If you want to stay healthy and fit for life, you need to adopt and stick to good habits. These behaviors can easily become a part of your day-to-day lifestyle and help you maintain a healthy condition. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing five essential habits that can help you stay in the best shape of your life, from eating a balanced diet to the most effective ways to incorporate vitamins into your lifestyle. Read on to learn more about how you can take charge of your health and stay fit for life.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is crucial for staying healthy and fit. It's all about fueling your body with the right nutrients. When planning meals, ensure you incorporate a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Keep consumption of sugar, pre-packaged items, and saturated fats in moderation.
Additionally, pay attention to your body's appetite signals and the portions you choose. By nourishing your body with a balanced diet, you'll have the energy you need to tackle your daily activities and maintain a healthy weight.
Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for maintaining good overall health and well-being. Sleeping is vital for optimal health as it facilitates our bodies in repairing and replenishing. Without enough sleep, the risk of numerous health problems increases, such as weakened immunity, chronic diseases, and problems with concentration and focus.
Achieving optimal levels of rest each night is possible when you strive for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Establish a sleep routine, cultivate a tranquil bedtime atmosphere, and ensure your bedroom is an ideal sleep sanctuary to reap the rewards of restful slumber. Prioritize sleep and prioritize your health.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is an essential habit for staying healthy and fit. It not only helps you maintain a healthy weight but also improves your cardiovascular health, strengthens your muscles, and boosts your mood.
Try to achieve a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity every week. This can include activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming. Don't forget to also incorporate strength training exercises to build and maintain muscle mass.
Find activities that you enjoy and make exercise a regular part of your routine. Your body will thank you!
Drinking Plenty of Water
This is perhaps my worst habit and something I've been trying to work on - drinking more water!
It is vital to stay hydrated to preserve both physical and mental health. Water plays a key role in many bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. Drinking water aids in eliminating toxins, preserving a glowing complexion, and assisting in the maintenance of a healthy weight.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, aiming for at least 8 cups or 64 ounces. Keep a water bottle with you at all times, set reminders to drink water, and make it a habit to hydrate before, during, and after exercise. Your body will thank you for the refreshing hydration.
Mobile Vitamin IV therapy
Vitamin IV Therapy and Supplements
Vitamin IV therapy and supplements can be a valuable addition to your health routine. IV therapy delivers essential vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness. This can help boost your immune system, improve energy levels, and enhance overall well-being.
Additionally, supplements can provide targeted support for specific health needs. Talk to a healthcare professional to determine which vitamins and supplements are right for you. By incorporating these therapies and supplements into your lifestyle, you can further optimize your health and stay in top shape for life.
If you are looking for IV vitamin therapy in San Diego, you may find mobile medical practices to be the most convenient and comfortable option.
Last Words
Adopting these five essential habits can greatly contribute to your overall health and fitness. Maintaining optimal health and staying fit is possible through following a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, partaking in exercise, hydrating properly, and adding vitamin IV treatments to your routine. Staying fit and healthy is a lifelong commitment. It's not about quick fixes or short-term solutions. It's about making sustainable lifestyle changes that will benefit you in the long run.
Don't forget to listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel physically and mentally. If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice. It is essential to bear in mind that individuals possess distinctive qualities. Thus, the approaches which may be beneficial to one individual may not apply to another. Find what works best for you and your body.
Remember, it's important to prioritize your well-being and make these habits a part of your daily routine. So start today, and commit to a healthier and fitter future. Your body will thank you for it!
In the realm of fashion, the true MVPs are versatile pieces that effortlessly transition from one season to the next. Opaque tights, with their ability to add texture, color, and warmth to an outfit, are undoubtedly part of this category.
Available in a variety of shades and patterns, these tights can indeed be your best fashion accessory, adding an element of intrigue to your look. What’s more, they don’t just provide aesthetic appeal, but they also offer practicality, even keeping you warm during the cooler months.
Now, let's jump into eight stylish outfit combinations featuring these versatile tights:
Dress + Ankle Boots
When the first chill of autumn touches the air, it's not the time to pack away your summer dresses, but to see them in a new light. A vibrant dress paired with black opaque tights creates a striking contrast, transforming a summer staple into a year-round outfit. Tights add not only warmth but also bring a sense of depth to the outfit. Complement this look with a pair of ankle boots—leather ones for a more refined feel, or suede for a casual twist. This versatile combination can take you from a daytime coffee run to a relaxed evening out with friends, all while keeping you stylish and comfortable.
