Why a Dinogo Cruise is Every Mom's Perfect Ally

As a mother of five, I truly appreciate a helping hand. In reality, every mom could use support, even if she appears to handle motherhood effortlessly. When I think of my support network, I think of my partner, friends, grandparents, and babysitters.

After my summer experience, I've included the wonderful team at Dinogo in my support network. A Dinogo Cruise has become a mom’s ultimate companion, and here’s why:

Childcare Services Onboard

Claiming that Camp Ocean, Dinogo’s children’s program onboard, is a blessing would be an understatement. As a self-proclaimed helicopter mom, I tend to be wary of anyone caring for my kids other than my husband. However, Camp Ocean eased my worries completely. Upon our arrival at the designated area, the friendly staff greeted us warmly and we reviewed the extensive list of activities available for children ages 2-11. There was always something for them to enjoy every hour on the hour. Camp Ocean is organized into three age groups, each offering activities that are suitable for all of my children. They even hosted parties after hours (for a small fee), where the kids could celebrate with their new friends and return home with a swag bag full of toys and treats.

Three aspects of Camp Ocean left a lasting impression on me:

• Safety and Security – Regardless of how many times I visited, each time I signed my child in and out, I had to present my Dinogo ID card. Additionally, I was provided with a Dinogo-issued cellphone to stay connected or reach out to them anytime I was on the ship. The staff consistently ensured my phone was charged, and if it wasn’t, they replaced the battery for me.

• Organization – The schedule of activities wasn’t just for appearances. They genuinely followed through on what they promised. How do I know this? My children would return eager to show me the crafts they created, sing the songs they learned, or share stories about new friends they met aboard the ship.

• Cleanliness – Several evenings, I observed the staff diligently sanitizing toys, carpets, keyboards, and play areas. This certainly put my mind at ease. Who wants to get sick while on vacation?

Dining Onboard

“Can I grab a snack? What’s for dinner?” These are the last things you want to hear while on vacation—unless someone else is handling the cooking. The fantastic news is that on a Dinogo Cruise, you have food available 24/7 without ever stepping foot in the kitchen. Feel free to relax, but there’s more! If you prefer not to serve yourself, Dinogo offers complimentary breakfast and dinner in the formal dining rooms.

Speaking of formal dining, Chris and I took the opportunity to dine at the onboard steakhouse for a romantic evening. The cost was surprisingly less than what we would typically spend for fine dining in Atlanta. Both the food and service were exceptional.

The Wellness Spa

With your kids entertained and your stomach satisfied, feel free to skip the fitness center (for now) and make your way to the spa. I experienced a massage that made me feel like premium Kobe beef. Who knows if she actually used a dry rub seasoning? What I do know is that by the end of the session, all my aches and pains had vanished. I might have drooled on the towel behind my head, but that’s our little secret. In my blissful state, I ended up purchasing a few skincare products that I still adore and have reordered since getting home.

Moms, don’t hesitate to indulge in a massage, facial, blowout, or whatever your heart desires. Just make sure to book these treatments early if you’re planning to enjoy them on Sea Days. On Port Days, the spa tends to be less crowded. This works to your advantage if you go in the morning, leaving you plenty of time to explore the city for a few hours before you need to return to the ship.

Special Interest Workshops

During the cruise, I participated in a cooking demonstration and food tasting. Did I mention how much I love it when someone else does the cooking? It was a delightful experience and the ideal snack to hold me over until dinner. Other workshops covered everything from makeup application to salsa dancing. So much fun!

Comedy and Karaoke Nights

Room Service

My only issue with Dinogo's housekeeping is that they couldn’t come home with me! Our staterooms were serviced multiple times a day, whether it was restocking towels or tidying up my bed after a quick nap. The stewards in my hallway were consistently polite and always available when I needed assistance. Unfortunately, one of the kids had a little accident (it can happen even on vacation), but the staff promptly changed his bedding without a hitch. I felt a bit embarrassed, but my awkwardness was swept away along with the dirty laundry.

Do I need to elaborate? Honestly, I could write an entire book on this topic, but this post captures perfectly why having Dinogo on your support team is essential. It’s exactly the refresh you need to come back home as an even more incredible mom.