DA

Mom Tawk: Planning A Vacation

Oct 16, 2013

MG
Stage· 156 messages
Oct 16, 2013

The Moms will be discussing planning a family vacation aboard Carnival Splendor.

DA

Denise Albert · 4:46 PM

Hey Melis - so fun to TAWK to you from Carnival Splendor
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:46 PM

This is so exciting and I am loving the music jamming while we Tawk! Great energy the minute you step on the ship
DA

Denise Albert · 4:46 PM

This is quite a change for us. We usually TAWK in person -- I kinda like this!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:47 PM

I like it too. I also like we are sitting my a beautiful pool but minus our bikinis. Next time
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:47 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

Are you two actually on the ship?

DA

Denise Albert · 4:47 PM

I'm dancing to the music --- and you can't tell me I have no moves!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:47 PM

yes we are actually on the ship.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:48 PM

I think our kiddos will love this ship! And I will love the Carnival Kids programs. Time for them and time for me!
DA

Denise Albert · 4:48 PM

We are Jordan! The best part is that this ship leaves from NYC - so you don't have the added expense of flying somewhere (of course if you live in the area)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:48 PM

I am thrilled to learn about the "me" time which any Mom needs. They have a 22,000 square foot Spa called Cloud 9 and I am going there
DA

Denise Albert · 4:49 PM

You should go today to celebrate your anniversary! So glad to be spending it with you --- next time hopefully you will be with your hubby on a cruise -- and not me
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:49 PM

Love you too but yes wish it was me and the hubby here right now. Next time. I will celebrate my anniversary at sea
DA

Denise Albert · 4:50 PM

Good plan. Rachael --- never too young to enjoy a cruise--- great activities her for you and your kids -- and they have camp carnival and night owls so you can hang w/o the kids too!
DA

Denise Albert · 4:51 PM

What a great vibe when you walk on the ship. The music and festive atmosphere is awesome
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:51 PM

I just love the pool and the party that I already see happening. People everywhere are ready for a good time. And there is staff everywhere to guide you so you dont get lost on such a BIG ship
DA

Denise Albert · 4:51 PM

I love this....we can have a convo w/o interupting eachother ....do i need spellcheck? :)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:52 PM

Yes you always need spellcheck! Ha! What would you do on your first night aboard?
DA

Denise Albert · 4:52 PM

depends - with or without kids?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:52 PM

With the kiddos
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:53 PM

I think if I was with my kiddos I would go to The Hasbro Game Show. How fun is that?! Large life adaptions of the real games
DA

Denise Albert · 4:54 PM

the george lopez comedy club would be our first night! we love comedy!!!! my son thinks he is a comedian!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:54 PM

Jaron is funny. I think there is so much to do that one would never get bored with their children, that is for sure!
DA

Denise Albert · 4:55 PM

I need a map -- it's like a mini city! Love it!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:55 PM

They have staff everywhere. No map needed. Dont you see all the people in red T shirts that say "Just Ask" That is smart
DA

Denise Albert · 4:56 PM

Good point - I was dancing to the music that I wasn't paying attention :) Perfect timing b/c I'm planning trips now --- I've never taken my kids on a cruise - have you?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:56 PM

I think I see you at the Water Slides all day. You love adventure so that is perfect for you!
DA

Denise Albert · 4:57 PM

Perfect...it can be what I always wanted -- like a mini family Olympics...all sports!!! Albert fam adventures!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:58 PM

They have mini golf too and of course pools everywhere. I think for us, and what I have learned is that my kids like action and it is definitely here on this Ship!
DA

Denise Albert · 4:58 PM

So when is your next trip! We need to plan soon!!!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:58 PM

I am working on Winter Break plans but I dont see a Cruise ship there yet...hopefully soon.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:59 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tom Lorenzo

It seems like Carnival does all the prep work for you in planning the activities, which I'm a big fan of!

MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:59 PM

Yes they do Tom! Easy breezy!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 4:59 PM

★ Spotlighted from Trey Williamson

Is it true that there are just hot tubs EVERYWHERE on those ships!?

DA

Denise Albert · 4:59 PM

Wow lots of people asking questions......funny that everyone always thinks of The Love Boat - I asked for Julie when we walked on
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:00 PM

We did not meet Julie McCoy but we met Captain Stubing and we also were offered a drink from Isaac! HA
DA

Denise Albert · 5:00 PM

this is also the perfect time to plan a trip -- just as school has started and we're thinking about all of the school vacations for the year!!!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:01 PM

What is so ideal is that you can go right from NYC. No flights. We went through the easy security just today to board the Ship
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:01 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rodrigo Bartels

Can you plan ahead? I mean are there like already set schedule for the activities? Or is it kind of a surprise once you get on the boat?