Oversized Sweater + Short Skirt
Picture this: a chilly day, a steaming cup of cocoa, and you in an oversized sweater, a short skirt, and warm opaque tights. This combination is perfect for a relaxed day indoors or a quick errand run. The sweater adds a sense of comfort, while the short skirt keeps the outfit playful. Opaque tights make the ensemble more weather-appropriate, add a chic touch, and offer the comfort of thicker leggings without compromising on style. Just pair them with flat knee-high boots to complete this comfy yet stylish look.
Shorts + Loafers
Adopt a chic, preppy look by wearing your shorts over a pair of opaque tights. This is an excellent way to transition your favorite shorts from summer to the cooler months. The addition of a smart blouse and loafers elevate the outfit, making it perfect for a casual workday or an afternoon lunch with friends. You can opt for matching tights and shorts for a streamlined look, or contrasting colors to make a fashion statement. Either way, this outfit combination offers a fresh take on both shorts and tights.
Pinafore Dress + Mary Janes
Evoke a vintage feel with opaque tights under a pinafore dress. Whether it's a simple black pair or tights with a fun pattern, this combination oozes charm and personality. Add a turtleneck underneath for an extra layer of warmth, and pair it with classic Mary Jane shoes for the finishing touch. This outfit, nostalgic yet modern, is ideal for a daytime event or a casual date night, making you stand out from the crowd effortlessly.
Tunic Top + Knee-high Boots
Pairing a long tunic top with opaque tights creates an outfit that is the epitome of comfort meeting style. The tunic provides loose comfort, while the tights add a streamlined effect, balancing the outfit. Knee-high boots contribute an extra layer of warmth and create a stylish transition from tights to top. This outfit combination is perfect for those days when you want to feel cozy yet look pulled together, working well for a casual day at work, a study session at a coffee shop, or a casual get-together.
Shift Dress + Heels
The pairing of a classic shift dress with opaque tights is a timeless combination. A shift dress, known for its simple line and chic elegance, gets an added dimension when worn with opaque tights. The tights provide a streamlined look and add warmth, making this outfit perfect for a formal event in colder weather. The heels, on the other hand, add height and sophistication, pulling the outfit together. With its simplicity and class, this combination can take you from a day at the office to an evening event with ease.
Band Shirt + Denim Shorts + Combat Boots
Here's an outfit combination for those who like to push fashion boundaries: black opaque tights under ripped denim shorts. The tights provide an unexpected contrast to the ruggedness of the shorts, softening the look while adding warmth. Paired with a band t-shirt, this outfit exudes a casual, rock-chic vibe. The combat boots ground the outfit and give it a rebellious edge. This combination is ideal for a casual day out or a music gig, allowing you to express your style boldly.
Long Cardigan + Ankle Boots
Creating a layered look with a long cardigan, a mini dress, and opaque tights can make for a stylish outfit that's perfect for cooler temperatures. The long cardigan gives the outfit a relaxed, cozy vibe, while the mini dress keeps it feminine and chic. Black opaque tights add warmth and seamlessly tie the outfit together. Finished off with comfortable ankle boots, this outfit is perfect for a relaxed weekend outing or a casual day at work.
With the right outfit combinations, opaque tights can be an incredibly stylish and functional wardrobe staple. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations, styles, and colors to find the look that best suits you. Whether you're aiming for a classic, edgy, or cozy style, there's an outfit with opaque tights waiting for you. So pull out those tights and start putting together your next head-turning outfit!
Traveling with your extended family means having the unique opportunity to create lasting memories, strengthen your filial bonds, and explore exciting new destinations with the people you love. But moving from place to place in a large group, full of people with different needs and preferences, has its challenges as well. If you’re not ready for them, your travel adventure can quickly turn from a highly anticipated trip into an unpleasant experience that you won’t be in a rush to repeat.
