Hello! Hello! It’s PART TWO of our big Alaskan cruise vacation. If you missed my post yesterday about Days 1 & 2 of my family’s vacation, then click HERE. To recap: I explained where we went, how many of us ended up going (18!), how much we loved Seattle and how we celebrated Ashby’s birthday. Catch it HERE first and then proceed below…with Days 3 & 4.
So…on Day 3, we boarded our ship!
But first, we ate breakfast together 🙂 .
I would like to call this iPhones 101. Ha! The minute some of my older family members (cough, cough Grandmother and my dad) get us cornered somewhere, they have an iPhone question or twelve. I was laughing taking this picture because poor Andrew spent about 15 minutes explaining “airplane mode”. 🙂
About to depart our hotel with my big girls! We were so excited! (And psssssst: THIS TOP was so comfy and cute! The sleeves are my favorite part. I wore it with my favorite cami underneath and my favorite tassel earrings too.)
Here we are in the cruise terminal waiting to board. Ashby had gotten a Hello Kitty flashlight for her birthday the day before 😉 .
Here we are waiting!
Woohoo! We’re on board! This was Catherine’s first cruise and by the end, she had declared herself a “cruise person”. Ha! I have a feeling the Lowe family has a lot of cruises in their future!
Speaking of the Lowe family…the three Lowe men were on board! Here they are in my parents’ cabin. We all had cabins pretty much in a row. My family was scooted down just a little bit because we needed two cabins with an adjoining door, but we were only like 8 cabins down. We were on Deck 9 which is my favorite place to be on a ship!
We went up to Deck 13 to watch us sail out of Seattle.
He’s a pretty cool brother. Most of the time. 😉
During the mandatory life boat safety drill, Ashby slept like this on the floor…
…and Madeley slept like this. Zzzzzzzzzz.
Those awkward elevator selfies where you don’t know exactly where to look. 🙂
We cleaned up a bit and were headed to our first dinner on board the Norwegian Jewel. My dress was one of my very favorite things I packed! I bought it in green but it also comes in 6 other colors. I also wore those pink earrings again that I love so much.
This guy.
Before dinner every night, my little family of six would go and have drinks and appetizers together…and play cards. Here is my big and my little!
And then here we are at dinner! So, this was one of the best things that we did: we didn’t have dinner together every night. We decided on day one that we would eat dinner together four nights and then not eat together the other three nights. Annnnd…on the nights where we did eat together, we always ate with different people. This gave us time together but also time to do our own things. When you’re traveling with this many people, you want to be together but you also want room to do your own stuff too. So, on night one, we all ate together in the ship’s main dining room (at two tables, so them behind us here).
Clearly we had the best table 😉 .
After dinner, Aunt Catherine and Uncle Sean bought her this moose. #spoiledrotten #andlovingit
So, that wraps up day one on the ship. We went to sleep and then the next morning…
…we woke up to our first day at sea! Our ship was heading to Alaska which gave us this day at sea. We ate breakfast…
…we went to watch the ship’s captain and officers at work on the bridge. I loved this about the ship. You could look in on them at any time.
I found this pic on my phone but didn’t take it. It made me laugh because it looks like it’s from a security camera (or a child who is standing on the furniture). As you can see, Andrew is about to tell someone to get down and put down mommy’s phone and my dad is about to lose at dominoes 🙂 .
She’s just always so content.
I mean…the girls all went to the spa (me, Catherine, my mom, my grandmother, my Aunt Pam and my cousin Brooke), we read lots of books, we ate lunch, enjoyed coffee and played games…and yet, I have no pictures. Clearly, I was too busy enjoying the easy life on board to snap a pic. Here we are again at dinner. This was another one of our nights where we ate together. My date is a cutie!
This time, I sat by Brooke, her husband and their sweet baby Cole. (My dress is HERE.)
Kensington sat with Aunt Catherine at dinner and loved every minute of it!
After dinner, we went to the show.
It was a family-friendly comedian!
Oh hey there Madeley and Samuel! They enjoyed the show too.
That wraps up days 3 & 4. We see Alaska the next day…and spoiler alert…in my opinion, it is the prettiest of the 50 states 🙂 .
xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
How is your whole family so photogenic? You guys have incredible genes. It was great reading about the cruise – I want to go on one so bad!
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
polly says
Great post! Have you been to all 50 states?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not! I’ve been to 34 :).
polly says
Close enough! Thanks for sharing!
Eileen says
I’m loving reading about this trip because an Alaskan cruise is high on my travel bucket list. Do your kids like to go to the kids club on the ship (did this ship have one?)? And this is probably a silly question, but I’m guessing you can’t use the pools on the ship because of the weather?
