One of the best parts of my work as a travel planner is to introduce my clients to experiences they don’t know about or have never tried. My client came to me for help on planning an incredible family getaway for 16 family members. She is celebrating her 50th birthday and her survival. She is recovering from 9 surgeries due to an automobile accident just over 2 years ago and is ready to move–a little. So while she wants to celebrate life with her family, she has special needs we need to consider. She is uncomfortable flying, has been “everywhere,” wants to visit somewhere warm, has 7 days planned, and doesn’t know where she wants to go—she just wants to get away. After our initial interview, I felt a cruise was right for her and her family.
Carnival Dream
I recommend a cruise on the Carnival Dream. The Carnival Dream leaves from Port Canaveral for a 7 day exotic Eastern Caribbean, with stops in Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas, USVI and St. Maarten, NA before returning to Port Canaveral. The Carnival Dream is a floating resort, with restaurants, lounges and nightclubs, a casino, and a full service spa, just to name a few of the highlights. This 14 deck, 1,004 foot, 130,000 ton ship has 1,823 rooms, and can hold up to 4,633 guests.
Never having cruised before my client was a bit hesitant and had several questions, but is intrigued.
Will my family get bored? Each day your concierge will deliver the Carnival Fun Times. This is your guide to the fun taking place all around you. So you can do as much or as little as you like. If your family wants a little activity, beside the pool and waterworks activity center, there is a volleyball court, miniature golf, and jogging tracks. Enjoy theater, live entertainment, karaoke, shopping, getting pampered, it’s all there for you to enjoy.
Carnival Dream Meal
I don’t want to eat at endless buffets all week, what are my options? You can eat in the dining room for table service, and there are specialty restaurants that offer gourmet dining options, and you may try a different one each night. You can also have your meal delivered to your room.
Will I get sea-sick?Most people do not have an issue with getting sick on the cruise. Cruise ships have stabilizers to minimize motion. If you are prone to motion sickness we will get you’re a room on a lower deck with minimal motion, and you can use a Dramamine patch.
Room on Carnival Dream
Will I have enough time to visit the ports? The cruise lines work with many suppliers to offer shore excursions that help you make the most of your time in each port. Remember cruises are about the journey—enjoying a sampling of what each port offers allows you the opportunity to visit and determine if you would like to return again someday.
I hear the rooms are small, what are our options? Since cruise ships are resorts on water, there are many room sizes and configurations. I have been able to accommodate a family with 6 children-so this is not a concern. From inside cabins, to 3 bed room suites, finding room to provide comfort is never an issue.
Chamber Heated Seat (Spa) – My client’s throne for the week
Bounce Back Journal 
Sounds like the perfect vacation for her and her family! I can see why she would want to just get away