From conflicting preferences to logistical considerations, there are several issues that you’ll have to consider when planning a multigenerational trip. To that end, here’s a list of helpful tips to make traveling with extended family easier, more convenient, and more fun for everyone involved:
Plan and Communicate in Advance
One of the keys to a successful trip with extended family is thorough planning and open communication. You should discuss your destinations, travel dates, and activities as a group to avoid miscommunication and dissatisfaction with your overall plans. Establish a shared itinerary that includes planned meals, snacks, and transportation, while still baking in time for free days or optional activities. This way, everyone will know what to do and expect for every leg of your trip.
Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Assigning roles and responsibilities among family members can ensure that the trip goes smoothly and that all family units are accounted for. Designate someone to handle transportation arrangements, another person to research and book accommodations, and perhaps someone to take charge of meal planning. This not only lightens the load for one person, but it also creates a sense of shared ownership over the travel experience that will ultimately make it more enjoyable for all family members.
Take Everyone's Needs Into Consideration
Next, it’s important for you to consider the specific needs of each family member going on your trip. This includes children, family members with disabilities, and grandparents. Doing so will allow you to create a more inclusive travel experience for everyone. Plan activities that cater to different age groups and interests, and look for accommodations that ensure accessibility and comfort for family members with mobility challenges.
Establish a Budget and Expense-Sharing Plan
You should also make it a point to establish a budget and expense-sharing plan before embarking on your trip. Make sure that everything on the trip is paid or will be paid for, and be cautious about going over your budget.
Discuss your financial arrangements openly so that everyone’s comfortable with the proposed budget. This may involve splitting costs for accommodation, transportation, meals, and other shared expenses. Transparency and clear communication about financial expectations will help avoid conflicts during the trip and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of costs.
Assist in Shopping and Packing the Right Travel Clothes
It would also be good for you to help your extended family members purchase and pack the right travel clothes, as this will save time and prove extra convenient for family members who need assistance. Discuss the climate and the activities you plan to do at your destination to ensure that everyone’s wearing the appropriate attire.
For example, if your itinerary includes an easy day hike, you can shop for comfortable leggings and high-quality windbreakers with your family. Not only will this guarantee that everyone’s in the right clothes for hiking, but it’ll also give you a chance to coordinate your outfits and make your trip more fun.
If you’re one of your family’s most seasoned travelers, offer tips on efficient packing techniques such as rolling clothes to save space or using packing cubes for better organization. Your relatives will be thankful to receive practical advice on travel wardrobes and packing hacks. Also, see my guide for What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland.
Plan Out Your Meals in Advance
Planning your meals in advance can save you time, reduce the stress you’ll experience over the course of your trip, and ensure that everyone's dietary needs are met. Research local restaurants, markets, or grocery stores at your destination so that it’ll be easier to find a place to buy snacks or have a meal. You can also prepare some meals together as a family to foster a sense of togetherness and enjoy home-cooked meals while on vacation.
Balance Group Activities with Individual Time and Downtime
While shared experiences are essential for bonding, it's equally important to allow individual members of your family to have personal time and relaxation. Again, plan a mix of group activities and free time, enabling everyone to pursue their interests or simply unwind.
Whether it's exploring a museum together or enjoying a quiet afternoon by the pool, finding a balance between your family group dynamic and personal downtime will contribute to a more enjoyable and rejuvenating trip.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins and Family Meetings
To ensure open communication and address any concerns that may arise during your trip, schedule regular check-ins and family meetings. You can set a time to check in with each other each night that you’re away, or hold a meeting after breakfast to brief everyone about your schedule for the day.
Your family meetings can give everyone the time and opportunity to voice their thoughts and share feedback about the trip, like how practical it may be to choose one mode of transport over another. Based on what you hear, you can make the necessary adjustments together.
Capture and Share Memories of Your Family Trip
Lastly, don't forget to capture and share the beautiful moments you’ve created together as an extended family. Take photos, record videos, and keep mementos of your journey that each of you can display in your homes. Encourage everyone to share their perspectives and experiences, whether through a shared photo album or a travel journal. Doing so will allow everyone to cherish the trip long after it's over—and perhaps even develop wanderlust for the next family adventure.
And Keep In Mind
When you make plans to travel with your relatives, you may be in for a fantastic adventure filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments. Though planning a multigenerational trip may be more difficult than putting together an itinerary for a smaller group, your mutual hard work and attention to detail will all be worth it.
