My hearties

I can’t remember what a holiday was like without kids. I have a vague sense of luxuriating by a swimming pool reading more than one page at a time without cries of “Mama, I need the toilet, NOW”. I vaguely remember waking up to the sound of lapping waves and not the sound of “Mama, I need milk, NOW”. I have a vague sense of needing to only think of myself and not the 1,458 things other people in my 100m radius need.

 

But I wouldn’t change it for the world. I would, however, change how we get some R&R. Infinity pools, glass coffee tables and silent spas are not where it is at for a family of four – including one pre-schooler who happens to holler things like, “Mama why does that man look like Shrek?”

 

So, for our first holiday in nearly two years, we’re climbing aboard the new Royal Caribbean ship, Symphony of the Seas in April and gliding out into the Mediterranean Sea. While this is a paid collaboration, there is nothing that brings more happiness to my/ a parent’s lugholes than these words: “There’s a huge slide in the swimming pool and a cocktail bar inside.” Job done.

 

(Plus, the concept of ‘containing’ the brood without fear they’ll end up on a pedalo heading towards the UK is a thing of relief. Containment with the right entertainment is a very merry match for a parental soul.)

 

Along with plush 5-star accommodation that borders the line between posh and playful, I can’t wait for Mae to clap eyes on the great open seas before hitting the sack. The incredible ship has a glow-in the-dark laser tag arena and Puzzle Break where teams race against the clock to escape the submarine-themed room.

 

With private balconies, this also means that when the kids are conked out, Matt and I can start repairing our relationship while lapping up the sound of waves against the deck below. Oh, and they do a knockout fish taco in El Loco Fresh.

Symphony of the Seas, indeed.

 

Jump aboard

On 1 February I’ll be scooting along to an exclusive, on-land previewof Symphony of the Seas in London, called Symphony of the Senses. While advance tickets sold out in record time, FREE walk-in spaces are available on Saturday 3 February if you fancy a sneak peak. More info here: https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/symphony-of-the-senses/

 

And, if you’re keen to try out a holiday with Royal Caribbean, there are some great deals on! Until 5 March guests can snap up a buy one get one free offer with a further 25% off for the third and fourth guest for 6 nights or more departing between 1 April and 31 December 2018. These fares will include the All Inclusive Deluxe Beverage package for first and second guests on selected sailings to Europe, the Caribbean and on sailings from Southampton. A free of charge Refreshment Beverage Package will also be available for third and fourth passengers on selected Caribbean holidays.* The offer even applies to sailings on board the Symphony of the Seas, which is set to offer the most family-friendly and relaxing holiday experience a knackered parental unit could ask for.*Visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/ for full terms and conditions

 

This blog post was written in partnership with Royal Caribbean

Anna Whitehouse

Founder of Mother Pukka, Anna Whitehouse likes super hero cape-making classes and dislikes the naming of celebrity couples (TomKat, Brange etc.) She tries (and often fails) to parent the shit out of life.

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Turns out I’m not an afternoon person either.

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