It seems like it has been a while since we have taken a family vacation. So I began searching for something fun for us to do this summer. I had just left a family gathering where my sister had just returned from her recent cruise with Carnival and was saying what a fun time they had. I thought it sounded great but figured with 5 people it would be way out of our budget. Then that very week on the way to work I kept hearing commercials for Florida specials on Carnival cruises. So I did what I always do I grabbed the computer and got to work.
I knew if we were going to take a vacation it would have to be in July. June was out of the question because next week hubby and Honey will be visiting Virginia together for a graduation. I needed to put a little time in between times off of work. When I first started looking for cruises it looked like everything was in 2014 or smack dab in the cooler weather. However with more research I found a great cruise for us in July. It is a small cruise only three days but I figured for our first cruise it would be great to see what we thought.
I’m a little nervous about the time frame due to Hurricane season here in Florida but that starts in June which means we are in it all summer long. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather holds out for us. On a sweeter note I will be taking this trip with the family complimentary of Carnival (can we say T-H-A-N-K-Y-O-U). Due to this unexpected turn of events this freed us up for a little more fun. So the family and I are taking an extra day of vacation and heading down to Miami for a day of fun. I’m thinking maybe the zoo, some swimming, shopping, and great food.
Residence Inn Marriott
Thanks to being part of the Resident Mom Club we will finally get a chance to use our gift card and stay at an awesome hotel that will fit all five of us comfortably! I’ve already booked our stay at the Residence Inn Miami Airport.
Our suite is a two bedroom suite with a living area and kitchen area. We will have one King size bed (great for hubby and I and sometimes one little girl), a Queen size bed, and a pull out sofa bed. Though we will only be staying for one night before we embark on our cruise to the Bahamas it is nice to have many of the features of home not to mention a roomy place for a party of 5.
Here are some of the great amenities included with our hotel stay:
Key Amenities
- Extended stay
- High-speed Internet
- Free high-speed Internet
- Free breakfast
- Fitness center
- Restaurant on-site
- Pool
- Kitchen/kitchenette
- Pet friendly
- New Lobby
- Airport shuttle
- Parking
- Car rental desk
- Meeting/event space
What more can you ask for then free breakfast and Internet!
So any tips for our cruise? What to do or not to do? Any advice is welcome!
courtney says
I wish I could go on a cruise!! I’m to samosa.. one day! My friend is getting married on carnival this summer!! 🙂
Kate F. says
I like that suite! It looks cozy.
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
I didn’t realize that Residence Inn had kitchenettes. So cool! The next time we travel I’m going to see if there is one in the area.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
If you like to drink soda, I’d recommend buying a soda card. If not, you’re pretty much stuck with lemonade and ice tea.
Kathleen says
I have not been on a cruise before, but it is on my travel bucket list. Have an amazing time!
Sheri says
I’ve never cruised so I can’t give advice, but I hope you have an amazing time!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
This looks like a great place to stay on our family vacations! I will definitely check it out!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
No advice but have fun! We’ve been wanting to go on a cruise for a while now.
Tammy says
We’ve never been on a Carnival Cruise so I’m not sure how many people attend the shows and such, but on the Disney Cruise Ships we make sure to show up and wait at the doors before they open the theater so that we can get good seats.
Maryann says
that looks like a great place to stay. We would love it with the kitchen since we need to do a lot of special cooking.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Looks like an amazing place to stay!
Stefanie says
You’re going to have a great time! I heart Carnival!
Tammy S says
The room is amazing. I love the bright colors. I think you will love the cruise. It been awhile since we have taken a cruise but we loved every minute of it.