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Sailing on a family cruise with Princess Cruises was beyond exciting as was seeing all the bright colors in Ensenada, Mexico. Come see why this cruise was loved by everyone in the family.
Tons of thanks to Princess Cruises PR for hosting us on this special cruise. All opinions are mine and those of family. We hope you enjoy this insight, review, and tips of the California Coastal Cruise Review.
Day 7 started with coffee in our room to enjoy as we cruised into Ensenada Mexico!
Docking was super quick in this port, and before we knew it, we were in port and could see all the beautiful colors that Ensenada is known for!
We headed down to the International Cafe for some fruit and then back to our room for a morning of surprises!
The first surprise was a balcony breakfast with champagne (for Pete and me) and juice for the girls! They were able to customize it for us to make it vegetarian too! This is an upgraded option, and I highly recommend doing it if you have a balcony in your room. There are also dinners you can have in the same fashion that I have heard wonderful things about that too.
And then because it was our last full day on the ship we went to the buffet for a second breakfast too! Don’t judge.
And then the biggest surprise of all… a bridge tour! We learned so much, and the girls were thrilled to be invited by the Captain for this special experience!
They shared all sorts of information with us, and it was fascinating to see just how much goes on behind the scenes to make sure that all the guests of the ship have a great vacation. From a team back at headquarters that is there around the clock to assist the ships to the team on board that is always checking weather radar maps, physically patrolling the ship and everyone in the bridge we knew we were in good hands on a Princess Cruises family vacation.
We were starving after that (slight exaggeration, we just really wanted more pizza!) so we enjoyed a couple of slices and swimming!
And ice cream too! Round the clock ice cream flows on the ship!
We debated going on shore and then decided to experience more of the ship.
Seven days isn’t enough time to see and do everything… the 12 and 5-year-old went to kids club while the 14-year-old met up with friends at the International Cafe and had some coffee.
I went to the spa and had the best pedicure I’ve ever had. It was the “fire & ice” pedicure… I highly recommend it!
Pete waited for me in The Sanctuary aboard the Crown Princess.
Oh my! The Sanctuary! I can’t believe that I waited until the last day to go there. It was heaven! I have a whole post that I am writing just about The Sanctuary because it was THAT awesome!
Inside is adults only. It’s an upgrade, so there is a fee to use it. We paid $20 each for a half day. In the morning I stopped in and picked out our lounge chairs and then they had them ready and waiting for us when we got there. There is a special healthier menu that you can order from for a $3 delivery fee per person, and they even serve afternoon tea to you.
And before we knew it hours had passed, and it was dinner time! The Little one and I relaxed on our balcony as we cruised out of Ensenada (I had picked her up from kids club) and then we got ready for dinner. She and the 12-year-old had the buffet (Pete and I were there too and had some snacks). Then it was back to kids club for them both. We had offered to bring them with us to our dinner, but both of them declined. If kids club was open through meals, I doubt we would have seen either of them at all. That is how much they loved the clubs!
We finally saw the teen again at dinner.
We went back to Sabatini’s for dinner. We found it is well worth the $25 cover charge per person, and the teen loved everything she was served there as did we. We all ordered the same things we had the last time, and it was nice having a “kinda” kid free meal… although I would have loved having the other two with us. Although this is a bit more luxurious than the other dining rooms, it’s totally kid friendly, and they cater to the whole family.
After dinner, we took a walk and admired the Mexican decorations to celebrate our time in Mexico!
The teen kept admiring this sombrero and bought it as a souvenir!
And then we stopped for our nightly coffee!
And then we headed back to kids club to pick up the Little One.
It was pajama night, and they were watching Frozen, so she pretty much had the best night of her life (her words)! She said goodbye to her amazing kids club leaders and kept her tears back as best she could. She was just so happy for all the fun and sad because it was over.
Before I even knew it this happened… she hasn’t slept this well in well, forever!
Bright and early the next morning, we found ourselves back in regular life. We woke up at 6 am, Pete went and got us coffee and breakfast that we enjoyed in our room as we docked back in San Pedro. By 8 am we were in our disembarkation area, and we were off the ship by 9 am. The whole process was very smooth and easy.
We’ve been off the cruise ship for 48 hours now, and I am still on a cruise high! Adjusting to regular life has been a bit rough… I’m still shocked when I can’t order room service and that I have to make my own bed. But I am much more relaxed and refreshed and ready to get back to life with a new found enthusiasm!
It was a vacation we will always remember, and we can’t wait to start planning our next cruise adventure!
Are you planning any vacations right now?
PS. See our complete Crown Princess, Princess Cruises Review and Detailed Daily Posts Here.
You are so living the life! Balcony breakfast with champagne is love! I’m sure you and your family had a blast. I should get on a cruise with my Mom and brother in the nearer future, seems like an experience.
I’ve never heard of this place in Mexico but it looks absolutely stunning! I would love to go on a cruise there!