Mix and Match Mama says
I didn’t read about them having a book club on board this particular ship. And the pools were heated but it was still too cold outside (in the 40s) for my kids to get wet.
Courtney says
I was LOLing at that picture your kiddo took (standing on the couch). I am so excited to see your pictures from Alaska – I’ve never been but it’s on my list!
XO
Courtney
http://www.greywoodmama.com
Erika Slaughter says
I’m still laughing at your dad!!! Clearly, he was into that game of dominoes. And your day at sea sounds so lovely…the spa, books, and eating!!
Sheaffer Sims says
That picture that one of the kids took is hysterical! It does totally look like it was from a security camera! Well, it’s clear everybody is having a blast. I’m excited to see the ports!
Elspeth Mizner says
Sounds so much fun to start the cruise off! Do you have a preference traveling between either cruises or other land trips? Always wondered if you like one over the other. Can’t wait to read about Days 5 and 6!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I prefer land vacations!! That being said, the more kids I have, the more cruises appeal to me because they’re just easier and more cost efficient for larger families.
Elspeth Mizner says
Wow!! Great to know! Thank you!! Happy Thursday Shay!!!
Amanda says
Such fun; a cruise is on our family bucket list! & by the way, you have the most flawless skin, in awe over here!
Mother Henn says
Lots of great moments to comment on, but I can’t help but laugh at iPhone 101…..happens every time we go to my mom’s house! And, she never goes to upgrade unless my brother can go with her!
Sarah says
What a fun trip!! Ok, you’ll probably hit on this toward the end, but…cruises with little kids – yes or no??
My three girls are 5, 3 and 8 months. Debating a cruise in a few months but not sure if it would be stressful with the ages of the little ones! Thanks!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Cruises are THE BEST with kids!!!! They are perfect for families!
Courtney says
This is my first time reading your blog and ok I’ll admit it I’m hooked I’m going to become a regular 🙂 and also feeling bold enough to comment and ask what lipstick you are wearing!? Can’t tell if it’s a gloss or lip pencil but either way I’m in the market for a new one haha
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s Bobbi Brown’s taffeta which is hard to find these days!
Nicole says
Hi. Shay! As always love reading your blog daily and using your recipes to cook for my family! Would you mind me asking what size you got in the coral dress? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
xsmall!
Megan says
What a great idea to split up for dinners. Family vacations are wonderful but a lot of togetherness? A coworker just returned from a Disney Alaskan cruise and said it was fantastic. Love following along!
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
April says
I love this trip and am excited to read more about it! I want to do the same type of vacation with my entire family 🙂 Why did you choose Norwegian Cruise lines as opposed to Royal or another company? Also, how was the food? My experience with NCL in the past was the main dining room food was not very good but specialty restaurants were delicious.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have my favorites based on a lot of personal experience and experience from my clients. I like the freestyle dining aspect about Norwegian and on this ship, the main dining was delicious, but you’re right…the specialty dining was fantastic!
Natalie Ganz says
Thanks for sharing!! Would love to hear thoughts on why you chose this particular cruise line! I’ve always found that overwhelming. Love all your travel tips and adventures!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have my favorite lines (Disney, Holland America, Norwegian and Princess), so we switch them up. Last year, we sailed on Disney and Holland America, so it was time for another Norwegian.
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
In the pic with the white top with fancy sleeves, where are your pants and wedges from? I love this whole outfit!
Mix and Match Mama says
Jeans are from J Crew (their toothpick jeans) and the wedges are from Nordstrom!
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
Yay! Thank you!!
Jessica Hunt says
I love cruises with kids! We’ve been on two disney cruises. We are dying to go to Alaska! May I ask which cruise line you used? We are thinking of doing a Disney cruise to Alaska, but didn’t know which other cruise lines are kid friendly. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
We used Norwegian! It was very kid-friendly, but Disney also sails to Alaska too!
Annalisa says
Once you are on the cruise…is it all inclusive style or do you still have to pay for every meal and drink while you are on board? My family has been talking about going and this is something we can never seem to figure out. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
All-inclusive 🙂
Candas Kerkhoff says
Wow!! I totally wish this post was a week earlier, so I could follow how it all turns out and get ALL the tips on large group travel. 😉 We are actually leaving in two days for a 7-day, large ‘family’ cruise (27 total, 17 are actual family) through the Caribbean. I’ve only done one cruise, and never with the kids (we also have 4 – ages 9, 4, 3, and 18m) so I’ve been very anxious about it. It’s great to see that your littles enjoy it that much! Enjoy the rest of the trip! 🙂
PS Brooklyn saw these photos over my shoulder and was very excited that Ashby was on a cruise, too! She had a bit of a hard time understanding that it’s not the same one and she won’t be there when we are. 😀 (They were in class together)
Lara M says
Did you all have trouble finding tables/seats together at breakfast time in the buffet area? We always find that to be the craziest time up there, even just for a table for 2! Alaska is on my bucket list for sure – some day soon I hope!
