Monday, June 18, 2012

BabyMoon Part One: Cruising and Key West

When we first were looking at cruises for our babymoon we knew we wanted to do the Caribbean and nothing more than 6-days, that had us limited and looking at Carnival Cruise Lines.
Not going to lie.
I had flashbacks of the one Carnival cruise I did in college and how cheesy it was.
But, I decided that was a long time ago and we decided to go for it.
But, I didn't have high expectations.

When arriving in Ft. Lauderdale I saw surprised out how smooth the check in process was!
(Yes, Brad was the bag boy since I'm with child)
We were on the Carnival Freedom which was fairly big but not 'too' big.
I have to say that on this trip Brad was in charge of ALL THE PLANNING!
And, you know what?
He did a great job!
Starting with our stateroom!
We had a balcony room near the back of the boat and one floor down from the adult pool/bar and lido deck.
Very easy access on our sea days when we kicked it in the sun.
If we needed more water, food, suntan lotion, or to use the bathroom it was just a few steps away.
We both agreed that we would NEVER NOT have a balcony room.
Worth every penny for the upgrade.
After checking in and getting settled we went straight to the pool and bar.
I had water and Brad went for beer.
This was my first vacation in a LONG time where I wasn't able to booze.
Very different friends but I got over it after the first day.
Know that I'm NOT complaining, I'm thrilled to be pregnant and not able to drink.
I'm just saying...
It's different..
As one person put it -- it's cheaper.
That's for sure, especially at $7 a beer.
We hung out at the pool until late which had us going to dinner late. 
On our way we saw more of the ship.
Entertainment was everywhere.
In the atrium bar it was a piano player.
It was so weird to look up and see this and realize you're not in a hotel but a ship.
Dinner was lovely as was my first night of sleep.
Who knew you could sleep so good on boats?
Holy cow!
I slept better than I do at home!
I couldn't even hear Brad snoring.
It was awesome!
The next morning we woke up in Key West.
I had been here once before around the same of time of year and knew it was going to be hot but boy..oh..boy..
I forgot just how hot it gets.
I'm talking nasty, humid hot!
Thank goodness we rented an electric car to get around instead of by foot, otherwise I might have died.
Key West reminds me a lot of New Orleans.
A place to get drunk except it's on the ocean.
One of our first stops was at Blue Heaven which my bestie Kathleen had suggested.
Two words.
Go HERE!
This restaurant/bar was off the beaten path and is so unique and not full of the tourists like Duval Street.
They have roosters everywhere like much of Key West.
Even, families of them.
We went at a weird time.
In between breakfast and lunch and we had eaten on the boat, so Brad enjoyed his first beer at 11am.
And, me?
Water...
And, their mile high key lime pie they are known for!
Delish and so worth the calories!
After hanging out there we jumped back in our car and took in the sights.
Eventually stopping at Hog's Breath Saloon.
We munched on conch fritters while enjoying beverages and trying to stay cool!
Then, back out again for our last stop before heading back to the ship.
The Southernmost Point.
We had to wait in line to take this picture and Brad was a good sport about it because it was blazing hot and humid and we were both sweating like crazy.
So, there you have the first little bit of our trip.
My Our thoughts at this point in the trip?
* The jury was still out on whether this cruising thing was for us.
* Doing dinner late is not a good idea. We were both exhausted, cranky and stuffed.
* Key West has been officially marked off our list and we never need to go back.
* Charlotte isn't that hot after all.

More tomorrow in part 2 of our trip. 
I might have lied about this only being a 3-parter..

15 comments:

MCW said...

When I was in Key West I went to Blue Heaven! Such a funny little place. And we went to Hog's Breath as well. Vacation twins! xo

starnes family said...

How fun! I've never been.......just had friends go to Key West and they had a blast.

Glad yall had a great time!

Anonymous said...

FUN! I'm so glad you went to Blue Heaven--it's a hidden little gem. And Hog's Breath is one of our favorites too. Can't wait to hear more!

Jess at Just Rainbows and Butterflies said...

What a wonderful trip for you two! And girl, you look GREAT preggers! xo

Anonymous said...

This looks so fun! I've never been to Key West - or on a cruise but I'm not sure that is something I'd want to do. I love finding spots like the resturant you went to when on vacation - local places with good food and no tourists. I especially love when you can eat outside! And boy is that pie high! Ha! Can't wait to hear more!

http://laurensweetnothings.blogspot.com/

I Do Declare said...

Looks SO fun! And...I think boys should ALWAYS carry bags even if there is no baby on board!

Leigh Powell Hines said...

I love all your outfits. What a great trip. Did you have the 8 pm seating for dinner? I'm glad you had a good time.

April of Smidge Of This said...

I'm loving your recaps, Dee, and may I say that you are absolutely GLOWING ... I mean, maybe it's the insanely high water intake (haha) but truly, motherhood suits you!

PS - Happy belated Father's Day to Brad!

Annie said...

Looks like you all had the best time minus the heat! Can't wait to hear more..

donatelli98 said...

Anywhere in FL is hot and gross right now! D and I love Key West - but not sure I would enjoy it as much if I couldn't drink. You do lokk so cute prego!!

love jenny xoxo said...

looks like sooo much fun!!! I would love to do a cruise or key west... looks like you got to enjoy the best of both worlds! And I can totally understand about drinking... especially on vacation it just seems natural to always have a drink in hand!

Can wait to see more vaca pics!

XOXO

Ashley said...

I had my VERY First ever ceasar salad at Blue Heaven! I was in 5th grade :) I remember exactly what I was wearing. lol.
AND, i know what you mean by different. I found out I was pregnant the week before July 4th weekend and we were planning a big party at the house- I had all this booze and didnt get any. That day was a little hard, but then each party that summer got easier and easier :) I had to attend 2 bachelorette parties while pregnant, and I kept telling myself- I wont be hungover and I wont make an ass of myself at least :)

Sarah O said...

I love the play by play. I've never been to Key West so this is fun to live through your trip. I've never been on a cruise either so I'm interested to hear what you thought.

Anonymous said...

Brad should have sacrificed and sustained from drinking. Don't tell him I said that.

Allyson and Dave said...

Looks like fun...hot, sweaty fun. We spent a week in Key West 2 years ago. I am glad we went but I don't ever need to go back. It was July and soooo hot! Did they really give you cocktail sauce with conch fritters??? That is so wrong. You would think Key West would know what kind of sauce to serve with conch fritters.