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Sailing on a family cruise has been at the top of our travel list for years now. We were so excited to make our first cruise together as a family with our host, Princess Cruises aboard the Crown Princess. This review features our own opinions.
I’m writing this from our mini suite aboard the Crown Princess! I’m so excited to share our vacation with you all and I plan to “live” share our days at sea via Instagram and Twitter if you want to follow along. Plus I’ll be sharing each day’s adventures for you via a new post each morning!
There was some planning involved to make our cruise carefree and relaxing.
But Princess Cruises makes that easy! I will be sharing that all once we are back on dry land because I’ve learned a whole bunch of tips to share, but it all started with what cruise to take!
We chose a California Coastal cruise as our family’s first cruise together because it seemed like the perfect length, and because it was in close proximity to where we live. We will even be stopping in San Diego as one of the ports so we can play tourist in our home town.
We also love San Francisco, so that was a HUGE draw for us.
It’s been over a month since we have been there last and we already planned what else we want to see and do while we were there. San Francisco is such a great family-friendly town.
Before our adventure began we scheduled and planned through the Princess Personalizer Website. Then since we’ve been on board, we’ve been using Princess@Sea to stay in touch via their messenger app (that is free) so that I can monitor our account onboard. I’m not sure if other cruise lines offer this, but when traveling with children (especially teens!), this has been a huge benefit. We can message each other to stay in touch, and the big kids have already been coming and going from teen and preteen clubs so using this to know where they are is giving me tons of peace of mind, which helps me to relax and enjoy the cruise even more.
After going through security and all that fun stuff, we walked into our rooms, and Emmy immediately ran out to the balcony and did this!
I love when I capture her moments of joy!
We have two side by side mini-suites with rather large balconies on the Dolphin Deck. They were connected via the balconies after the Room Stewart removed the divider.
The mini suite rooms are large in comparison to the rooms that I remember being in as a teen when I last cruised. Emmy is staying with us, and Maddie and Ash are sharing the room next door. If it were just 4 of us, we would all be comfortable in just one room, albeit a bit cramped, so this works out perfectly for the 5 of us.
Princess Cruises surprised us with a fruit basket and chocolate-covered strawberries in each room and champagne for Pete and me to toast each other as we sailed away. Neither of us drinks alcohol too often, so this was a treat.. and one I think we will be doing each cruise. If you have the extra budget to do this, I totally recommend it. Maybe even surprise your partner with it!
If you are traveling with kids, I think making this part of the trip extra special kinda sets the mood for the vacation and I would opt to do the fruit and strawberries for the girls again too!
After we had been out into open seas, we decided to explore the ship.
It’s really big and one day in I have seen maybe ¼ of it. Our first stop yesterday was to the International Cafe for a snack. They have sandwiches, salads and desserts at no charge and Gelato for an additional fee of $1.50 for three generous scoops. We also bought a coffee card for specialty coffees. It’s a hole punch card with eight drinks for $24 that you can use for future sailings if you don’t use it all. We also bought the soda and more packages for each of us. For $49 we will be getting unlimited soda, juice, shakes, floats, hot chocolate, mocktails and more. For health reasons, we don’t drink anything other than water normally, so this is another treat for us all. It works out to be $7 a day each, and that is a bargain when you think of how often you will be buying beverages. They have other alcohol packages too, and the wine ones get rave reviews! Our drink packages came with tumblers that we can all take home as souvenirs too!
The ship is stunning, and I am really enjoying looking at all the little things they have done to make it so beautiful.
The Easter decorations are amazing, and the details are totally “wowing” me!
We didn’t plan it this way, but we ended up sailing on Easter! Yesterday when we boarded we were not sure what would be happening, or if there were any Easter celebrations planned. I was so happy to hear that there are quite a few things in store for us over the next couple of days to make Easter extra fun for the kids.
Emmy hasn’t stopped reminding us that there are pools on this ship, so we set off to find them. We chose the pool on the Lido deck under the big screen used for MUTS (Movies Under The Stars) for our first swim. The pool is warm, and we relax for a while until the sun started to set. Then we made our way out of the pool and back to the room to get ready for dinner.
We have any time dining and have worked up quite the appetite, so we decide to eat in the Michelangelo Dining Room.
There is a bit of a wait, and we learned that it is best to make reservations if you have the anytime dining. You can do this each morning at 8 am by phoning the reservation line. While we waited to eat, Pete and the girls have some fruit and Gelato, and I stayed in line.
It was worth the wait! The fettuccine alfredo was delicious. Emmy, all of a sudden, went quiet, and we looked over and saw this! She has a history of falling asleep at the table on vacations, so this wasn’t surprising… and this is how we know she is having a really good time! She goes all out during the day and crashes at night!
We decided to have dessert via room service so she could sleep some more, while Maddie and Ash went to the kids clubs until they closed at 10 pm and 11 pm respectfully. I have so much more to say about the kids clubs… but let me start by sharing that they are worth the trip alone. The kids are all having so much fun in them!
That’s it for now. I’m off to see the other ¾’s of the ship and get lunch! I’ll be back tomorrow with more of our adventure. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Instagram!
Have you ever been on a cruise? What was your favorite part?
PS. See our complete Crown Princess, Princess Cruises Review and Detailed Daily Posts Here.
Awesome!
Beautiful family Heather. Beautiful pics. I’m getting ready to go on a cruise too. And seeing these amazing images you too, and how much fun your family is having, has me really excited. Have fun girl!
Thanks LaDonna… can’t wait to follow along on yours too!
