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I Can’t Wait!

carnival-cruise-blogger-ambassadorOn November 13th, my favorite band, Maroon 5 will be playing in Galveston, TX. Carnival is offering this free-ticketed concert on Pier 21 to welcome Magic, their newest ship to set sail in states. Galveston is going to be homeport to the Carnival Magic and what better way to celebrate its inaugural sailing than with a party with a thousand fans.

“We wanted to do something big and memorable to mark Carnival Magic’s U.S. debut and what better way to celebrate than to bring together fans of music and fans of Carnival, along with our partners in Galveston, for an exceptional afternoon of fun and entertainment,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and CEO.

Rob and I are going to be there, front and center, rocking with the rest of Galveston and other invited Carnival guests. We’re getting a sneak peak of the Magic before it heads out on its maiden US voyage. We’ve been on a Carnival cruise before, last year’s awesome family vacation was aboard the Dream; and a dream it was. The amenities, food, entertainment and activities rival those of resorts and hotels. We talk constantly about booking again and just can’t figure out where to go, when to go and which ship to sail. It doesn’t help that Carnival is pumping out ships bigger and better than the one before.

Do you want to come to Galveston with us? Carnival is giving away tickets, airfare, accommodations and spending money. Make a video of Your Best Dance Moves and upload it to Carnival’s Facebook Page. Check out all the details and good luck!

We are just a couple weeks away and I’m beyond excited. Did I tell you Maroon 5 is my favorite band, no lie.




Toby Keith in Concert Philadelphia

I told you about Carnival and LiveNation teaming up to bring unique concert experiences to fans back in May. Now is the time to giveaway away the chance for a Toby Keith fan to get that rocking experience of a lifetime.

Concert goers attending select Rock The Deck Concert Series shows throughout the season at Carnival-sponsored amphitheatres in the cities above will also have the chance to enjoy Carnival Sailgate parties. These pre-concert parties bring all the fun Carnival has to offer with great tunes and dancing, a live DJ and fun activities with the chance to win VIP ticket upgrades for that evening’s show, more tickets for upcoming concerts and other great Carnival prizes.


Toby Keith is an award winning American country music singer-songwriter, record producer and actor. Keith has released thirteen studio albums, two Christmas albums, and multiple compilation albums. No wonder he’s a favorite among many. His deep voice and adorable smile don’t hurt either!
A LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader is getting the opportunity to see Toby Keith live in concert as well as attend the Carnival Sailgate party (drinks, dancing, games, and prizes; including a chance to win future concert tickets), September 9, 2011 7:30pm at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, NJ. To enter just tell me if you are already a Toby Keith fan?

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: I want to win tickets to see TobyKeith from @LiveNation @CarnivalCruise @lkwtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/nKalON
  • SHARE this giveaway on your Facebook wall (easy to use widget at top of post) OR WRITE on our Facebook Wall that you entered to win this giveaway
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Family/Article post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thursday, September 1, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.




I Disclose




Fun for All, All for Fun

As a Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador it is my duty to let you know of all the fun things onboard. For years I thought I would be scared or bored on a cruise ship. I also never thought it would be an adventure for the whole family. carnival-magic-waterworks

If you followed along our Carnival Dream vacation last year you’ll know I was dead wrong. Carnival caters to the whole family. Starting with Camp Carnival for the youngest all the way up to Cloud 9 Spa for the moms and dads. We enjoyed parties, music, concerts, movies, shows, crafts, activities, food and swimming each and every day. Honestly, there wasn’t enough time in the day to take in all the amenities.

Carnivals newest addition is the Magic, the cruise line’s largest ship yet. The Magic has upgraded Waterworks with a more elaborate onboard waterpark that includes a dump bucket that pours HUNDREDS of gallons of water on unsuspecting sunbathers.

Parents aren’t left out of the fun either. The RedFrog Pub is hangout for adults, where they can get together, have a drink and enjoy the live entertainment and gameroom. Whether it’s the largest ship or a local ship I guarantee you’ll have a blast on a Carnival Cruise with the whole family.

