There is a first time for everything and my first time cruising was March 2011. I traveled with my sisters and there husbands – no kids allowed. Of course, during the entire cruise, my husband and I would point out all the cool things that the kids would have loved! Next time we are definitely taking them with us!
I was fortunate to be able to tour the Norwegian Cruise Line Gem while it was still in dock at New York City. When I arrived I noticed all the guests getting ready to board – boy, was I jealous! They were going to cruise to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. I was directed to board the ship with others in my group and we were able to tour the Family Villa, Garden Villa and Owner’s Suite. These are the top of the line rooms on the ship and they are gorgeous! Included are private courtyard areas and butler/concierge service. Next, we were treated to a fantastic lunch! I can’t tell you how much that I love cruise food. They really do put there best foot forward when creating all the meals on the ship.
After I had stuffed my face we were treated to an overview of the kids program. I really wanted to take my kids cruising at this point. The staff was very informed, entertaining and just plain fun! Splash Academy for Kids is the brand new youth program on Norwegian Cruise Line. The program features Nickelodeon characters and offers fun activities for kids ages 6 months to 12 years. Plus, there is a ten program as well. The best part – it is FREE! The staff entertained us with a few of the activities. Here are a few of us learning to spin plates:
There are also activities for you to enjoy together as a family such as bowling, shore excursions and poolside fun. Nickelodeon characters make their appearance on the ship at various events, and we were able to receive a special visit from SpongeBob Squarepants!
To find more about Norwegian Cruise Line, visit their website, like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter. Think about cruising for your next vacation, you will thank me!
Lily says
Belize is one of my favorite I love it. Like the othres said, I did cave tubing. link isAmazing company and there is a reason it is mentioned over and over again on Cruise Critic. Simply amazing. Same one as the excursion except you do 2 caves and half the price of the cruise The other excursion done in Belize (which they offer if you are going to be there a long time) is Xunantunich. It is simply the best Mayan ruin. You can actually hike up it. Most of them are like Stonehenge, you must look at from behind the velvet ropes, but this one you can wander the grounds and climb to the top. You can see 3 countries from the top. It was definitely my favorite shore excursion ever done. Simply awe-inspiring.Costa Maya like they said, nothing there. a built so it kinda looks like Mexico. A bit too “Disney”. It was also the hottest ever been in my life. I recommend staying on the ship or at least going back early. On the ship you can lay on the lido deck and like you have your own private waiter as there are only like 5 people on board and at least 7 waiters on deck. The spa is also cheaper on days so you can get a really good deal on a massage. In my opinion, a must on a cruise.Definitely plan a shore excursion for Belize though. Where the ship drops you off is not very good. a small mall and all the beggars sit outside the gate to bum money off tourists. If you stayed there or tried to plan your own, be miserable. Belize is a very poor country. However like I said, the shore excursions there are amazing. The best of any cruise.