Cruises Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC …

January 6, 2022 By admin

I’m always getting asked about my top picks for a family-friendly NYC vacation so today I’m sharing some of my favorite New York City outings for kids. If you’ve got a family trip to NYC in the calendar, be sure to check out these 5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids…

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids

In no particular order, these attractions are great for kids of all ages and parents (and grandparents) will enjoy them too.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. The Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty, Battery Park

This outing will take a half-day but it will be well worth your time. The ferry ride gives you some amazing NYC views and photo ops and the expansive Liberty Park grounds are perfect for little ones to run around. Older kids will love going up to the crown level while the pedestal level is great for younger kids. Buy tickets in advance and check out my Top 5 Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty before you go.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. The Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park.

The Seaglass Carousel, at the Battery Conservancy

New York City’s newest carousel is a showstopper sure to thrill kids and grown ups alike. Unlike traditional horses, this ride features an array of gorgeous translucent fish that are up to 14 feet tall. Guests will feel like they are swimming as they glide and swirl around while the fish change colors and magical music comes from every direction. At $5 a ride, this is a must for the whole gang.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise.

Circle Line Cruise, Pier 83

Since Manhattan is an island, one of my favorite ways to take it all in is by sea. With a choice of family-friendly tours and longer sightseeing trips, this is one of my family’s favorite things to do on a sunny day. You can’t go wrong with the 1.5 hour Landmark Cruise which takes guests along Manhattan’s west side to the Statue of Liberty and back.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. One World Trade Center.

One World Trade Center.

With 360 degree views of New York City, the One World Observatory at One World Trade Center is a must see for tourists and locals alike. From the history lesson in the elevator ride to the on site concierge desk, kids will be sure to learn some interesting tidbits about NYC along the way. Be sure to check out the nearby sights like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Brookfield Place, the Oculus and the new Eataly before or after your visit.

5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids. The Highline, NYC.

The High Line, Chelsea.

Located above Manhattan’s west side, The High Line is free and fabulous. Kids will love exploring all the fun views and kid friendly spots (look for the seesaw bench and secret tunnels) while parents will love the laid back (and car free) ambiance. Check out the events calendar before you go and leave time to explore nearby Chelsea Market and art galleries. There are several staircase entrances and exits and a few elevator entrances so map out your arrival spots carefully if you’ve got a heavy stroller.

Have you visited any of these spots? Tell me below in the comments.

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Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos …

February 3, 2020 By admin

A fun-filled whirlwind Walt Disney World trip is always fun but it’s even better combined with a Disney Cruise. Today I’m sharing Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos to take on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that will leave you wanting more.

Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos on Castaway Cay

I’ve visited Castaway Cay on three separate trips and it never disappoints. There is so much to see and do on this island so be sure to save some time for exploring and don’t miss these awesome Castaway Cay photo-ops.

1) Must Take Disney Cruise Photos – Disney Characters in Beach Wear

Don’t miss the Disney gang tossing around beach balls and hanging out in their swim gear on Castaway Cay. Stop for some fun photo ops as you arrive on Castaway Cay and don’t miss this fun gang at the dance party.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay — The characters are one of my favorite must-take photos on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

2) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Portrait With the Ship

You can take cruise ship photos when you board in Port Canaveral but the photo ops are much prettier from Castaway Cay. Snap away with the blue water and ship in the background for the perfect cruise souvenir.

3) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Capture the Ocean

The crystal clear blue water on Castaway Cay will take your breath away. Be sure to get a few shots of everyone on a float or in the water.

4) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Action Shots at Sea

Don’t forget to take photos of your child’s first time snorkeling or swimming in the Caribbean. Bring your underwater camera for snorkeling and be sure to take photos of the underwater Mickeys.

5) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Land Activities Like Biking

In addition to water sports, Castaway Cay has a lot of land activities like biking, 5K races, and sports. Take some family photos as you explore on land.

6) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Amazing Views From Scenic Lookout Points

Be sure to check out the lookout points along the bike path and at the Heads Up Bar. The views are awesome with the ship in the background.

7) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Ice Cream Memories

With non-stop ice cream machines flowing on Castaway Cay be sure to take a fun ice cream photo. From the perfect swirl with a beach backdrop to messy ice cream faces, you’ll want to remember these moments.

8) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Fun Backdrops on Castaway Cay

There are lots of fun backdrops featuring characters and oversized nautical scenes on the island. How cute are these for Disney fans?

9) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Relaxing Moments

All that beach time needs to be balanced with a bit of relaxation so try to capture kids napping, playing in the sand or swinging on the island’s many hammocks.

10) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Farewell Picture

Don’t miss a shot under this Castaway Cay sign before you get back on the ship. What better way to remember your fun-filled day?

Heading off on a Disney Cruise? Check out these 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise and Top 11 Tips for Visiting Castaway Cay.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise? Tell me your favorite memories in the comments below.

As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Sailing Around NYC Aboard …

November 7, 2019 By admin

Since New York City is surrounded by water, one of my favorite family activities is sailing around NYC. We’ve cruised around Manhattan on everything from large Circle Line ships to an authentic 1930’s tugboat. For our most recent voyage, we climbed aboard a classic 1950’s yacht and enjoyed a scenic fall foliage cruise with Classic Harbor Line.

Sailing Around NYC Aboard Classic Harbor Line

We lucked out with a sunny fall day and fairly mild temps. I packed scarfs and hats, a picnic brunch and some Halloween treats to fight off any hangry or “I’m cold” moments.

Sailing Around NYC Aboard Classic Harbor Line

Tourists and locals alike will enjoy the Fall Foliage Cruise on Yacht Full Moon from Chelsea Piers. The 2.5 hour trip up the Hudson River is a great option for the whole family as the yacht offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, tables to share a picnic lunch, bathroom facilities and a very accommodating staff.

My daughter loved sitting on the upper deck bean bag chairs (yes, blankets are provided) where she could point out all the NYC buildings as we departed Chelsea Piers.

Aside from the colorful foliage, we loved spotting iconic landmarks such as the George Washington Bridge, the Cloisters, the Palisades, the Little Red Light House and the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Captain Pat narrated here and there sharing a bit of history as he pointed out the sights. He even offered to let my daughter try her hand at sailing.

Two friendly staffers were on board to deliver drinks (warm and cold) and blankets. I definitely recommend bringing a picnic and/or snacks if you’re bringing kids. The downstairs seating area is heated making it a great spot to eat.

There are plenty of photo-ops so be sure to bring a camera. With stunning views along the way, you’ll want to capture it all.

So gorgeous, right?

In addition to a variety of fall foliage cruises, Classic Harbor Line has several holiday cruises perfect for the whole family including the Cocoa and Carrols Holiday Cruise and a Holiday Jazz Cruise.

If you’re looking to escape the NYC holiday crowds, sailing around NYC aboard Classic Harbor Line’s holiday offerings would be a great idea.

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NYC With Kids: Take a Sail …

August 9, 2019 By admin

Cruising around Manhattan is always a good idea but it’s extra fun on an authentic 1930’s tugboat! If you’re looking for a unique way to see New York City, try this one-of-a-kind sail around Lower Manhattan.

Sail around Lower Manhattan aboard W.O. Decker, New York's last working tugboat. — Sail around Lower Manhattan aboard W.O. Decker, New York’s last working tugboat.

Perfect for tweens and teens, a sail aboard W.O. Decker, New York’s last working tugboat offers stunning views of Lower NYC and the Statue of Liberty and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the captain and crew.

Definitely memorable and just $35 ($29 for kids ages 10+) gets you a 60-minute cruise and admission to the South Street Seaport Museum!

Check out the city views from our sail around Lower Manhattan and super cute tugboat below…

To see the schedule and book tickets, click here.

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NYC With Kids: Take a Sail Around Lower Manhattan

Bon voyage!

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: …

October 18, 2017 By admin

We’re big fans of cruises for multi-generational family trips. I mean, there is really nothing easier to plan or orchestrate where everyone (ages 7-70) can find something to enjoy day after day without complaining about tired feet or hungry tummies. Add in Disney’s famed entertainment and character experiences, pampering services, and family-friendly dining and you know you’ll have an awesome time.