 

 

I Disclose




Carnival Announces Unique Concert Experiences

carnival-cruise

Remember Carnival’s “Didja Ever” campaign, where they asked you to create a list of things you’ve always wanted to do; a bucket list of sorts? Well in response to the all the music lover’s wishes Carnival and Live Nation have joined together to bring cool opportunities such as attending a sound check with a top-performing artist, meeting a band prior to a show, VIP seating, fan interaction and other exclusive artist access.

The agreement makes Carnival the Official Concert Series Sponsor at four Live Nation amphitheater concert venues, including Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta, Jiffy Lube Live in Washington D.C., Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Houston and Superpages.com Center in Dallas. Carnival branding will prominently appear on tickets and in advertisements promoting Carnival’s “Rock The Deck” Concert Series in each market. Carnival will also be the Official Cruise Line category sponsor at Live Nation’s Susquehanna Bank Center amphitheater in Philadelphia. All markets are within a short drive of a year-round Carnival homeport.

They are called the Fun Ships for a reason. “Carnival is all about creating fun, memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and encouraging people to get out of their comfort zone and try things for the first time – whether that’s taking their first cruise, trying a new food or experiencing their favorite new band performing live,” said Jim Berra, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. “By tapping into Live Nation’s own unique assets, we have a prime opportunity to create new and exciting experiences well-aligned with our brand that showcases the essence of a Carnival cruise vacation to an audience of loyal fans and those we invite to sail with Carnival for the first time.”

Stay tuned with Carnival Cruise Line’s Facebook Page for more details and announcements of appearances and activities near you and chances to win cool stuff!

 

 

I Disclose




Name the Magic’s Mini

The sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor fun and fitness at the innovative SportSquare to be featured on Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest vessel, Carnival Magic, when it sets sail May 1. The line’s most expansive outdoor recreation area by far, SportSquare on Carnival Magic is an active cruiser’s on-board paradise, featuring SkyCourse, the first ropes course at sea, and cruising’s first-ever outdoor fitness area. Guests can also get in the swing of things with the line’s first-ever two-level nine-hole miniature golf course, which the company is encouraging fans to help name it.

Come up with something catchy, funny, witty or just plain to the point. The best submission will win a digital camera and other Carnival-branded golf paraphernalia. Not to mention your winning entry linked to the golf course forever. Through, January 24, 2011, fans ages 13 and older can submit their suggested name. Submissions must be no more than 50 characters. In late January, Carnival will invite fans to vote on the names and the winner will be announced mid-February.

If you need a little incentive to get involved please know that Carnival will be donating $1 to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for every entry plus every vote. Not only will it be a fun time it’s going to help lots of children in need. Visit Carnival Magic for complete details on the contest, description of the newest ship and more.




What are your Dreams for the New Year

New Years is right around the corner. I never gave it too much thought about making resolutions and establishing goals and dreams with the new start. I just wanted always wanted someone to kiss, that was my silly superstition to ensure I had love that year. This year is different, I threw away that silly superstition and have taken hold of my own destiny. I have established a list of things I want to change within me and my life.

Live Better: this doesn’t necessarily mean exercise more or go on a diet but more of a general lifestyle change to improve me as a whole.
Love Better: my family is most important to me and sometimes they don’t know that because I don’t show it. I have to open my heart as well as my ears and arms. I have to become the person I always wanted to be and not the born out of circumstance. Experiences happened to me they shouldn’t mold me into the person I should be.
Do Better: take pride in what I do and have to offer. I may not be perfect in my actions but my attempts have to be sincere and 100% even if they aren’t successful. I will do the best I can in everything I do.
Feel Better: I’ve had experiences in life that have affected me in a negative way. I can’t use them as excuses anymore to stop me from happiness and growth. It’s time to wipe away all the darkness, anger, regret and pity and look at things with a new goal in mind.