Mix and Match Mama says
We didn’t really all eat breakfast together. We would kind of get one table for 10 and then all come and go at our own times. Some mornings, just my family of six ate together up there.
Holly says
I wish all ships had the view of the bridge! That’s awesome! I would assume the Alaskan cruises have plenty of indoor activities going on, as we usually cruise to tropical locations and use the outdoor amenities pretty much everyday.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! We had lots to do…but the weather made us want to snuggle up with coffee and read :).
Laci says
I agree-cruises with kids are SO fun and easy!!! Can’t wait to see Alaska!!!
heidi says
That picture of Andrew is awesome haha.
It sounds so fun. That coral dress looks stunning on you x
Anna S says
You are always are so well put together. I love your style. Have you posted anything about how you shop for clothing and how you organize your wardrobe?
Lidia says
I love all your pictures!! Yes Alaska cruise is the best! My husband & I have done it 4 times in the last 7 years and we’re planning to go back again this September! ??. We’ve gone with Princess and Norwegian but I have to say that the Norwegian freestyle is my favorite. And Yes, I agree with you, Alaska is the prettiest of the 50 states, that’s why we keep coming back ????
Wendi says
Did you think it was a good time of year to go, weather-wise? Would you recommend a different time of year instead?
Mix and Match Mama says
Alaskan cruises only sail May through September, so you’re limited. I thought the weather was perfect!
Angela Ellingson says
Looks like so much fun. I love how your family plays so many games together. And I love your tips! Someday!!
Alexis deZayas says
You look precious in all of your outfits! Looks like your sweet fam had so much fun!
Theresa Childs says
We did an Alaskan cruise with Princess in 2013 and it was our favorite cruise. I agree with you Alaska is so beautiful. The blue glacier ice is amazing.
Aniel Yu says
Shay, your hair looks gorgeous! Are you using curling iron?
Mix and Match Mama says
I use a 1″ curling iron or wand. And THANK YOU!
Liz says
We loved those giant green loungers on Deck 13! On our NCL trip to Bermuda, we camped there with a book or cards until they had bingo or a crazy game, then we’d look for another quiet spot. But I swear those loungers induce naps like no one’s business; I dare anyone not to fall asleep in one!! We’re headed to Cuba in September on a smaller NCL ship; hoping the loungers will be there as well!
Carrie M says
OMG how timely! We are going on this SAME CRUISE in July! Can’t wait to see all your pics and tips!!!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Looks like the perfect first day! You’ve got me itching to cruise again!!!
Terry Pitzer says
What wonderful memories you are making for your kids! Could you please link to the scarf you wore in your 1st post?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Nordstrom! I believe I linked to it!
Erica says
How do you handle bedtime on cruises with all the kids? Do they stay up later than normal or do you just get them to sleep and then stay in the cabin the rest of the night? I’d love to try a cruise with my kids but worried since they go to sleep between 7-8 pm. Looks like I great trip!!
Mix and Match Mama says
They just stay up later. It’s usually not a big deal because they’re having fun, so they don’t break down. When we get back at night, they crash!
April Snell says
It’s so fun looking at your pictures and remembering our trip. We went on the same cruise on the Pearl May 2016 and we loved it! We couldn’t get enough of Alaska, it’s gorgeous. Hopefully we’ll be able to go back someday. My 3 kids loved the kids club that they offered and of course the endless ice cream!
Erin says
I’m from AK and totally agree it is the prettiest of all the states I’ve been to! I moved away a couple years ago and miss the mountains and pretty much bug-free outdoors (minus the mosquitos!).
We are going back next week for a visit & I can’t wait! An Alaska cruise is on my bucket list too! They typically stop at a lot of places in Alaska that I’ve never been to!
Allison Phillips Qureshi says
My family is going on his same cruise next month. I’m just curious if you recommend making dinner reservations in advance? And what were your favorite dining experiences in the Jewel?
Mix and Match Mama says
We always made them the day before on board and had trouble getting reservations when we needed them. We loved the steak restaurant and Tsar!