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea

I’m excited to share the scoop on Disney Cruise‘s latest offerings that leave from NYC (so easy for tri-state residents) and feature a new Marvel Day at Sea. Available on select October and November sailings, the seven- and eight-night Disney Magic Bahamian cruises all include a stop at Disney’s private Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, Florida, and a one-day Park Hopper ticket to be used at Walt Disney World theme parks. There is also a seven-night Canadian Coast cruise option from New York this fall and five-night Western Caribbean cruises departing from Miami in early 2018.

I attended a special luncheon to learn about the specifics of Disney’s Marvel Day at Sea and there is definitely something exciting for everyone in your family. From Marvel comics, films and animated series, to exclusive character interactions (including the debut of Black Panther and Loki), new shows, a fun-filled costume deck party, family trivia challenges, stunt shows, animation lessons, special youth activities and the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise ship, Marvel fans of all ages will be entertained.

Marvel Universe’s mightiest Super Heroes and Super Villains will appear in a brand-new, day-long event: Marvel Day at Sea. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

New on the Disney Dream, MARVEL’s Avengers Academy lets kids participate in themed arts and crafts projects, games and Super Hero training sessions. I’m pretty sure my daughter would be happy spending a good chunk of the day here.

Marvel Day at Sea kicks off this month. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

Additionally, there will be many opportunities for meeting-and-greeting with some of the most powerful Marvel Super Heroes and Villains such as an interactive show that will take place inside the Walt Disney Theatre with Doctor Strange. Guests will also be able to learn how to draw Super Heroes like Spider-Man, Captain, Iron Man, and Groot and even take a quiz to see which Marvel comic is the perfect one for you. Don’t worry about missing your favorite classic Disney Characters because they’ll be on board too. If you’ve got a princess lover and a Thor fan at home, booking this cruise will definitely win you the mom-of-the-year award!

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

There will also be exclusive at-sea screenings of Marvel Cinematic Universe fan-favorites including new releases and old favorites, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Check out this video featuring Marvel legend Stan Lee and get ready to pack your bags:

We’ve taken two Disney cruises that left from Florida’s Port Canaveral so leaving out of NYC would make things even more magical. Ready to go? Check out my 20 Things to Know Before Taking about Disney Cruise Line and visit http://www.disneycruise.com.

Have you sailed on a Disney Cruise? What was your favorite memory?

I attended a media luncheon to learn about Marvel Day at Sea. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 11 Tips for Visiting …

May 16, 2017 By admin

One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is a day at Disney’s famed 3-mile long private island. If you’re lucky to be sailing away Disney style, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay…

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

1) Getting around Castaway Cay

Disney keeps things easy and fun so getting onto Castaway Cay is simple. No taking tender boats and no long walks to the action, simple scan your Key to the World card at security and you’re there. You’ll be greeted by some favorite Disney characters and staffers will direct you to you the trams and nearby beaches. Tip: If you don’t need to take the tram, the walk isn’t too far and has some awesome photo-ops along the way.

Taking the tram around Castaway Cay is a great option for tired kids.

2) What to bring to Disney Castaway Cay

Aside from your key card, sunglasses and sunscreen, you won’t need too much to enjoy your day on the beach. Lounge chairs, towels and lunch are all provided. The island is very casual so wear swimsuits, cover-ups and beachy footwear. Tip: If you’ve got little ones, bring along sand toys and age appropriate floats like a puddle jumper if your kids don’t like wearing life vests. Binoculars are always fun for older kids.

So many awesome lookout points on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

3) Eating on Castaway Cay

Just like on your cruise, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Specialty drinks in souvenir cups and adult beverages are plentiful and can be charged to your cabin. The lunch menu is a BBQ with ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, chips, plenty of fresh fruit and soft-serve ice cream. Tip: If you have a picky child or want a fancier meal, you can always go back on board for lunch.

Kids will love the fresh fruit buffet on Castaway Cay.

4) Avoiding crowds on Disney Castaway Cay

Most guests seem to settle at first area of the family beach so be prepared to walk a little to avoid crowds. Tip: If you’ve got kids, pick a spot by Pelican Plunge for big kids or by Spring-a-Leak water play area for little kids. If you’re kid-free, head to adults-only Serenity Cay.