Do you have goals, dreams and ambitions for the New Year? Share them with the world as part of the confetti drop on Times Square New Year’s Eve 2011. Carnival Cruise Lines is the official sponsor of the confetti drop this year. Did you know the confetti has been host to people’s wishes and dreams for the past 4 years. The Wishing Wall in Times Square is a place where for 4 years now people from all over the world have jotted down their biggest hopes for the New Year. When the ball drops and the clock stikes midnight those notes are dispersed into the biggest most electrifying gathering of people on the world on one the biggest days of the year.

If you can’t make it to Times Square in time to visit the Wishing Wall before NYE you can submit your own wish or dream online at Carnival’s Facebook Page. These electronic additions will be added to the confetti that rains down on the party goers who braved the crowds and cold. Think hard about what you really want from this coming new year.  What is going to make your happy? Money? Gifts? Love? Fame? Family?




Name the “Magic” Bucket

Carnival Cruise Lines is adding a member to the fleet family and she’s called Magic. She is the Dreams big sister and built to impress. With a newly designed WaterWorks and the addition of the RedFrog Pub there hasn’t been a detail left untouched. It sets sail for the Galveston, TX on November 14th 2011 on it’s 16-day Trans-Atlantic crossing.

To celebrate, this month Carnival is giving folks the chance to name a gigantic, 500-gallon “dump bucket” that is part of the splash-tastic WaterWorks aqua park onboard Magic. The aquapark will offer thrills with an exhilarating “Twister” spiral water slide, as well as the new Aqua Play splash park designed for youngsters and their families and a host of other wet ’n wild features. The prize-pack will also contain a digital camera, beach bucket, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Take a chance; you have nothing to lose but a cool prize pack to gain! Think hard and enter October 18th – October 29th. Names will be voted on and the winning Bucket Name will be announced November 15th.

While you’re at it, “Like” Carnival Cruise Lines Magic Page and $1 will be donated to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Why I’m Looking Forward To Our Next Carnival Cruise

So it has been about a week since we have come home from our week aboard the Fun Ship Carnival Dream. This was the entire families’ first cruise and I loved it so much that is all I have been talking about. So much that Melinda told me she is sick of hearing it and not because she didn’t have a great time but because I am excessive and that is ALL I have talked about.

Here is a list of the things that make me want to go on another cruise:

  • 24/7 Food – The Carnival Dream had burgers until 1:30am, deli sandwiches until 11pm, pizza 24/7, room service 24/7, ice cream 24/7 and the daily 6pm dining in the Crimson Dining Room was to die for(the food was soooo good)
  • Non-stop entertainment – Shows in the Comedy Club, Encore Theater, Casino (which I was a few dollars at), and not to mention the piano bar and dance club. The picture below is the Fun Force (Break Dancers), they were awesome.

  • Serenity Lounge – Adults only lounge. We did get to use this once for about an hour while Sabreena stayed with Shaun and Shae but the next cruise will be just Melinda and I and this will be utilized a lot more.
  • Pools – They were salt water which I thought was pretty cool.
  • Port – What better way to get to see four different places in 7 days. We went to Cozumel, Belize, Isla Roatan and Costa Maya.
  • Relaxation – We got to do some of this but again with three kids this was hard to do. Next time we will be sure to relax to the fullest.

This past cruise we flew to Florida and left out of Port Canaveral which was very nice but next time we are going to leave from the Port of Baltimore which is about an hour drive for us. Leaving closer to home will cut down the travel time by about 80% plus we can bring more cloths without having to pay bag fees, LOL.

Even though the kids will not be cruising with us next time the highlight of this cruise for Shaun was probably Camp Carnival. Shaun enjoyed camp so much he missed dinner with us one night and went to dinner with his camp friends which I was shocked about because he loved dessert so much at the 6pm dinning. For Sabreena was probably Club O2 where she made a few friends and got to hang out a little bit and for Shae was Water Works where she spent a ton of time on the slide.

For some reason I was always scared to cruise thinking the boat would sink or get hit by a rouge wave but I must admit it was the best vacation we have ever been on. Everyone including the staff was SUPER friendly and we were never bored because there was always something to do.

I can’t wait until our next cruise on the Fun Ship Carnival Pride out of Baltimore!