That sounds like an amazing vacation! I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, but it hasn’t happened yet. I bet your daughters will have wonderful memories for many, many years to come!
What an awesome way to spend a vacation. I have always wanted to go on a cruise. This looks amazing.
I think cruises are becoming much more affordable these days. I am going to be checking in to it a bit more. I would love to go, too.
Wow, Ensenada looks absolutely beautiful. I think your series of posts has sold me on getting a mini suite for our next cruise, it just looks so luxurious!
Wow! Your still cruising after day 7.. Your very lucky! Pictures are beautiful!
That really looks like such a fun adventure. The food sure looks good.
So much fun you guys are having. You are encouraging me to try cruising with my kids.
Looks like a spectacular trip! I love how the ship was decked out in those skulls! So cool!
We have been wanting to go on a family cruise for such a long time now. It looks like you all had so much fun! The sanctuary does sound like a nice place! I can’t wait to see what it is all about!
We have wanted to go on a cruise for some time, but had no clue all it had to offer. What a fabulous vacation. Thanks for sharing.
Wow at all the food! That really looks like a day of luxury. We haven’t been on a cruise yet but I really want to go after seeing all your photos.
I would love to take my family on a cruise. They Sancutuary sounds like a wonderful place to relax.
Looks like you had a phenomenal trip! I can’t wait to go on my cruise in a few months!
We have been on many cruises! I will have to say I am Jealous of you! I can totally see doing everything you did! I can tell you all had a blast! I bet you are ready to go again!
It looks like you and your family had a great time! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You’re motivating me to schedule a cruise for me and the hubs!
What a great vacation!! These are fantastic pictures!
Now this is pampering. The pictures are just amazing and make me dream
Looks like such an amazing time! I went on a cruise for my honeymoon, but we haven’t taken the kids yet. I’d love to!
Looooove. I am all about the Day of the Dead decoration. They are gorgeous. Never ending swimming, pizza and ice cream? Where do I sign up?
And here I am stuck in Iowa! Pack me in your suitcase next time?
This cruise was seriously so luxurious looking for you all. I love seeing all the pictures 🙂
looks like everyone had a blast!!! this is def something we would love to go on.
What gorgeous photos! How nice that you get to take a trip like that as a family.
Looks like you all had a great time. We haven’t done a cruise in a long time but I do love them! Your pics are awesome! Wish I was there 🙂
Just the ambiance alone would make it worth booking. Your pictures are just breathtaking!
Looks like your family is having a fabulous time! I remember when we went on a similar cruise. We like Ensenada, but ended up going back to the ship because we were absolutely having fun with all the activities the ship offered! 🙂
I would love to take a cruise, I never have
I would so love a cruise like this one. You all look like you had an amazing cruise and I know you sad it is ended. I would so love to visit Mexico someday. It looks amazing indeed. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Heather, if we were going to Mexico, this is the way I would want to go – it seems so much safer and planned – we are only about 3 hours from the border – I’ve been there a few times when I was younger – but, it seems so much trouble now – so your post and your photos have made me want to do it your way!
Looks absolutely amazing. So much fun, my girls would love it.
We are currently making our plans for traveling. I really want to hope on the crown princes and go to The Sanctuary!!!! Oh my how wonderful. Cruises are great because there is something for the entire family to do!
I’m so impressed! Everything looks incredible. Our family has been wanting to cruise for some time and we’re hoping to check it off our bucket list within the year! 🙂
What an amazing vacation! I have always wanted to go on a cruise ship and hope to someday soon. Great pics!
The pictures are really amazing & I am sure you are having a great time out there. The foods looks so delicious and I love the Ice cream as well. I would love a fun vaction with my family & a cruise will be a great option!
Your toes look amazing, I’m jealous of your spa trip!!!!
Looks like you had a blast. A cruise and a trip to mexico are two things I’ve always wanted to do but still haven’t. plenty of time left though, I’m only 40!
Taking a family cruise is on my bucket list. Your photos are gorgeous and it looks like you all enjoyed yourselves.
Such a magical place! Looks like you’re having the best time ever!
I have always wanted to go on a cruise. This looks like so much fun. I like the sugar skull banners!
What a great vacation you all are having. We still haven’t talked about where our next vacation will be. I hope somewhere where there’s a beach. I miss my hometown which is located by the beach.
This looks like an amazing vacation!
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that you are on a ship because of the huge interiors and variety… What a delight!
You all look so relaxed! I hope you have a safe trip home!
I am so jealous of your cruise, I have never been on one before and would so love to. Except for a few photos you would forget it was a cruise if you didnt mention it.
This is SO cool! Jealz! I *wish* I could score something like this for my family of 6.
The last time I was on vacation…..um, before my hubby and i were together -_- lol
We’ve gone to the cottage as a family, or camping, but when you’re this giant and have babies back to back, it hinders the travelling a wee bit.
This looks amazing and I love the sombrero!! 😛
Beautiful family! I want to go on another cruise!
Awesome Pictures. Sounds like a memorable time.