Try these tips so that you can better navigate the challenges of multigenerational travel and make your journey one that your entire family can look forward to. Once you’ve got the motions down, you may already be thinking about your next awesome adventure with your whole clan!
Hosted by the Toy Insider, Sweet Suite is a legendary toy party for members of the press and top-tier digital influencers (apparently that's me!).
At Sweet Suite 2023, we got an up-close peak at the coolest new toys, collectibles, video games, and more. Some are yet to be released but are expected to be among the hottest best sellers this fall and holiday season.
My boys (10-years-old) tried them out and here are the ones that stood out.
We are Nintendo Switch and Disney fans, so when you combine the two, yippee! My boys kept going back to this demo station to play it again and again throughout the party. They could also play with each other and they picked it up fast, which was great.
Join Mickey & Friends on a quest to explore the mysterious island of Monoth and recover three mystical books to save the world from disaster! Play as Mickey & Friends (Donald, Goofy, etc). Choose your favorite character and unlock special abilities as you perform high-flying platforming feats, solve fun puzzles, and take on epic boss battles.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Game
This card game is fast-paced, interactive and fun for the whole family. I've also played it with just adults as a silly ice-breaker too, but it quickly became competitive, haha!
Simply go in order saying Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, and Pizza. Then when what you say matches the card shown, slap the pile. The last one to slap has to collect all the cards. The fewer cards, the better.
There are also 3 Special cards that spice up the game Panda, Moose, and Flapjack. When these appear you have to do correlating sounds and movements before you can slap the pile.
Great for travel too as it's just a deck of cards.
boop
This MENSA Select winner is a deceptively cute, deceivingly challenging strategy game for two. Or as it says on the box, "a very thinky game for 2 clever cats."
It's like chess, but with cats and different movements. My boys played on-site with the Smirk & Dagger team, and again the next morning against each other. They already enjoy chess and anything with cats we're all for.
Photo from @thetoyinsider & @williamthomasphoto
Basically, every time you place a kitten on the bed, it goes “boop.” Which is to say that it pushes every other kitten on the board one space away. Line up three kittens in a row to graduate them into cats… and then, get three cats in a row to win.
It's so popular that it keeps going out of stock, but only $35 once it's available again.
Snuggle Puppy
Snuggle Puppy is a heartbeat stuffed toy for anxiety relief. You can actually feel a heartbeat pulsing when you hug this plush.
Originally designed to calm dogs by mimicking a warm, comfortable, furry best friend, this product also comforts children with anxiety, sensory issues, etc.
Magnatab Minis
Hear the click, so satisfying! These magnet-shaped keychains come with a mini stylus that lets you bring magnetic balls to the surface and then swipe them away to do it again.
We got yellow lightning bolt-shaped ones to attach to my boys' backpacks, but I think I want one for my purse, especially the avocado design, lol.
Fingerlings
Fingerlings love to hang onto your finger and respond to sound, motion, and touch. These interactive pets are adorable and come with 70+ cute sounds and reactions from singing to laughing to showing you their love.
Meet baby pet monkey Leo!
Blow them kisses and they will kiss you back. Hang them upside-down by the tail and watch them monkey around. Pet them to sleep or make a loud noise and watch them get excited.
Stomp Racers by Stomp Rocket
If your home is like ours, you're probably already familiar with Stomp Rockets, where you can launch foam rockets into the air.
Now you can send cars racing too. This new set comes with 2 Race Cars and 2 Launch Pads to stomp on to send your cars racing. Perfect for indoor or outdoor play.
Hurry Up Chicken Butt - Kids Party Game by Exploding Kittens
Kitten Games is already known for making quirky and addictive game for all ages like Exploding Kittens, but now they are releasing new line of games designed for kids ages 4 and up. Where were these when my boys were younger? Luckily, they can still play these since it's great for the whole family.
Hurry Up Chicken Butt is a twist on the old hot potato game, here though players must complete a goofy challenge before they’re able to pass the clucking, chicken-shaped dice shaker globe. Just don’t get caught holding it stops clucking or you're out. The instructions are easy to learn each game has an average playtime of about 10 minutes (thank you!!).
It will be available at Target on July 30, 2023, followed by a wider launch in August.
The Floor is Lava
It's a game a lot of kids play on their own, but this physical version of the game is even more interactive and promotes Physical Activity. Picture twister, but with more dares, leaps and challenges.