Miles of white sand beach await at Disney’s Castaway Cay.

5) Things to do on Castaway Cay

Activities abound on Disney Cay. Families can rent paddleboats, kayaks, bikes, floats, and tubes. There are also organized activities like snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, stingray feeding and more. There is no pressure to partake in these activities and most families simply stay on the beach but active families will have plenty of options. Tip: Sign up for popular activities in advance (up to 120 days prior to your ship’s departure).

6) Disney Castaway Cay fun for kids

From playing in the sand, riding waves and floating in the ocean to splashing around at Spring-a-Leak water play area and exploring the slides, water canons and tipping water buckets at Pelican Plunge, kids are guaranteed a fun time at Castaway Cay. Tip: If your kids prefer organized activities, check them into the Scuttle’s Cove kids program which is supervised by Disney counselors from the ship.

Pelican Plunge is a favorite spot for kids on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

7) Shopping on Castaway Cay

There are two main shops on the island, She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else and Buy the Sea Shore, so be sure to check them out as your travel around. Tip: The island is the only place to buy Castaway Cay merchandise so if you love something, be sure to buy it.

8) Only on Disney Castaway Cay…

One unique offering on Castaway Cay is a working post office so send a postcard home featuring a special Castaway Cay postmark. Tip: The post office only accepts cash but you can also buy stamps in advance on the ship.

9) The Disney Castaway Cay 5k

If you’re looking for an active way to explore Castaway Cay, consider running or walking in the island’s 5K. This free event takes place in the early morning and is open to guests 10 and older. Tip: All participants receive award certificates and medals so pack your sneakers if interested.

10) Spotting the Disney Characters on Castaway Cay

There are several character photo ops all around the island so be sure to stop and take photos when you see them. If your kids like to dance, check out the character dance party. Tip: If a certain character line is long, skip ahead to then next one and then go back.

Don’t miss the Disney characters on Castaway Cay.

11) Snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay

There are organized snorkel trips or you can bring your own snorkel and mask. Guests can snorkel right from the family beach lagoon. Tip: In addition to fish, be on the lookout for some underwater Disney characters.

Adventure awaits on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Have you been to Castaway Cay before? Be sure to check out 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise before you go.

My most recent Disney Cruise took place as part of the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

20 Things to Know Before …

March 2, 2017 By admin

If you’re looking for a magical Disney vacation that won’t leave you exhausted from walking around all day, taking a Disney Cruise is sure to please. After cruising with a variety of family members on multiple Disney ships (most recently aboard the reimagined Disney Wonder), I highly recommend a sailing getaway if you’re traveling with grandparents and extended family (think: few decisions, little walking, and activities for all!). If you’re considering a cruise or if you’ve already got one planned (lucky duck!), here are 20 things to know before taking a Disney Cruise.

20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise

1 – Advance prep is a lifesaver. Be sure to fill out all the pre-registration materials online before your trip. Advance reservations can be made between 120-75 days before your trip depending on status. Register children for the youth clubs, select your dining time (the early seating books up quickly!), book excursions, adult dinner reservations, spa appointments and request any special services in advance. If you’re traveling with princess lovers, be sure to pre-book meet and greets and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon appointments ahead of time. You can also book these reservations once you are onboard but availability may be limited.

2 – Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before you leave home. The app works on the ship’s guest WiFi so you can view maps, menus, activities like movies and showtimes and send text messages to other people using the app.

A small Disney themed roller board makes a great day bag while your luggage arrives. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

A small Disney themed roller board like these from American Tourister makes a great day bag while your luggage arrives. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

3 – What to pack? Be sure to check the weather before you pack and remember that public areas are highly air conditioned and evening temps can get quite chilly. Swimwear, cover-ups, shorts and t-shirts are great for day. For evening, attire ranges from sundresses to dressy dresses depending on the cruise length and dinner schedule. If your luggage is being delivered directly to your stateroom, be sure to pack a day bag with swimwear, sunscreen and an outfit or two. It takes a few hours for bags to arrive and they don’t all come at once so plan ahead. If you’re worried about motion sickness, bring a patch, wristband or medication.

