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- My husband and I spent Thanksgiving on a cruise ship with friends for about $1,300 a person. We’d do it again for other holidays. (businessinsider.com)
Local Couple Sails Through Thanksgiving on a Carnival Cruise with Friends
[City, State] – While many were carving turkeys and braving Black Friday sales, one local couple, Katrina and her husband, embarked on an eight-day Carnival cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday. What started as a year of careful planning and anticipation for a group getaway with 12 friends blossomed into a memorable celebration of milestones and unexpected delights.
The cruise, aboard Carnival’s Vista ship, wasn’t just a holiday escape; it doubled as a festive occasion to celebrate the wedding anniversary of friends Tai and Darien, as well as Katrina’s husband’s birthday. After extensive coordination, from payments to excursions, the group was finally ready to set sail.
The Cost of Comfort and Celebration
The couple’s investment in this grand adventure totaled approximately $3,800, or $1,900 per person. The cruise fare for two, including pre-paid gratuities, came in at $2,550.
Flights to the Florida port, initially $1,450, were reduced to $950 thanks to $500 in credit card rewards. An overnight hotel stay before embarkation cost a mere $17, courtesy of Hotels.com rewards.
Additionally, about $250 was spent on comfort-enhancing items like bucket hats, magnetic charging pads, and sunscreen, ensuring a smooth sailing experience.
A Birthday Bash at Sea
Upon boarding, the absence of holiday decorations initially dampened Katrina’s spirits, but the joy of reuniting with friends, some unseen for two years, quickly took precedence. The first evening’s highlight was a birthday dinner for Katrina’s husband at the upscale Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
Though an extra expense, the experience was described as “phenomenal.” The attentive server not only expertly paired wines but also delivered a soulful, Stevie Wonder-esque rendition of “Happy Birthday,” making the evening truly special.
The couple concluded the night on the lido deck, stargazing.
Thanksgiving Fare: A Minor Misfire, but Other Meals Shined
The ship’s Thanksgiving dinner, unfortunately, failed to impress. The traditional spread of turkey, green beans, cranberry dressing, ham, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie lacked the comforting, nostalgic feel Katrina had hoped for, leaning too heavily into a “fancy” presentation. Her husband also noted his turkey was a bit dry.
However, other culinary experiences on board were highly praised. The group frequently dined at the Horizons restaurant, where Katrina and her husband savored an “artistically crafted” sushi boat appetizer, so impressive that everyone wanted a photo before digging in.
Entertainment Galore: From Movies to Karaoke
Beyond the dining, the cruise offered a plethora of activities. Katrina, who rarely watches movies at home, enjoyed the simple pleasure of watching films in bed. A highlight was a visit to the onboard IMAX theater, where they caught the then-new “Hunger Games” movie for $17 each – a surreal experience of watching a blockbuster at sea.
The ship’s cruise director was lauded for their energy and ability to keep guests entertained. Activities ranged from shuffleboard and lido-deck games to trivia and live versions of popular game shows like “Deal or No Deal” and “Family Feud.”
The “Family Feud”, particularly the adult version, was a favorite to watch. Karaoke nights also proved to be a hit, with guests enthusiastically singing and dancing.
Katrina even bravely attempted Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” admitting to struggling but enjoying the moment on stage.
Elegant Evenings and Lasting Memories
One memorable evening was the ship’s elegant night, where passengers are encouraged to dress in formal attire. Tai, in a thoughtful gesture, had coordinated for the entire group to wear green, a color from her wedding. This uniformity not only looked beautiful but also served as a lovely way to honor the couple’s anniversary.
Reflecting on the entire journey, Katrina expressed immense satisfaction, noting how rewarding it was to see all the meticulous planning come to fruition. As they disembarked, they even caught a glimpse of the crew putting up holiday decorations, a small but welcome “win.” Escaping the cold temperatures back home for a “summer lifestyle” at sea made the cruise “totally worth it,” with Katrina enthusiastically stating she’d happily do it again for future holidays.