Christmas in the Caribbean

This year, Christmas break was 1.5 weeks ( and I just happened to have some leftover vacation, so I extended mine to 2 weeks)...what a luxury!  This time off was like a spoonful of medicine with a pound of sugar on top...super SWEET!

JD and I decided, pretty much last minute, to take the kids and head south to the caribbean, but not to Beaches this time...we contemplated Disney World, but didn't think it would be quite warm enough, so we mixed the best of the beach with Disney and took a Disney cruise for the inaugural Christmas cruise on the Disney Fantasy.  OMG...it was so much more than we thought...it was perfect!


The atrium was absolutely beautiful!  There were holiday decorations all throughout the ship, including over 40 Christmas trees.

We found the life size gingerbread house most delightful and were excited to have the opportunity for Riley to even make one while aboard the ship.

      

HOME AWAY FROM HOME!

"Morning Coffee"

Riley was astounded to find Elfie found out exactly where we were hiding out for the holidays.

Life by the pool was the best!  Very relaxing and fun for all.

Riley's favorite hot spot...The Mickey Pool.

There were 2 great water slides on the ship.
Neither of which Riley would brave, not even with bribery.

Disney entertainment pool side...movies and various cartoon episodes

Nemo's Reef was Zach's favorite hang-out

The Aqua Lab looked awesome...but the water was way too cold for even our two water babies!

Oh the pizza...and the ice cream!  Yum-O!  Why is it that all cruise ships have some of the best pizza??

Pirate Night was incredible.

We were a bit under-dressed compared to the experienced Disney cruisers.  I am glad I found the cute pirate shirts before setting sail, and it was great that Disney gifted the bandana's, otherwise we may have caved on all the great attire in the gift shops!

Riley and her "Gold de Blooms"

The Animator's Palate was one of 3 main dining rooms on the ship...
and did not disappoint.  It only cost a mere $35 million to build.

One night we actually drew characters that were later brought to life on the enormous flat screen tvs.

Loved this tile wall mural in the informal buffet area...beautiful!

Riley and Zachary both had the same dinner every night....
Spaghetti followed by a yummy Mickey ice cream bar.

The Enchanted Garden was Riley's favorite dining room
on the ship.  There were beautiful lights that would "bloom"
as dinner progressed.

The character meet and greets were just enough for our first trip with Disney.  Riley was thrilled to meet  all that were aboard.  Usually there were lines, but most waits, were only about 10-15 minutes...except for the Princess Gathering.

The Princess Gathering took place on the 2 days at sea.  This was the only time that all 6 princesses on board would be in the atrium at the same time.  Riley was in complete awe...thrilled to have the opportunity to meet every one.

Riley decided to dress up as Cinderella for the Princess Gathering.
This trip, she was all about Cinderella first,
Princess Aurora second.

Zachary wanted nothing to do with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, not even Jake the Pirate...our little man could have bypassed all of the character greetings...all except the meeting of Tinker Bell.  He could hardly wait to meet the magical fairy, running to her, jumping up and down and just grinning from ear to ear!  

Peter Pan was lucky enough to get a high five, but from a distance.

Riley, our Princess...she had her day in heaven on the 2nd night on board.  We couldn't resist letting her have the opportunity to get made over at the Bibbity-Bobbity Boutique!  This was a glorious little place for girls and boys to go and be made over into a perfect little princess, handsome prince, or fierce pirate.  

Princess Riley prior to make-over.

Hair, make-up, and even Princess gossip!

Last but not least...the most important pixie dust!

All for one beautiful Snow White.  

Formal night was quite magical on board the Fantasy.  Zach made the ultimate statement, formal black dress wear, but blankie and blue bear always by his side!

Snow White as carried home asleep in her very own
Prince's arms...Thanks Daddy!

Our 7 day cruise included 4 stops, the first being The Grand Cayman, where we visited a turtle farm.

2nd stop...Costa Maya. 

3rd stop...Cozumel.  We had pre-booked a day trip to a local beach, but Riley was so in love with the Mickey pool, we decided to stay on board and just let the kids hang out and play.  Good move, considering there was an hour long down pour in the afternoon. 

Final stop of the cruise,...Disney's private island...Castaway Cay!  Loved it!  The weather was perfect for our last day of the cruise.  The kids had a ball just hanging at the beach (even though it took some time for Zach to warm up to the sand on his feet again). 

Perfect end to the perfect trip!  We loved our first Disney Cruise.  Can't wait to go back again!