4 – Disney Cruises are very baby (6 months+) and toddler friendly. Staff will provide any necessities and babysitting is available (at a charge). Note that children must be toilet trained to use the pools and consider bringing a baby carrier as elevators can be crowded. FYI, there is a storage space for strollers if you choose to not keep them in your stateroom.

5 – All Disney Cruises have a mandatory security drill before setting sail. This is a relatively quick and painless event (you don’t have to wear safety jackets) but all family members must be present.

A Verandah Stateroom is a great option for families. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

6 – Room selection is key so pick the best option given your family size, special needs (like naps, cribs, accessibility) and budget. Staterooms range in size but there is plenty of closet and drawer storage as well as room for toiletries in the bathroom. Children will love the beds that fold out of the wall and some cabins have a sliding curtain to make a separate kids “room.” Remember, your suitcases will stay in your room so collapsable or nesting options are best.

7 – Get ready to eat. On a cruise you can order as many items as you can eat. Want three appetizers and two desserts every night? Go right ahead. In addition to the signature restaurants (like Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, Tritan’s and Tiana’s Place) and adult only options like Remy and Palo (on certain ships) there are plenty of buffet options as well as snacks and desserts around the clock. Don’t miss the ice cream machines, Mickey ice cream bars, Mickey waffles and complimentary room service available 24-hours a day which is a great perk when traveling with kids. The chefs and waitstaff will prepare special meals for guests with allergies so be sure to let your servers know if you have special dietary needs.

Pelican Plunge on Castaway Cay is a popular spot for kids. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

8 – Get off the ship and explore at ports and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. You can book day excursions or just kick back and relax on your own. Castaway Cay has wonderful recreational options for adults and children (and its own kids club!) so be sure to get out and play. Note: kids can only disembark with their parents unless you make other arrangements onboard.

Kids and adults will love watching Disney movies out on the pool deck. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

9 – Plan to see a Disney movie or two. Current and classic films are shown throughout the day in signature movie theaters or alfresco by the pool. In addition, you can watch hundreds of Disney and Pixar movies in your stateroom.

Don’t miss the red carpet arrivals before The Golden Mickeys. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

10 – Expect some great evening entertainment. Disney Cruises are known for their amazing entertainment and some of the onboard evening shows are as mesmerizing as a Broadway musical. The entire family will love signature shows like The Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams as well as new productions like Frozen, a Musical Spectacular (just saw this and it was spectacular) and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast (November, 2017). Shows vary by ship so check online before booking.

Toy Story toys and a slinky slide are favorites at Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

11 – Kids will love Disney’s youth clubs. With separate clubs for all ages (babies 6 months + to 17), parents can relax while kids play and make new friends. The clubs are complimentary and reservations do not need to be made in advance. There are an array of scheduled activities as well as character events, games and parties. Enrolled kids wear a waterproof ID wristband that allows staff to locate them quickly via GPS.

12 – Expect to stay up late. Depending on the ship’s itinerary, there will be at least one late night deck party. Our last cruise featured a 10 pm Pirate Party complete with characters, dancing, movies and fireworks. This was a tough one since my daughter crashes early but if you have night owls, this will be a big hit.

13 – Bring some costumes! Everyone dresses up for the aforementioned Pirate Party (think pirates, princesses, mermaids, etc.) and little girls are frequently seen in princess gowns. In addition, the ships feature seasonal holiday parties and Disney themed events (think Frozen, Marvel and Star Wars. Don’t worry, you can buy costumes as well as ears, clothing, autograph books in the ship’s gift shops.

Prepare to have a splashing good time on a Disney Cruise. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

14 – Pack your swimwear. The main pools vary in size depending on the ship but you will also find adult only pools as well as kid’s pools and splash areas for tots. If you love water slides, be sure to seek out the famed Aqua Duck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and AquaDunk on the Disney Magic.