This great game is best with 2 to 6 players who are ages 5 years old and up. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this game which comes with 25 colored foam “safety stones”, 27 challenge cards, game spinner, and instructions. For example, my son spun Yellow and had to jump to a yellow foam square as well as complete an activity like dancing, etc.
Now available from Goliath Games.
Gift Box Ornament Decorator
The Gift Box Ornament Decorator is an exciting DIY product that allows you to make hand-decorated ornaments for your Christmas tree! The best part is you can decorate a variety of ornament styles - from traditional ball and teardrop to ones shaped like snowmen.
Simply place the included markers onto the ornament as the decorator spins - creating all types of brightly colored ornaments! Plus - it’s truly mesmerizing, relaxing and fun to do. Great way for little ones to make unique holiday gifts for their family too.
Cats Vs Pickels and Pop Soft Plush
We have long since been fans of Cats Vs Pickles mystery bean bags. We have the cornhole set to and at least 30 collected so far.
Now, the brand has Pop Soft Plush mystery bags. Inside each mystery bag, you'll discover a surprise plush with elephants, sea turtles, and unicorns, which are super cuddly, vibrant plush toys that are covered in fantastic patterns and filled with love, beans and fluff (that's a technical term). Each PAS character has a unique colorful design and are great to snuggle with. Even my husband wanted the Sugar Skull patterned mighty elephant. They're so cute and squishy - like a mini emotional pet zoo! Find these adorable mystery bags at TARGET beginning July 30th.
Faction Gel Bead Blaster
Gel bead or orbeez guns are already popular, but faction is a bead-blasting powerhouse where every real-world action is tracked by Facbion Battle App with GPS. Create and configure battle zones in seconds, and activate the Bluetooth-connected Smart Beacon for target practice or battle. Available on Amazon now, and in July at Walmart and Target.
GooToobz
These nostalgic sensory games are easily portable and fun to squish and play.
Photo from @thetoyinsider & @williamthomasphoto
Soon they are coming out with ones that are similar to the water ones I grew up with where you have to get a bead into a hoop or slot, but an updated version with more challenges and interchangeable backdrops.
Shape Shifting Puzzle Box
Unlike other puzzles that are done once you solve them, the patented, award-winning Shashibo Sensory box features 36 magnets for an innovative design that transforms into over 70 shapes.
I was surprised at how much my boys liked these boxes and have been playing with them since. They will put them in a complicated shape and have us solve it and sometimes I'm able to put it back into the box form quickly and other times I'm embarrassed at how bad I'm at it, lol.
Did you know that the Margaritaville brand of restaurants and resorts, now has a cruise ship?
The Margaritaville-at-Sea Paradise is the only 3-day and 2-night cruise sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.
On this floating island vacation, you can relax, unwind, enjoy the entertainment and frozen concoctions, soak up the sun, and cruise for a quick & easy escape!
Keep in mind that this is not a luxury liner and it doesn't claim to be. You get what you pay for and the value for what you pay is really good and cheaper than a staycation at a hotel for 2 nights, plus food, and travel. Even the ferry to the Bahamas is over $200 round trip, and for $599 a couple can take a cruise ship instead with a beautifully renovated room and have way more fun. It's what you make of it, so why not have a great time? Yah, mon!
Below is what you can expect on board and tips to make your sail more enjoyable!
Travel Tips for Sailing on the Margaritaville Cruise
Get the Express Boarding Pass & Chill Packages
This is literally your "License to Chill" right from the start of your trip at embarkation. The lines at the Port of Palm Beach were long to check in, however, with our Express add-on we got to not only skip the line outside but go straight inside the customs area to a separate check-in section. This saved us at least an hour and eliminated the stress and annoyance of waiting in line when you just want your vacation to start. The same VIP express experience applies for disembarkation too.
Now, I'm not big on doing paid upgrades, but this one is worth it. Some of the Chill packages come with WiFi for 2 devices and other fun additions like the JWB Steakhouse dinner for 2, which is my next tip and recommendation.
My friends also splurged for the Champagne Breakfast and raved about their Huevos Rancheros, pastries, Bloody Mary's and overall experience. We regret not doing this since the breakfast buffet was crowded and basic, similar to a setup at a Spring Hill Suites setup or something similar at a comp hotel breakfast.
