So with a separate bag packed for the trip we moved into our new home and 4 days later left for our cruise – yeah like with me can be somewhat interesting (though my hubby may have other descriptions).   I remember we stayed at the Riviera level – the lowest and though we enjoyed all the facilities of the boat had no idea that a change of room could make a difference. With visions of our old room and preparations for our invitation trip from Carnival Cruise Lines I began to panic imagining how our 2 little kids would make every effort to make that space feel smaller by the minute (have you met my 3 year old?).

This time we got the Panorama level, also known at the top level on the ship, and with huge patio doors leading onto an ample (well ample for a ship – fitting 2 chairs and a table adequately) deck with transparent wall type fence (ok so I have no idea what you call it and I am typing this late at night in bed hoping not to wake the kids). Needless to say the place, which is already huge, feels bigger with the curtains drawn.  I have the greatest admiration for Carnival Cruise Lines who very clearly know how to make maximum use of smaller spaces in a way so creative that it boggles the engineering mind in me. I wish they could work that magic on my home, though I guess that won’t help me with the cleaning issues abound.

A bathroom so small yet feels spacious enough, a couch that doubles up into a twin bed, a bed that is carefully tucked into the ceiling (you would not even guess it to be there) which transforms into a bunk bed when needed and moved out of sight to make space available when not, 3 full closets and more cabinets than I can count – all this making for a room you could actually want to hang out in. Sure, this paranoid mama opted out of the bunk bed, being used to a much lower one from IKEA in my home, but both girls have been sleeping cozily in the twin bed.

Being able to enjoy an air-conditioned room or step out in the deck to soak in the sun and (sea) sounds is as close to convenience and serenity a mama badly in need of a vacation could want.

Disclosure:  Carnival Cruise Lines is sponsoring the trip for my family.

The one thing with cruises is that food is never an issue. I am surrounded by it. So much so I can barely touch a morsel by the end of the night. The dining place I mentioned before also serves breakfast in the morning but you could opt for the Lido deck which has a huge spread of variety of food.  And don’t worry about long lines, each different cuisine is set up in different areas so you stand for the food you like only – so shorter lines. Just to describe the lunch today – there was a burger/fries/hotdog corner (with all matching side items), and then there was Mexican food, Rotisserie section, Chinese food,  Deli place, Desserts place, salad bar, sundae station, espresso bar, liquor bar, pizza place, and seriously I am sure I am missing some. And that was just lunch.

Dinner is a whole fiasco on its own. A performance of sorts comes free with the meal. Oh but let me dawdle on that meal bit before I move on to the entertainment.  They have a mini menu for the kids – with activities etc – though it does not change for the duration of the cruise so it can be a tad boring for some kids, and a reassurance to others.  The grown up meals and a burst of amazing fresh flavors and oozes out chef style cuisine. There is not an iota of doubt in your mind that the blend of savory, spice and sweetness are all purposeful and perfectly on the button. Even so the maitre d has been an amazing breath of fresh air, concocting meals to our liking, and having a repeat performance of quality, but not dish, the next day. The wait staff remembers my kid’s names and to some that may mean nothing but we mamas notice, and give importance to, these things.

By infusing warmth and personality in the dining atmosphere the entire meal is so much more palatable.

Disclosure:  Carnival Cruise Lines is sponsoring the trip for my family.

So while I cruise and there is no Starbucks, I wanted to see if I could stay a full 7 days without (yeah the cruise is 8 days but where do you think I got my breakfast?). The fact that they are involved in so many philanthropic ventures and also kids snacks that don’t make me gag means I am funding a good cause, or so I say as I save my treat receipt from my morning drink to buy the discounted frappachino later in the day. I wonder if Starbucks will miss me. I wonder if they will send out a red alert when they don’t see me pull up at the drive through window.

Ahh, Starbucks, in moments of whining frenzy, with my kids buckled in I can safely recall sipping back my sanity thanks to you. Fear not, I will be back as it is not for nothing my 5 year old calls Starbucks “Mama’s happy place!”