc). However, it was too wide to fit into our cabin door!
Pooh! So everytime we had to load and unload in the hallway. and if there was a cart in the hall , we didn't fit, it was a nightmare. Note to self, next time the side by side stays home!
Anyway off we went. We went to the sail away party, but the music was too loud and DD didn't like it so we opted to spend the time getting her hair braided instead. Perfect opportunity.
We then got ready for dinner which was at Tritons the first night. Everything was fabulous. They have tons of character signings on board. We only went to one show the entire time ( I know shocking, but do you want to baby wrestle the entire time, that is not fun).
We used the nursery and they were great. They actually liked our babies!! So whatever extra time they could give us they did. DD loved the kids club so she refused to come with us most of the time.
We arrived the next day in Naussa. We did the Atlantis Water day (use of their waterpark and pools). It was very expensive and DD was too short to use the waterslides so it was a total waste of money. DH did the big slide and we watched. We did use the pool but I mainly stayed in the shade with the babies.
If you have been to Naussa once you have seen it all, it is all the same. We went back to the ship early so the babies could nap and we could all rest.
Dinner that night was at Animators Palate,which we loved the show.
We played a few games of bingo which was fun. DD loved playing that. We also went to the family game room and played some family games (yahtzee, etc).
The next day we arrived in Castaway Cay. I booked most of our nursery time for the twins on that day so we could enjoy the beach. DH and I did the wave runners. It was a bit rough so it was bumpy, but the ride was fun. We also went snorkling. That was great so much to see. We never found the hidden mickey, but we had a great time. By then it was time for lunch. I loved how they served you to keep everything sanitary. They also handed you a million hand sanitizers everytime you entered any restuarant.
DD went to the kids club on the beach. She had a blast. By mid afternoon it was time to pick up the babies so I had to rush back to the ship to get them. Allow enough time to do this because it is a long walk and it takes a while. It then started to cloud up and rain so that was the end of our day on the beach.
Our next day was at sea. I used the Vista spa for some alone time. This was so fantastic, except that I was worried about DH having to pick up the kids from the day care and get them back to our room. Now I know you think I am crazy, but let me tell you what happened in that 10 minutes he had to do just that one thing~~as I found out later!!!!
Our DD got on the elevator, at that point he was trying to wheel the stroller on when a lunder the influence lady and her son cut in front of them, then he couldn't fit, then she realized that he was with my DH and they got off but not before the elevator doors closed and my 5 yo DD went bye bye in the elevator by herself. Fortunately the elevator opened at the next floor down and DD got off crying, DH could hear here and ran down the stairs leaving my twin babies unattended so he could go get her. He then ran back up to retrieve our babies.
For Heavens sake, how hard is it to transport 3 kids from the daycare to your room I ask!!!! I am happy to report all 3 kids are fine and uninjured other than the Post Traumatic Stress my 5 yo has now of elevators. She will not enter unless she is holding your hand. Probably a good thing.
I calmed down enough after hearing what happened to actually speak with him again during our Palo reservation. We had brunch and it was excellent and well worth the $15. covercharge. WE also left a nice tip because the service was outstanding. DH said we should have eaten there every night!
After that it was back to the room to pack up to leave! ugh!!! Bags in the hallway by 10pm and they are not kidding. We had to stop the guys because we barely made the deadline.
Getting off the ship was easy and painless. We got a porter who helped us find our bags and took us to our car. We tipped him a $20 it was well worth it!
Then it was back to reality for us.
It was a great trip. My DD and I are taking our next trip for her spring break in March. It is our girls trip. The twins are too mobile now to take and we need to wait another year before we would really have fun with them on the trip. We are leaving the twins home with Daddy, hopefully he won't lose them while we are gone!!
Welll that's all....hope it was worth the 9 month wait. I am sure there are lots of details I left out!
We planned our trip months in advance. Cast of attendees, DH Eric, 5yo DD Emily, 9 month old Twins DS Chase and DD Taylor and of course, yours truly mom of this clan, Darlene.