Dine in the JWB Steakhouse
I was really impressed with our meal at the JWB Steakhouse. We had a package for two to dine at the specialty dining restaurant and chose to dine there on our first night onboard. I ordered the Ribeye and my husband had the filet, which both of us enjoyed.
You can make your reservation for either night of your stay in the port, just after the check-in area. Look for the dining table before boarding the ship and do try and request a window seat if you're able.
If you didn't book a steakhouse package at booking, you can still do so once on the ship and they will charge to your folio.
Fins Dining Room
If you'd rather not pay the extra $55 for the specialty dining per person upgrade, you won't be disappointed with the main and complimentary dining room - Fins. Our group ate there on the second night and also enjoyed our appetizer, entre and dessert there too. No complaints and the dining room was nicely designed too.
To dine here there are two seatings at 6:00 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. on each night of the cruise. We had no problem sitting at 6 p.m., but saw a long line for the later seating. We chose the earlier one though so we wouldn't miss the entertainment that night.
Don't Forget about the Coffee Shop
Regular coffee is provided at no extra charge in the mornings in the Port of Indecision Buffett, but if you're looking for a more Starbucks-like experience there is a Margaritaville Coffee Shop counter where you can order a latte or cappuccino at an extra cost, but it wasn't too expensive. I did this the morning before disembarking.
Bring Your Own Lanyard
I wore dresses or bathing suits the whole time without pockets and I didn't want to carry a purse, so I was glad I had packed my own lanyard to attach my room key and charge card.
After receiving our key, I went to the Guest Services area and they kindly punched a hole in mine to attach to my lanyard clip, or you can buy a lanyard with a clear sleeve to slip your key in. My husband was fine putting his in his short pockets.
Cabins are Spacious & Newly Renovated
Although it's an older ship (small pools, low ceilings, no balconies) and you'll have some Love Boat episode flashbacks, I was very impressed with how nicely the rooms were redone and how spacious and modern they were with a flat-screen TV and bright furnishings.
You can view our Ocean View Room Tour in my Instagram highlights here.
It's been a while since I sailed without a balcony room, but honestly, I didn't miss it. The window in our Ocean View cabin was large and with how limited your time is on the ship, we didn't spend much time in our room just to shower and sleep.
Meanwhile, our friends had an interior room, which had even more space than we did, and they were quite impressed with it too.
Toiletries
Shampoo, condition, body wash, and soap are all provided in your bathroom. We also had two robes hanging in our closet, which I took advantage of.
Plugs and Hairdryers
There are even two USB ports and a USB C port too. A hairdryer is provided specifically for their voltage, so do NOT bring your own because it will blow a fuse. Trust me, I know!
Boat Drinks are not to be missed
Honestly, how disappointing would it be if a Margaritaville cruise had bad margs? Well, no worries, because the drinks were great, especially their blended concoctions like the infamous margarita, pina colada and painkiller, after all, as Jimmy Buffett sings "it's five-o-clock somewhere."
I also appreciated that they carried bottles of Josh Cellar wines, which I had with dinner. The by-the-bottle price was reasonable too.
You can purchase before sailing or while on board a drink package of 5 or 10 drinks per person, which includes drinks up to $12. There is another package for higher-end drink options too. We both had a 5-drink package and then charged the extra two drinks we ended up ordering to the room.
You will need to pick up or purchase your wristband for your drink package once on board the ship in the Euphoria Lounge. Some folks had multiple wristbands - more power to them.
Explore Your Shore Excursion Options
The cruise line offers several shore excursions for your day in Freeport, Bahamas from swimming with pigs to dolphin encounters or resort day passes. There isn't much to do at the pier except a few stalls for shopping, so you'll either want to stay on board or book a shore excursion.
But unlike other cruises that I've been on, you can't book your tour ahead of time only once you check-in. If you're a type A planner, this part is a bit frustrating. I didn't like the uncertainty, but two of our friends were able to book the excursion they wanted easily at an all-inclusive resort once they got there.
