A Journey Through the Eyes of a Child

A Special First: My Grandson’s First Cruise Experience

There’s something magical about experiencing travel through the eyes of a child. Recently, my husband, daughter, grandson, and I embarked on a 4-night Bahamas cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas. This trip was especially meaningful because it was my grandson’s first-ever cruise—and even his first time flying! Watching his excitement and wonder at every new experience made the journey even more special.

The Journey Begins: First Airplane Ride

Since we were coming into Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we chose to fly in the day before our cruise. This decision not only made for a smoother embarkation day but also gave my grandson the unforgettable experience of his first airplane ride. From the moment we arrived at the airport, his excitement was contagious, marveling at the planes, looking out the window during takeoff, and feeling the thrill of being in the clouds. Seeing the world through his eyes reminded me of the pure joy of travel.

Boarding the Liberty of the Seas

The next day, we arrived at the cruise terminal, where the real adventure began. One of the perks of traveling with a younger child was that he didn’t need a passport—we were able to use his birth certificate instead, making the paperwork process much easier. As we boarded the ship, his eyes widened at the sheer size of Liberty of the Seas. From the grand Royal Promenade to the inviting pools, every corner of the ship was something new to discover.

Exploring the Ship

From the moment we set sail, my grandson was eager to explore. He was immediately drawn to the pools and splash areas, spending hours enjoying the water. The ice-skating shows and mini-golf course were also huge hits. One of his favorite activities was the arcade, where he tested his skills on various games.

We also took part in the classic Royal Caribbean tradition of hiding and finding ducks—a fun scavenger hunt that kept him entertained throughout the trip. He was thrilled every time he found a duck tucked away in a creative spot!

Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Our itinerary included a stop in Nassau, Bahamas, where we went on an excursion to Baha Bay at Baha Mar. This water park was an absolute thrill for my grandson, with exciting water slides, a thrilling rapids river, and a massive wave pool that kept him entertained for hours. He especially loved the wave pool.

But the highlight for my grandson was our day at Perfect Day at CocoCay—Royal Caribbean’s private island. Between the incredible water park, sandy beaches, and kid-friendly activities, he was in absolute paradise. His favorite part was having a Cabana to go to after he was playing in the water and sand. He even got to see a peacock behind us!

Cherishing the Memories

Before we knew it, our four nights had come to an end. This cruise was more than just a vacation—it was a chance to make lasting memories as a family. Seeing my grandson’s eyes light up with excitement, from his first flight to his first time on a cruise ship, reminded me why I love traveling so much. These experiences shape childhood in the best way, and I can’t wait for our next adventure together!