The stateroom doors are metal so guests love to decorate them. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise

15 – Don’t forget the door bling. The cabin doors are metal and the latest trend aboard Disney Cruises is personalized door magnets. This is a fun way to commemorate your trip and it definitely makes finding your room a lot easier. I ordered mine from Etsy but you can certainly DIY if you’re feeling crafty.

Be sure to take character photos. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

16 – Photo-ops are everywhere so bring your camera! From characters and princesses, oversized portholes, Instagram worthy desserts, gorgeous beaches and scenic lookout points, you will want to capture it all. If you want formal family photos, there are professional photographers aboard every ship.

Kids will love finding nightly towel animals at turndown. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise

17 – Expect some surprises! I don’t want to spill all the beans but you will be in for some magical moments like surprise towel animals and magic tricks.

Fish Extender participants leave surprise gifts in personalized hangers outside the stateroom. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

18 – If you want extra surprises and don’t mind a little pre-trip prep work, you may want to participate in a Fish Extender program which allows guests to swap treats and gifts during their cruise. You can read more about this here, here and here.

19 – If you’re using the ship’s departure luggage program (available for certain airlines) your luggage will be picked up at 10 pm the night before you depart. Be sure to leave out travel clothing and toiletries as well as anything you need during your flight. This is a great perk as you leave the ship unencumbered and don’t have to worry about your luggage until you land at your final destination.

20 – You can book a future cruise at a discounted rate before your cruise ends. Be sure to ask about this during your trip as you will likely want to sail again.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise? Tell me your favorite memory below.

My most recent Disney Cruise took place as part of the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Girls Gone South Part 2: …

January 22, 2015 By admin

My mom, daughter and I visited Charleston for four days and we packed a lot into our multi-generational getaway. If you’re planning a trip to family friendly Charleston, read on to see my recommendations. As mentioned in Girls Gone South Part 1, we loved staying at the centrally located Embassy Suites Charleston hotel.

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Girls Gone South Part 2: Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina

Here is a recap from our trip and my family friendly recommendations:

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

INDOOR FUN: The day we arrived was cold and rainy so our first stop was the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry which was a few blocks away from our hotel. Little kids really need some unscheduled time to run around on vacation and if you can’t be outdoors, a children’s museum is always a great option. The museum was large (yet uncrowded by New York standards for a rainy day) with several fun, interactive sections (a boat, a science area, a water area, an arts and crafts area, a castle, a mini-supermarket, etc.) to explore. If you ask my daughter, she will probably say this was her favorite part of our trip. Look for BOGO coupons in the visitor’s guide before you go.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Getting Around Town

GETTING AROUND: We stopped by the nearby Charleston Visitors Center to get some maps and finalize our plans and I found the staff very friendly and welcoming which was a nice change from our typical NYC days. Charleston boasts a free downtown trolley service called DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) which has several routes connecting to most of Charleston’s attractions. This is a great resource for traveling families since adults don’t need to deal with directions or parking and kids will love riding the trolly. Once you get your bearings, it is very easy to navigate and I was so surprised by the nice, patient drivers. Another fun way to get around (especially at night) is by pedi-cab. Just have the restaurant call you one and within minutes, your chariot (and warm blanket) will whisk you right up to your hotel’s front door. Now that’s what I call Southern hospitality!

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: South Carolina Aquarium

AQUARIUM FUN: The next day was still cool so we headed to the South Carolina Aquarium. My daughter is obsessed with dolphins and sea creatures so this was a big hit. The exhibits were very well done and there were several interactive displays, touch tanks and play areas. The floor-to-ceiling fish tanks towered over my daughter who ran from window to window checking out the pretty fish, sharks, turtles and other animals. The Madagascar Journey area was especially fun as children got a passport to stamp as they explored the exhibit. The aquarium is relatively small and easy to navigate in an hour or two making it a great option for families with small kids. Be sure to check out the famed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge views from the lookout decks.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston Harbor Tours

EXPLORE BY SEA: From there, it was a quick walk over to Charleston Harbor Tours where we boarded the Carolina Belle for a 90-minute narrated harbor tour. We sat in the windowed downstairs area because of the cold weather and there was plenty of room for my daughter to roam around. This is a great way to get your bearings as you sail by Charleston and famed attractions like Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown and the stately waterfront homes on the Battery. The sights are stunning but my daughter’s favorite part were several dolphin sightings along the way.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Palmetto Carriage Works