Emily and I were most excited about our trip. We planned for months. Visited the sites for weeks. We even download the music and practiced dancing on the deck. We role played our entry onto the boat when they announced our names...yes the whole deal. DH of course was much less excited as he does not appreciate the Mouse, the boat or the Bahamas nearly as much. (I am not sure why he even decided to go with us other than the term Family vacation usually means the entire family).
Of course, I started packing a week ahead. We had one suitcase full of just diapers, wipes, nursery water, formula and baby food. So you can imagine we definitely overpacked. I took my over door shoe holder, I had done all of my homework. I memorized the boat map, I knew everything about everything. Our entire trip was mapped out. This was our first problem. I am a planner (I have twins, i have to be and DH is not).
Of course the morning of our cruise I planned to wake up at 6am, load the car, stop for breakfast and arrive at the port no later than 9:45am. Afterall, we had to get the FIRST boarding card number. DH on the other hand would prefer to arrive just before the pull the gang plank in. I was tempted to take 2 cars.
After a calm (ok it wasn't calm) discussion, we mutually decided I was right and we needed to get there early so I would not have a panic attack. We arrived by about 10:30 (he had to stop for coffee, gas and cash - just like any other man!) and that set us behind schedule. We ended up with boarding number 6! He dropped me and the kids at the curb and went to park the car.
Then the fun started. I had the double stroller, diaper bag, my purse and 3 kids to get through security by myself. That was fun. Sometimes I feel like Mr. Incredible because it didn't phase me in the least to grab all the stuff, drop it on the conveyor belt, grab both babies and push my 5 yo through the security point. I then kindly asked the officer to please help push the stroller through, I figured it was the least they could do, I was doing everything else and short of balancing on one foot to kick the stroller through I was out of ideas. Now of course if DH was faced with this situation, he would have had to hand off babies to perfect strangers just to help him get through that situation.
We went up the elevator and to the registration line. There was no wait and we walked right up to check in. I could see out the windows behind, DH was still parking the car and getting it angled just right in the parking spot. (I rolled my eyes) he will do anything to get out of taking a baby! Geez.
Well I was fully through security and checked in by the time our handsome man joined us.In the lobby we checked out the model of the ship, took photos and meet this family from "Texas". They were too funny. I can say that because my DH and I were both raised in Texas and when you are from Texas you think everyone should just stop and bow to you when you mention you are from there. We had to chuckle!
Well we finally had our number called and off we were.....#6, it didn't take long at all.
As you board they take your family photo, so be prepared! Have your lipstick on!
We then couldn't wait for the next moment which was "Welcome aboard to the Stone family".,.......and the applause!! We were all smiles.
We went for lunch, went exploring and then went to our cabin about 1pm. I ordered a basket for our DD and signed the card from Cinderella. She was thrilled. We got a Deluxe family stateroom with Veranda so all 5 of us could stay in one room. We loved the balcony and the view! it was fabulous. We loved the split restrooms. Our bags were there when we arrived so I of course had to un pack and get the room organized.
Our stateroom attendant came by to say hello and also brought us the infant life jackets. looking at them, I knew muster drill was not going to be fun. We rested for a while and then off to muster drill. You know those families that wait until the 'last call' before going to muster drill...well I must admit that was us this time. You have to understand that the babies each had to be in their lifejackets (which they hated) and each of us had to carry one of these babies (now weighing like 50 pounds) and travel down like 100 million steps. We were not having fun and this was the worst part. We arrived like last and as soon as we got there, they were so kind and compassionate at our screaming babies (or just sympathetic to the rest of the 100,000 passengers that they went ahead and excused us to leave). Wasn't that nice! Thank heavens!! So off we went walking back up the 100 million steps to our room to drop back off the life jackets. This is one major disadvantage of twins on a cruise.
The other learning experience we had was stroller selection. I made an error (which I know all of you by now are finding very hard to believe) but I brought the side by side stroller), I had my reasons and they were very valid (large storage underneath, it reclines so they can sleep, we can feed them from it, I was afraid our other one would be too long to fit on the elevator etc). However, it was too wide to fit into our cabin door!