We wanted something more adventurous though and booked through Trip Advisor for a day of Kayaking and more. It was more expensive ($160 each) than the Margaritaville shore excursions, but this island experience was amazing and made our entire trip!! Instead of being with a big group, it was just four of us, so it felt like we were getting a private tour. We were picked up at the pier in a lovely SUV, then took a boat ride out to the kayaks on Sweetings Cay, spent time on a private beach, went to a Turtle Park and had lunch too. The water was so clear we saw sharks, stingrays, sea stars, and more without goggles even. We still had time to get back on board and do some shopping too.
Catch the nightly live entertainment show
There is a 7:45 and a 9:45 nightly show in the theater. One night it's the fun Margaritaville musical and the other night is a comedian/magician. We enjoyed both a lot. The theater itself is adorable too with tables and comfy chairs by the stage making it more cabaret-style.
On the first night we went to the late showing since we were enjoying the piano bar out in front of the theater first, and the second night after a busy day in the Bahamas we went to the earlier show time.
Pre-Sale Spa Credit
Save 10% on Spa and Salon services when you purchase before you board. If you plan on pampering yourself with a spa treatment during your sail, you might want to take advantage of the $90 Pre-Sale Credit worth $100. I did and my credit was applied to my Sweedish Massage service, which was excellent.
You can book your spa time and treatment before boarding at the Spa area kiosk as well. I chose a late afternoon appointment on the second day after our shore excursion, which was perfect.
BOGO for Cops, Teachers & First Responders
Active and veteran military, first responders, law enforcement officers and educators sail free on Margaritaville-at-Sea, they just have to pay for the second guest, taxes, gratuities, and port fees. If this applies to you claim your cruise offer here.
Thus, you'll spot a lot of cops and teachers gone wild ;) Other friends who went on a previous sailing said the teachers were hooking up with the cops, not that I can blame them, lol.
Travel with Friends
Since it's such a short trip, there isn't time to make friends, which is why I'm thankful we traveled with two other couples making a fun group of six. The best part of being with a group is that you can eat together, and take in a show, but still do your own thing too - dancing, casino, etc.
But Leave the Kids at Home
Granted this is just my personal parenting recommendation, so take it with a lost shaker of salt ;)
While there were a couple of kids on board (maybe like 20 total), the activities are geared toward adults. And frankly, many of the guests are there to party. You'll see bachelorette parties, girlfriend trips, and singles looking to mingle, etc. This is why I'm glad we were there for a couples' getaway and that my boys stayed behind.
The ship does have a kids camp though, but it looked small and boring and there is an hourly charge per child that would add up costing you. And as I said before, the pools were tiny with no lifeguards. Plus, the women that were by the pool were scantily clad and everyone is drinking it up, so again I'm very glad I didn't have to worry about what my kids would see or having to entertain them too.
Oh, and we could hear the bass of the music in our cabin until midnight, which was when we were heading to bed so that was fine, but again not for little ones.
While Princess Cruises may not especially be geared with kids in mind like a Disney Cruise, it's still a great option for families and less overwhelming than Royal Caribbean's massive ships too.
We've been on four Princess trips so far with my twin boys since they were five years old. The ships they've sailed on include the Royal, Sky, and Caribbean Princess ships doing 5 to 14-day sailings.
Below is what you can expect traveling with kids and toddlers and some tips for a great Princess Cruises vacation for everyone.
Princess Kids Camp - "Camp Discovery"
Explorers ages 3 to 12 will make friends and learn at Camp Discovery™, while teens 13 to 17 have their own space to socialize at The Beach House.
Don't worry though, the ages get broken up further with kids ages 3-7 in the "Tree House" with age-appropriate toys and activities.
We would put my twins in the kids camp in the evenings, so we could have an adult dinner out. One night they had a PJ and Pizza Party, which they loved. So, plan to pack pajamas that your child is comfortable wearing out of the cabin too.
There is usually a pirate-themed night for the kiddos, and although they will provide further accessories like the buccaneer hat eye patches, and balloons, but I was still glad I also packed their pirate t-shirts for the occasion.
Kids cannot leave without an assigned adult picking them up along with providing a personal code you set when you register them on the first day.
Meanwhile, "The Lodge" room is for kids 8-12 and has a video game center featuring a large collection of Nintendo Switch and PS4 games, Skee ball machines, air hockey, and more. They still have theme nights, crafts, and competitions.