EXPLORE BY LAND: The weather warmed up a bit the next day and we opted for a sightseeing tour with Palmetto Carriage Works. This horse and carriage tour kept us entertained as our driver pointed out historic sights and described the area’s different neighborhoods. We shared our carriage with another family and their young son and the one-hour tour was just long enough without boring the kids who especially enjoyed learning about the horses.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Explore by Foot

EXPLORE BY FOOT: Charleston is a very easy place to explore by foot with several distinctive areas. We especially enjoyed strolling along the King Street shops, exploring around the City Market area (great for souvenirs) and checking out the Rainbow Row neighborhood. For a small city, Charleston has some amazing shopping with everything from small mom and pop stores, family friendly clothing stores, local art shops, jewelry stores and fancy shmancy boutiques. Kids will especially enjoy the many candy, cupcake and ice cream shops. My favorite finds were some Bourbon and Bowties bracelets, made by proud Southern hands!

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Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain

CHECK OUR CHARLESTON’S FAMED PINEAPPLE FOUNTAIN: A trip to Charleston is not complete without a visit to the city’s famed Pineapple Fountain and I was so happy when the sunshine came out so we could make our way over to check it out. Waterfront Park features several large family sized swings, grassy areas, scenic lookout points, waterfront paths and the gigantic Pineapple Fountain where tourists (and locals) are invited to wade. My daughter jumped right in and had a ball dancing around. If you like to take pictures on vacation, this is an awesome backdrop.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

TAKE IN SOME HISTORY: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a family friendly spot that showcases various aspects of Charleston history during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. Children and adults will enjoy the Provost Dungeon where docents lead you through its eerie confines with entertaining tales of pirates and patriots. My daughter was a little spooked by the dungeon so we spent most of our time upstairs “signing” the Declaration of Independence but older children will love it.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Culinary Tours of Charleston

SAMPLE A CULINARY TOUR: Since my mom is a big foodie, I booked us on a Culinary Tour of Charleston with Bulldog Tours. While this 2.5 hour tour is not recommended for children under 12, my 5-year old daughter has taken foodie tours in NYC so I figured she’d be ok (I also had crayons and a coloring book just in case). Our guide was super informative and the many shops and restaurants we stopped in were all very accommodating to our group. This was a great way to sample some of the area’s famous flavors including: stone ground grits, Charleston Benne Wafers, locally made chocolates, southern pralines, sweet tea, collard greens, Lowcountry barbeque, spices, teas and more. We all had a great time and I highly recommend this if you’re a foodie family.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Joseph Manigault House

GO BACK IN TIME: On our last day we visited the Joseph Manigault House. I never know how much history a five-year old can handle but I was impressed how my daughter listened carefully to the tour guide. It was fun to see her little brain churning as she saw the old fashioned toilets and children’s toys and she was genuinely interested in how families lived way back when. If our trip was longer, I would have added in a visit to one of the area’s famed Plantations.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston Museum

VISIT AMERICA’S FIRST MUSEUM: Our last stop was the Charleston Museum conveniently located across the street from our hotel. The museum, founded in 1773, is relatively large with a very wide mix of historic artifacts (think Revolutionary and Civil War armory and uniforms, ancient Egypt, Rome and Greek art, dinosaur tracks, slavery badges and more), interactive exhibits, life sized animals and skeletons (and a gigantic whale bone frame) and an engaging kids section. My daughter insisted we all dress up in the hoop dresses and I loved watching her prance around like it was 1800-something. If you’ve got children in elementary or middle school, this is definitely a great spot to visit.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Dining in Charleston

EAT, EAT, EAT: Charleston has a wide range of restaurants offering everything from Southern fare and Lowcountry barbecue to high-end dining and dive-diners. We sampled several family-friendly restaurants and I was impressed with their kids menus (featuring Hush Puppies and Charleston history word searches) and staff. Some of my favorites were Magnolias (Southern fare), Peninsula Grill (Fancy with must have Coconut Cake), Virginia’s on King (Southern comfort food), Fleet Landing (classic seafood favorites with a view), Fish (innovative, high end seafood) and Dixie Supply Bakery & Cafe (casual Southern fare for breakfast and lunch).

