Cruising with Grandparents and Toddlers – What an Adventure!

If you’ve been keeping up with my social media, you’ve likely seen a ton of photos from my family’s 8-day eastern Caribbean cruise hosted by Dinogo. Without a doubt, it was the most incredible vacation I’ve ever experienced, but I’ll share more about that shortly. First, let me explain how it all came together.

When Dinogo approached me to collaborate on a cruise vacation, I was thrilled. It was a no-brainer for my immediate family to join, but when I asked my mom about it, she immediately declined, saying, “No.”

That’s when my dad stepped in to save the day. His motto is to “celebrate life,” and what better way to do that than by spending quality time with the kids and grandkids? Eventually, my mom was persuaded, and she decided to join us (both literally and figuratively).

Upon arriving on the magnificent Dinogo, we took a quick tour, and my parents were in awe. My mom instantly warmed up when she realized it was like a floating city. The ship had it all: comedy clubs, coffee shops, a spa, a gym, movies, 24-hour pizza and ice cream, and fine dining restaurants, to name just a few. Everything was fantastic, but the highlight was witnessing the joy in my parents’ and kids’ eyes as they spent time together.

Unfortunately, we rarely have the chance to visit my parents due to the distance between us (California and Massachusetts, respectively). In fact, this cruise was the first time my parents met my 22-month-old daughter, Reiko, in person. We’ve had plenty of video calls, but nothing compares to the warmth of real hugs and kisses.

As soon as everyone came together, it was like clockwork. My mom and Reiko would stroll hand-in-hand around the ship, soaking in the atmosphere. It became a cherished ritual that reminded me of when my mom used to hold my hand during our neighborhood walks when I was a child.

Watching my dad bond with my eldest daughter, Emiko, was also a priceless experience. He has a natural way with kids, and I learned everything I know about being a dad from him. He’s attentive, funny, and patient – and my girls absolutely adore him.

Beyond the wonderful moments shared between my children and my parents, I truly appreciated how the cruise transformed some of their fears. Remember my mom's initial dread of being on a ship? After just two days aboard, I managed to persuade her to join me on a ziplining adventure in St. Kitts. Considering my mom's idea of a real scare is overcooking a pasta casserole, this was a monumental step for her. It took a bit of coaxing, as evidenced by the legendary “Mom Stare” captured in this photo, but she went for it and had an absolute blast.

It was also heartwarming to see my mom and dad enjoying their time together on the ship. They have been happily married for 45 years and counting, and their bond is the strongest I've ever seen. Watching them hold hands and continuously express their love for each other was truly beautiful. Not to mention, they stood out as one of the best-dressed couples on formal night, flaunting their traditional African attire.

As I mentioned at the start of this post, this vacation was undoubtedly the best of my life because I got to share it with the people I cherish most in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. We indulged in delicious food and drinks, explored stunning locations, participated in some questionable karaoke performances (thanks to me), reveled in fantastic weather, and created countless cherished family memories.

And do you know what truly topped it all off? Once the trip concluded, my mom said, “So, when are we going on our next cruise?” She's completely smitten and declared that cruising would be her preferred way to vacation from now on. I could say I told her so, but I’ve learned it's wise not to stir the pot with my mom. The bottom line is, I’m excited to start planning a sequel to this incredible journey much sooner rather than later.