Mary says
I love reading your posts and seeing the pictures. I have seen several pictures and comments about your family playing dominoes. I’m curious what game of dominoes you play. It always looks intense and fun! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
We play 42 and 84 :).
Karen says
Im Trying to talk hubby into cruising Alaska……..I’m allergic to smoke ~ I’ve heard it’s impossible to get a designated non smoking room ~ thoughts? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s not true at all! You should try one!
Amy Rae DeVito says
What a fun post! I’ve never been on a cruise before and this cruise looks like it was beautiful. A few years ago my aunt & uncle went on a cruise to Alaska and I literally spend almost an entire day looking at their photos and videos when they got back. It definitely looks like a very beautiful and peaceful place to explore and visit.
PS: You, your mom, & Catherine all should be catalog models. You ladies rock every outfit you wear! 🙂
Laura says
Hi Shay!!
I love reading your blog every day and catching up on your fun life! My grandparents have traveled just as much as you and your family has, I’d love to be able to do the same myself!! Random question, I’m always eyeing your purses (and outfits of course 😉 ) but I have to ask! How many Louis Vuitton bags do you have and what is your favorite, most practical style? They’re my favorite and I just love the styles you have!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The Neverfull totes are my favorite :). I think they’re the most practical!
Stephanie C says
Why is deck 9 your favorite deck to be on?
Mix and Match Mama says
I love to be as high as I can so that the view is better (plus, the lifeboats are way below you so they’re not blocking your view either), it’s away from the main floor (typically deck 6 or 7) where all the traffic is and I like to be towards the aft for the view plus, I don’t think I feel the ship as much back there.
Stephanie C says
That’s all good information to know thanks! I usually like to be in the back of the boat as well but never really thought of a higher deck to avoid the lifeboats and better views!! Your post is making me want to take another cruise again!
Ann Marie Tennison says
Looks like a blast!!!! I love that you guys sat with different family members for dinner each night! So fun! ???
Patty Anderson says
You look amazing in the coral dress, Shay! Loved this update…brings back some great memories of our Alaskan cruise a few years back on Infinity (fabulous food there, too!) One quick question. Although we prepaid tips, we still felt some pressure from the seasoned cruisers in our group to tip above and beyond to the stewards and the wait staff. But that defeats the purpose of prepaying gratuities! Thoughts?
Bethany says
ugh…..IPhone 101 LOL
Lindsay D says
What lipstick are you wearing in the picture of you and your cousin? Would you happen to know what lipstick she is wearing as well? Thanks!! 🙂
Cori says
What size is your white top? They only have small left.
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe mine is an xsmall!
Francie says
Beautiful pics, I’m in desperate need to go on a cruise, I’m a year overdue! Lol! http://www.supersimpleways.com
Alicia says
Looks like so much fun! I think this is the same ship that 20 took to Mexico last year and we had a blast! I’ve never been to Alaska, but this is the next cruise I want to do. Love all the pictures and can’t wait to see and read more about your trip.
Susan S. says
Looks like so much fun! I have to ask, where did you get Smiths patriotic Yankees shirt?! We need one of those!
Mix and Match Mama says
Old Navy!
Shan Rocha says
So glad you’re back !! Reading your blogs in the morning is one of my favourite routines ?
Just wondering why deck 9 is your favourite on ships? Love the ruffle dress !
Mix and Match Mama says
Better view and high enough that the life boats are way below you and don’t block anything 🙂 .
Deena says
It looks like you had a great trip! This is bringing happy memories back from our Alaskan cruise 3 years ago on the Norwegian Pearl. We went in mid-May and ended up with fairly nice weather most of the time. Had sprinkles in Juneau but that was it. It was so beautiful outside that we were either at a window or out on the deck a lot. I bought a fleece vest at Skagway and wore it a lot on and off the ship. It was much colder in Glacier Bay but so worth it.
Janet Inman says
OK, I posted yesterday that we might have seen your ship and I think we probably did. We saw a Norwegian Jewel ship leaving on the day you set sail that we were told was cruising to Alaska. Small world!
ains says
Hi! What do you think the differences/similarities were from the Disney Cruise line and the cruise line you used for this trip?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Disney has the fantastic kids club, Norwegian has the casino. Disney has great shows that are all dramatic, Norwegian has a variety of entertainment (magician, comedian, etc). Dining is completely different. Disney rotates you through all of their restaurants at night, you freestyle dine on Norwegian. In terms of the actual ships and itineraries, they’re almost identical!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
I almost spit my coffee out at the comment about that picture of Andrew and your Dad!! So funny!! And what a fun start to your cruise!! Can’t wait to read along more!