Cruise - Dominican Republic

Our first port was Taino Bay at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We opted for an adventurous excursion and found a local company to take us on a Dune Buggy tour. 

After a little time at the port area we loaded into our open air van for the trip to the other side of the city for the tour.

Thankfully we did some research prior to arriving and were well equipped with gaiters, throw away clothes, dirty shoes and trash bags to hold out stuff because this was an exhilarating, dirty few hours of fun.

We drove through mud, creeks, cow pastures and more... There were a few stops to shop at a local market and clean off at the beach. It was such a blast and definitely the highlight of the trip for many of us!

We were soaked and dirty at the end but we asked the tour operator to help us find a local restaurant for a late lunch before heading back to the boat. They took us to a local beach where we were able to get hair braids, fish tacos and drinks in a coconut - perfect!

P accidently got a few hair braids which were quickly removed.

Sadly we eventually had to head back to the boat but we received lots of waves and cheering on the way from one of the friendliest cultures we have encountered. It was a great day and we would definitely do it again!

Cruise - Sea Days

We had 2 Sea Days during the week and the kids made sure to take full advantage of them. The boys lived at the buffet and Sports Court while the girls appreciated meals in the Main Dining room, ice cream and organized activities. 

Avery was selected to play a 30 second trivia game

Dad made it as well

Of the 18 contestants, Dad had the highest score and Avery was the top child beating several adults

Boys group at the "Escape Room"

Girls table

Borrowing her brothers shorts to do the ropes course

We were able to reserve the Sports Court for an epic dodgeball game for our group

Winter Break Cruise

For winter break, we hit the road to Florida for a cruise with some of our neighborhood friends. Avery had a week off of school and the boys had a long weekend so the whole family was able to join. We had 31 people in our group and spent 7 nights on the Norwegian Escape visiting Dominican Republic, St Thomas, Tortola and the Bahamas.

We spent our first day exploring the boat, finding friends, showing off our cool cruise shirts, managing to have dinner for 31 and enjoying the entertainment.

First cruise duck located

Found the cruise director - Jack