Want to see more? Check out this video:

NOTE: We visited in November. If you’re planning to visit during spring/summer be sure to check out the area’s family friendly beaches.

Bon voyage!

Special thanks to the Charleston Area CVB for providing us with a VIP Pass to explore Charleston. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation …

January 7, 2015 By admin

Attention Frozen fans…Do you want to build a snowman on vacation AND sleep in an ice hotel? Read on for my Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaway suggestions and don’t worry there are plenty of fireplaces, hot tubs and saunas (as well as one non-ice hotel) so you’ll stay toasty warm…

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

1) Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway

This 21,530 sq. ft. structure is made entirely from snow and ice every year. Frozen hotel experiences include:

· A new theme each season to offer guests a completely unique experience

· Reindeer leather sleeping pads and ultra-warm sleeping bags to warm your toes

· Outdoor hot tubs or sauna to help guests escape the cold temperatures

Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Norway, Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Disney Frozen

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Norway

2) Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Bergen, Norway

If staying in a hotel made of ice doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies, head to Bergen, Norway instead to explore the real life inspiration for the Kingdom of Arendelle. Frozen hotel experiences include:

· As a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen district, Det Hanseatiske Hotel allows visitors to step back in time

· Located in a 16th-century building in the heart of Bergen, the hotel features 37 unique rooms with centuries-old timber walls, wood furniture and leather sofas

· Unique restaurants including a fine dining experience in an intimate and stylish 17th-century atmosphere at Finnegaardsstuene

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Balea Ice Hotel, Romania

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Balea Ice Hotel, Romania

3) Balea Ice Hotel, Cîrţişoara, Romania
Located in the Făgăraş Mountains of Romania and accessible only by cable car, Balea Ice Hotel provides travelers with a unique Frozen experience including:

· Rooms and furniture made by local craftsmen completely from ice blocks

· An ice restaurant, the first ecumenical ice church in Romania and an ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice

· A variety of experiences including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sleighing and other winter sports

· For some family fun, the hotel also organizes fun games such as snowball fights, snowman building contests and ice bowling

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Finland, Igloo

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Finland

4) Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Saariselka, Finland

These thermal glass igloos keep guests warm amidst the freezing Arctic surroundings and provide a fun family experience fitting of Elsa and Anna:

· Each igloo pod has its own luxury beds and saunas, relaxation rooms, terraces, and an open fireplace, all available in adjacent log cabins

· The village also features the world’s largest smoke sauna

· Many exciting activities including snowmobiling, dog sledding, Northern Lights bus tours, Artic Ocean trips, and husky and reindeer safaris

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway

5) Kirkenes Snowhotel, Kirkenes, Norway

Head to Norway and live in frozen luxury when you stay at the Kirkenes Snowhotel and enjoy an unforgettable Frozen experience:

· The hotel features unique, snow-sculpted rooms, an ice bar, restaurant and sauna to provide guests with a comfortable experience while staying in the -4 degrees Celsius temperatures

· From husky tours to Arctic King Crab fishing tours, cross country skiing to ice fishing, the Snowhotel offers fun activities for everyone

Whew, I’m freezing just writing that. Not a snow lover? If you would rather explore Norway by sea this summer, check out Disney cruises aboard the Disney Magic to the Norwegian Fjords. And, if you’d rather explore the area on land, check out Adventures by Disney’s Norway Family Vacation.

Bon voyage!

Thanks to Bookings.com for sharing these hotel offerings. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Part 2: Top 10 Cool Things for …

December 3, 2014 By admin

We just got back from a fun family vacation at sea aboard the Norwegian Gem (see my Norwegian Cruise Line Review) and I thought I’d share some of my favorite kid-friendly activities for families on Norwegian Cruise Lines. With close quarters (those cabins are tiny) and limited access to electronics and wifi, there is a lot of time for family bonding on cruise vacations. Here are my top 10 Cool Things for Families that we enjoyed aboard the Norwegian Gem.