Register Your Kids Before Boarding
Register your kids for Camp Discovery ahead of time in the Cruise Personalizer website. Also, on the first day, there is an open house where you can tour the kids area facilities and register, which you won't want to miss.
Even after you register them ahead of time, on the first day of the sail there is a Camp Open House that you need to attend to check them in the first time. Don't miss this because it's also your chance to check out this kids area, because after that you're regulated to staying at the door. It's during the open house you'll set your pin and meet the counselors.
Kids Dining Options
Princess Cruises offers Gerber® baby food and pureed fresh fruits and veggies so you can indulge in award-winning dining, knowing your loved ones are taken care of. Simply order in the Cruise Personalizer online.
However, the first time I went with my little ones this service wasn't offered and we were always able to find fresh fruit, cereal, kid dishes and soup on board for our toddlers.
The new medallion ships offer room service from your phone with a kids menu. I ordered PB&J, Pizza and Grilled Cheese several nights when my boys were still hungry even after the buffet. No additional fee for the kids menu items.
Also, if your kids would like to join you in the dining room for a fancy family experience, they also offer crayons and a kid's menu there.
Now, my boys' favorite part - FREE ICE CREAM!! There are soft-serve ice cream machines at the "Swirls" station up by the pool. My boys helped themselves every day! It got to the point where the lady there knew them by name and would try to guess which twin which, lol.
The Reef Family Splash Zone
A kids splash zone was recently completed on the Caribbean Princess called the Reef Family Splash Zone. The interactive splash pad features a giant whale that shoots water out of its spout. There are also slides, large outdoor games (Jenga and Connect Four). There are also shaded canopies and lounge chairs for parents to relax while kids play.
Sky and Royal did not have this area, unfortunately, but of course, there are still pools.
Princess' Key Kids Camp and Playground
If your cruise includes a stop on Princess' own island, you'll be pleased to learn there is a playground on the sand that kids can be checked into as well. It's essentially an extension of their camp onboard.
I actually wasn't planning on signing them up for it, but once we played on the beach together they were bored and were eyeing the playground area, so we ended up registering them for an hour in there after all.
Bunk Bed Cabin Setup
My family of four has stayed in a balcony room and a mini-suite.
In our regular balcony room, they had a pull-down bunk from the ceiling that the steward put down each night. The boys wanted to take turns going up there.
While the benefit of booking a mini-suite is that it comes with s a separate area for the kids to sleep. Including a privacy curtain separating where the adult bed is, so you can stay up a little later. Plus, mini-suites have a bathtub, which is great for younger tots. They also have their own flatscreen TV on their side with on-demand kids movies to stream. Thankfully, during the day they put the top bunk and ladder away and returned it to the couch setup for all of us to use.
Easy to Keep Track of Your Kids
Once you set sail, the Princess app allows you to track your fellow cruise mates, which is especially helpful for your kids. They do not need a device either, their medallion, which is your key to your room too comes with a built-in tracker.
Even if you left your phone in your room, you can simply tap your medallion to any of the screens near the elevators to access the current itinerary of events as well as where everyone is. My kids would use this often to meet up with us too. During our adult dinners, I'd look to make sure they were still in the kid's camp and it would put me at ease. So helpful!
Go on a Duck Hunt
Have you heard of Cruise Ducks? It's a fun activity that many cruisers do, even adults who hide rubber ducks around the ship to be found. You then can choose to keep or rehide them. So, if you see someone looking through a planter, they aren't odd, they are duck hunters!
Sometimes people will attach a tag to the rubber duckie with instructions on how to share a photo or with the ship's name, etc.
Since one of our cruise itineraries had several at-sea days, we packed our own ducks to hide. I purchased a package of 20 pirate ducks on Amazon along with pre-made cards to fill out and attach with my boys' names on them. We had a blast hiding them throughout the ship and my boys got to practice their handwriting by filling out the cards too.
Decorate your Door
While more popular on Disney Cruise Line, passengers still decorate their doors on Princess Cruises too. The doors are magnetic so bring some fun magnets. You can even order a custom Princess family magnet like we did.
Along with displaying the different crafts and kids club art that we made while on board, we had a dry-erase board magnet up and someone even wrote on it that they liked our decorations :)
Another advantage to decorating your door is that it makes it easy for kids to spot their room down the long hallways.