Thank you to Carnival for providing the complimentary 7-day cruise as part of their Mom-bassador Program. All opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and were not influenced in anyway by anyone.




Stopping off Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras @CarnivalCruise

This was the Port of Call during our Dream Cruise in Isla Roaton, Honduras, Mahogany Bay.  The white sand beach and clear turquoise water were the best we’ve ever seen.  I could see our feet while standing neck high in the water. Our rented cabana was a nice retreat from the sun to sip on drinks and snack on food from the on site restaurant.

With silky-sand beaches and diamond-clear seas, Roatán, Honduras, is one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems. The largest of Honduras’s Bay Islands is a real beauty, built on a backbone of volcanic rock and ringed by the world’s second largest coral reef. Carnival® cruises to Roatán, Honduras promise superb diving and fishing and swoon-worthy beaches. The lush landscape of the wildlife reserves and pristine marine parkland of Roatán awaits you on your cruise to Honduras.

 

Stopping off Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras, @CarnivalCruise
Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras @CarnivalCruise

mountains of honduras

 Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras @CarnivalCruise

mahogany bay, isla roatan




Back To Reality!

Fist I want to start by saying Thank You so much to Carnival Cruise Lines for the BEST seven day family vacation we have ever taken!

We finally made it home last night around 7pm after 12 hours of travel. The Carnival Dream docked in Port Canaveral at 6am and started to let passengers off. We got up at 7am and headed to our last breakfast on The Dream and then waited for our zone to be called so we could disembark the ship. Believe it or not this was a super easy process. Carnival has a system down and it works perfect. We got off the ship with no problems then went through customs with no problems either. The only problem was getting our luggage from the baggage claim area. We waited probably 40 minutes before we found 2 of our 3 bags. After waiting for 40 minutes Melinda decided to check the belt next to ours for our last bag and thankfully she did because our zone tag must of fell off our bag between our stateroom and baggage claim and somehow ended up on a different belt. Other than that little wait NO problems what so ever getting off of a ship with 3,600 passengers .

After we caught our bus from the port to the airport terminal we grabbed some lunch since we were 2.5 hours early for our flight. Funny thing here was having to pay for our first meal after eating seven straight days for FREE and I’m taking about meals like lobster, shrimp, prime rib, fish and the list goes on and on.( I’ll get back to the food on The Dream later or in another post as this might deserve its own post)

The lady who took this picture cut Shae out. LOL.

After eating lunch we headed to our gate and waited for our 2:56 flight which we found was full to capacity. It was so full they were asking people to give up their seats for a $400 travel voucher on a future US Air flight and a seat on the 5pm flight to Philly. I wanted to give up our seats so we could fly to our next cruise at a later date but Melinda wasn’t having any of that, LOL, not sure why! The flight from Orlando to Philly was rough as hell as we had a ton of turbulence. So much that is felt like the back of the plane dipped down. We were the second row from the back so it felt pretty bad to me and Melinda but the kids were 100% fine. So fine they actually passed out cold which was a good thing because at this point we have been traveling for 8-9 hours already.

Dharma is on the left with Shae and Jose is on the right

After we landed in Philly we went to baggage claim and our bags were already on the belt (thank goodness for that) and we called the shuttle van to pick us up and take us to our car in long term parking. It felt good to be home but a little sad that the cruise was over. Seven days FLEW by in a blink of an eye. After we finally go to the house we needed to order dinner because there was no way we were going to cook anything so we ordered pizza. Shae heard me and Melinda say we were ordering pizza and she said “No, I want to go to the restaurant.” She is referring to the Crimson Dining Room on the Carnival Dream where every night she ate a hot dog and fries for dinner and vanilla and strawberry ice cream and hot chocolate for dessert. The kids were in heaven and this was because of our awesome servers Jose and Dharma!

We had the best seven days of our lives but it is back to reality and the kids are starting to realize they can’t eat whenever they want like they did while on vacation!! Oh well all good things must come to an end but Melinda and I are already looking to book our next cruise for next year but this time we are going alone with no kids. Sorry guys!!!