Our Cruise Adventure
My Little Traveler’s 5th Birthday Celebration
I’m SO excited to share something special with you all today. For my Zahir’s 5th birthday, we took off on another adventure—our third cruise! 🚢 I’ve shared our travels before, but this time, I’m giving you all the details on how we made his birthday unforgettable while enjoying our love for travel.
If you’ve been following me, you know that travel is something we do often. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure, it’s all about creating memories together. This birthday trip was no different, and you know I recorded the experience in a mini vlog (be sure to check it out on Friday), but here’s a little sneak peek of our cruise getaway.
Why We Love Traveling So Much
This wasn’t our first cruise, and it won’t be our last. Travel has become a way of life for us. For my son, cruising has been one of his favorite ways to explore new places and make new memories. And for me, as a solo mom, it’s a chance to escape the everyday grind, bond with my little one, and give him experiences that will last a lifetime.
The Highlights: Birthday Fun and Family Memories
The Ship: Y’all, we’ve been on a few cruises by now, and each one feels more memorable than the last. The amenities, the food, the shows—it’s definitely like stepping onto a floating playground for both kids and adults. This time, we explored Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas with even more fun activities, from giant waterslides to Broadway style shows.
Birthday Celebration: Zahir’s birthday was such a highlight. It started with the captain of our plane letting him sit in the cockpit and pull the levers. Then he got a great surprise from the crew with our cabin door and room being decorated just for him! Watching him run around with excitement as he celebrated made your girl beam from ear to ear.
Fun Activities: We love to explore everything the cruise has to offer, and this trip was on of the best. From splash zones and kids’ clubs to family-friendly shows, we stayed busy! But the best part? The food, of course! The endless options kept our bellies very happy.
Solo Time: One of the best parts of this cruise was the chance for me to have some well-deserved “me” time while Z was in the kids’ club. While he was making new friends, I got to relax, sip a few (non-alcoholic) drinks, and take in a show without any interruptions. It was a reminder that even on family trips, it’s important to carve out time for yourself.
Traveling as a Solo Mom: What I’ve Learned Along the Way
Traveling as a solo mom might seem intimidating, but it’s totally doable and rewarding. I’ve learned some important lessons from our trips:
1. Prep the Night Before: Always pack the night before (or in my case, the week before lol) to avoid chaos the morning of. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not running around last-minute.
2. Embrace the Kid’s Club: Let your little one enjoy some solo fun with new friends while you get a few moments to yourself. Trust me, they will thank you!
3. Don’t Stress the Small Stuff: Travel is about making memories, not perfection. Things might not go exactly as planned, but that’s part of the adventure.
Why Travel is So Important for Us
Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about showing my son the world, teaching him how to be adaptable, and creating bonds we’ll cherish forever. As a solo mom, I want him to know that adventure and fun are always within reach, no matter what our family looks like.
It’s also a reminder for me to recharge and step away from the hustle of daily life. Even as we explore new places, I’m growing as a mom, learning how to balance work, play, and self-care.
Final Thoughts: Another Birthday, Another Adventure
This cruise was more than just a birthday celebration—it was a reminder that life is about the moments we create together. Every trip we take helps me remember that time with my son is so precious. He’s growing up so fast, and I’m thankful that we’ve made these travel memories a priority.
Be sure to check out the vlog this Friday to see all the fun moments of our birthday cruise!
Love and light,
Tiera Nicole
I’m so glad you two had a great time celebrating Zahir!!!
🥰🥰🥰