Pooh! So everytime we had to load and unload in the hallway. and if there was a cart in the hall , we didn't fit, it was a nightmare. Note to self, next time the side by side stays home!Anyway off we went. We went to the sail away party, but the music was too loud and DD didn't like it so we opted to spend the time getting her hair braided instead. Perfect opportunity.
We then got ready for dinner which was at Tritons the first night. Everything was fabulous. They have tons of character signings on board. We only went to one show the entire time ( I know shocking, but do you want to baby wrestle the entire time, that is not fun).
We used the nursery and they were great. They actually liked our babies!! So whatever extra time they could give us they did. DD loved the kids club so she refused to come with us most of the time.
We arrived the next day in Naussa. We did the Atlantis Water day (use of their waterpark and pools). It was very expensive and DD was too short to use the waterslides so it was a total waste of money. DH did the big slide and we watched. We did use the pool but I mainly stayed in the shade with the babies.
If you have been to Naussa once you have seen it all, it is all the same. We went back to the ship early so the babies could nap and we could all rest.
Dinner that night was at Animators Palate,which we loved the show.
We played a few games of bingo which was fun. DD loved playing that. We also went to the family game room and played some family games (yahtzee, etc).
The next day we arrived in Castaway Cay. I booked most of our nursery time for the twins on that day so we could enjoy the beach. DH and I did the wave runners. It was a bit rough so it was bumpy, but the ride was fun. We also went snorkling. That was great so much to see. We never found the hidden mickey, but we had a great time. By then it was time for lunch. I loved how they served you to keep everything sanitary. They also handed you a million hand sanitizers everytime you entered any restuarant.
DD went to the kids club on the beach. She had a blast. By mid afternoon it was time to pick up the babies so I had to rush back to the ship to get them. Allow enough time to do this because it is a long walk and it takes a while. It then started to cloud up and rain so that was the end of our day on the beach.
Our next day was at sea. I used the Vista spa for some alone time. This was so fantastic, except that I was worried about DH having to pick up the kids from the day care and get them back to our room. Now I know you think I am crazy, but let me tell you what happened in that 10 minutes he had to do just that one thing~~as I found out later!!!!
Our DD got on the elevator, at that point he was trying to wheel the stroller on when a lunder the influence lady and her son cut in front of them, then he couldn't fit, then she realized that he was with my DH and they got off but not before the elevator doors closed and my 5 yo DD went bye bye in the elevator by herself. Fortunately the elevator opened at the next floor down and DD got off crying, DH could hear here and ran down the stairs leaving my twin babies unattended so he could go get her. He then ran back up to retrieve our babies.
For Heavens sake, how hard is it to transport 3 kids from the daycare to your room I ask!!!! I am happy to report all 3 kids are fine and uninjured other than the Post Traumatic Stress my 5 yo has now of elevators. She will not enter unless she is holding your hand. Probably a good thing.I calmed down enough after hearing what happened to actually speak with him again during our Palo reservation. We had brunch and it was excellent and well worth the $15. covercharge. WE also left a nice tip because the service was outstanding. DH said we should have eaten there every night!
After that it was back to the room to pack up to leave! ugh!!! Bags in the hallway by 10pm and they are not kidding. We had to stop the guys because we barely made the deadline.
Getting off the ship was easy and painless. We got a porter who helped us find our bags and took us to our car. We tipped him a $20 it was well worth it!
Then it was back to reality for us.
It was a great trip. My DD and I are taking our next trip for her spring break in March. It is our girls trip. The twins are too mobile now to take and we need to wait another year before we would really have fun with them on the trip. We are leaving the twins home with Daddy, hopefully he won't lose them while we are gone!!
Welll that's all....hope it was worth the 9 month wait. I am sure there are lots of details I left out!
They are (1) 18 (going on a grad trip to Europe) and (2) 15 (starting his football summer practice). They don't mind because we are hitting Hawaii for Spring Break. 
