Caribbean Cruise 2023

After spending three fun-filled days at Universal Studios, we boarded Carnival's Mardi Gras ship for a seven-day cruise. We met Grandma and Grandpa at the terminal and then spent a fun week enjoying their company. The kids loved the pool and waterslides. I even did the waterslides a few times with them. Atreyu and Cambria shared a cabin with Grandma and Grandpa, and they all got to ride on the onboard roller coaster. The Mardi Gras had so many delicious food options that we were able to eat at quite a few different places throughout the cruise. Cosette had fun going to Camp Ocean for a couple hours each day. Magnus went once the first day and wouldn't go again. Cambria and Atreyu had no interest in going to the youth club as they just wanted to spend time with all of us. 

Our first stop was in Puerto Rico where we took an Uber up to see the El Morro fort. Besides the crazy heat wave they were having at the time, it was really cool to explore the area. 

Our second stop was at Carnival's private port in the Dominican Republic called Amber Cove. Jesse and Eddie stayed on the ship with the littles while Grandma and I took Atreyu and Cambria to enjoy the pool and lazy river. We had a great time swimming and I kind of regretted not bringing Cosette ashore with us. I made it up to her when we got back on board by going on the water slides with her.

Our last stop was Grand Turk. Jesse and the big kids were looking forward to this port the most as they were all going to go snorkeling with Grandma. They got up bright and early to catch the excursion only to find out that it was cancelled due to engine issues. Jesse also thinks that they were concerned about the weather as other excursions were also cancelled. They went exploring on the beach instead and found some really beautiful conch shells which they brought back with them. Once they got back, I went ashore with Grandma and all my kiddos. We did a little shopping and had fun playing on the beach and in the water. Grandma, Atreyu, and Cambria even did some snorkeling in the swimming area.