It looks like you had so much fun and the little one’s did too! I really love going on cruises, so much fun to be had and you get to visit multiple places! What more could you ask for?!
I have yet to go on a cruise but hope to someday! The Crown Princess Cruise looks fantastic!
What an exciting adventure so far. Looks awesome.
Your trip looked absolutely amazing! I love going on a cruise! Your daughter looked like she had such a great time!
What an amazing trip, I’m so glad that you had a a great time!
It did look amazing, didn’t it? Makes me want to pack up and go on a cruise.
What fun! I love that it’s coastal and the amenities are quite spacious it seems. Looking forward to more for your family :). Have fun!
Sounds Interesting. The pictures are really amazing. I have never had an experience in travelling in a cruise. Wish I could travel once at least. I am sure you had an awesome experience. Thanks for sharing it.
The ship looks amazing! And the amenities are just as awesome! How I wish I could go on a cruise, too! 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruise but I hope to experience it one day 🙂
We haven’t been on a cruise, but want to go! This looks amazing and the pics are so pretty!!
I haven’t been on a cruise in many years. I would love to go on another one.
While I must admit, we are definitely not a cruise family, these pictures look amazing. I love the room you had and the kids look like they really enjoyed themselves.
Heather! Wow – I never really wanted to go on a cruise – but the trip you’re talking about and the cruise ship sounds really nice – and your family is so beautiful – I loved the suite!!
I have yet to go on a cruise, this looks so fun.
Looks like you had a great time. I wish I could take a cruise but I get sea sick : (
That looks like so much fun and a great way to see the coast!
I love cruising! I will only go if I get a balcony though. My Hubs knows that and makes sure my wish is his command.
Good for you guys! That looks like an amazing trip!
What a gorgeous cruise ship! I love cruises, but I haven’t been on one in forever. =(
Wow what an incredibly gorgeous place. I love those Easter decorations too. The pool with the screen and the bar sounds awesome!
I have never been on a cruise before, this one sounds amazing! The room looks nice and spacious!
Our family loves cruises. We’re actually about to take one next week. It’s going to be my youngest’s first cruise. We’re all super excited! =D
Your youngest will love cruising, especially if there are a lot of activities for kids
Your youngest will love cruising, especially if there are a lot of activities for kids
I really want to take a cruise next year. I would definitely check out Princess over Carnival. I’ve heard horror stories of Carnival experiences.
I’ve never been on an overnight cruise where you rent a cabin. This looks like such a fun vacation! I love the balcony!! That is where I would have my morning coffee for sure 🙂
I haven’t been on a cruise in years. We usually pick a Caribbean island and fly straight there. Your suite is amazing! It sure has changed since my last cruise. Looks like you are having an amazing time! Those huge Easter eggs are stunning!
Oh my gosh this looks so fun! I love the drink deal, my family would love that.
This cruise looks so wonderful! WOW. I can’t believe it. I love that room. It’s perfect. I want to go on a cruise so badly but I don’t see my 2 and 1 year old enjoying it very much. My 8 year old on the other hand would!
I hate to go out, so I REALLY love a cruise. It’s the best form of vacation for me. When you think about it, a cruise is like one big floating hotel. It’s awesome.
I think this is a great idea for a cruise, especially for people who worry about any sort of mechanical problems while at sea. It looks like this cruise stays pretty close to shore, which should easy anyone with concerns.
Wow your room was huge! I went as a kid and I don’t recall having that much space! I would love to look into a cruise again! The food was amazing!
We’re taking our first cruise to Alaska this Fall and I can’t wait. I am going to really utilize room service and make the most of our balcony. I think it’s wonderful how many clubs and programs there are for kids and teens on Princess cruises.
Stop it! Our neighbors just went on this EXACT cruise, one week before you! They had a blast!
Enjoy your trip. That is so exciting! I like the layout you shared and those Easter eggs look so beautiful! 🙂
Wow! Okay, I’m not typically a jealous person buttttttt, you got me. I am so jealous. Have a blast. It looks absolutely beautiful!
This looks like an amazing ship! We are hoping to go on a cruise this year too.
I have heard only wonderful things about cruises. The food, entertainment and relaxation. I hope to go on one day.
Oh wow, that is one amazing ship, love all the attention to details! We went to San Fran on our cruise too, it’s a wonderful port!
I saw this post on twitter and had to come over and learn more. Is that your daughter in the picture with her arms outstretched? If so, they should use this for all their advertisements!! She epitomizes the excitement and joy that families get from these cruise adventures. How fun!
I have never been on a cruise before in my life! I would love to go on one though after looking at these pics.
We almost went on a cruise this year. This one looks like a great time.
I would love to take my family on a cruise on the Crown Princess! What fun you all had.
What a great time! I keep telling hubby I want to go on a cruise- this is awesome!
Oh Heather! Looks like everyone had a blast. I love the huge fruit platter. I’ve never been on a cruise, but I can guarantee I’m gonna go on one in my lifetime 🙂
It looks like you and your family had a wonderful time. I would love to take my family to a Princess Cruise.
I’ve been wanting to take my family on a cruise for a long time. Your photos just make me want to keep saving for it even more.
How fun for you and your family. I have only heard wonderful things from Princess Cruises. It is on our bucket list but until then I will dream, save and follow your adventure 🙂
Wow! Lucky lucky you! I’ve never been on a cruise but it’s on my wish list to do before I die. Looks like an awesome time!
Wow! I have yet to experience a luxury cruise sailing experience. This looks so amazing. Truly fantastic!