DA

Denise Albert · 5:01 PM

I know - -- it's like we're talking and not TAWKING and you're not listening --- I already said it leaves from NYC -- unless of course you wanted to remind everyone :)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:02 PM

Hey Rodrigo, we will inquire but it seems you can plan and do whatever you want as soon as you get on.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:02 PM

I wanted to remind everyone because I think with kids and especially me with 3, that is the most attractive factor
DA

Denise Albert · 5:02 PM

it is --- for people in this area - or for people who also want to see NYC it's amazing to just leave from here!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:03 PM

Now I am hearing "Shake Shake Shake Your Booty" on the Lido deck by the pool. Brings back memories.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:03 PM

Do we get a quick dip today?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:03 PM

Next time. You dont want to ruin your hair
DA

Denise Albert · 5:03 PM

true. are you shaking ? any moves from you today? this is your thing
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:04 PM

No moves while I am tawking. I am getting teased with this music and not cruising anywhere today. But soon.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:04 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

Where would you want to go on your cruise? And is it influenced at all by "The Love Boat?"

MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:05 PM

I would go anywhere South. It only takes one day at sea and you are in the Carribean
DA

Denise Albert · 5:05 PM

I wish I was in the Carribbean now...what if we got "stuck" on here today and forgot to get off?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:06 PM

Well I would have a very sad husband as we have Anniversary plans tonight. So unfortunately I have to depart today.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:06 PM

★ Spotlighted from Ryan Wilson

There's obviously medical personnel on board, right?

MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:06 PM

Yes there is medical personel.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:06 PM

D, we should go with the kids!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:07 PM

Mmmmmm I smell some good Italian right now. I think it is by the deep end near the pool
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:07 PM

I will go head there after!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:07 PM

I know - we should plan that trip soon. Our kids would LOVE being on carnival together! and did you know their motto Fun For All, All For Fun...how fitting!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:07 PM

What else I love and we need as a family is the connecting rooms. That is key for us.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:08 PM

Well maybe for you -but for just me and my 2 boys -- i'm perfect in a room for just the 3 of us
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:08 PM

I actually feel guilty right now not being with my kids. I think they would just love exploring a new part of the ship everyday. They are BIG explorers when we go on trips.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:09 PM

tell them you were doing "trip research" :)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:09 PM

I will. I will show them some fun photos when we tour more after the Tawk
DA

Denise Albert · 5:10 PM

I know I can't wait to see the rest...it really changes your mood once you board
DA

Denise Albert · 5:10 PM

Yum I see delicious drinks!!!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:10 PM

I have not cruised in at least 15 years so it would be great to experience this again. The last cruise was before I was even married!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:11 PM

So maybe you owe yourself a little gift :)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:11 PM

Maybe D. I think it would be fun for a family reunion or some type of big group. Mamarazzi goes Carnival Cruise! I bet all our followers and moms out there would want in!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:12 PM

That's a good idea. Would be so much fun for family and Mamarazzi! And I see an amazing salad bar...which is good b/c it's easy to want to go crazy w/ all of this yummy food
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:12 PM

And when you are on vacation you should go crazy. That is the time to let it all go!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:13 PM

I like this TAWK...and look how focused and safe we are...I wonder if walking and TAWKING is ok...since we are both glued to our devices all the time
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:13 PM

You are more glued then me. But the way our business is growing I am getting a tad more attached.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:14 PM

I think we should plan a Mamarazzi on board with tons of moms.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:14 PM

There is a Jacuzzi right next to me calling my name. Think I can just poke my toes in.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:14 PM

★ Spotlighted from Raquel Fonseca

What do you think are the 3 top things to be aware of when taking children to the boat?

DA

Denise Albert · 5:15 PM

I love that idea. Would be fun to host an event here...
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:15 PM

I think there is nothing to be aware of...It is more what to do so I dont miss anything!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:15 PM

Watch your kids. But isn't that always what a parent should do?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:16 PM

Yes of course. It is the same anywhere you go.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:16 PM

I always wonder when parents don't watch their kids. A cruise is no different!!!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:16 PM

I'm ready for the spa-- let's check that out soon
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:16 PM

Yup! I see that there is late night babysitting too should you want a date night D!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:17 PM

I like that M. You have someone new in mind?
DA

Denise Albert · 5:17 PM

Or don't answer that
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:17 PM

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
DA

Denise Albert · 5:17 PM

Back to family convo :)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:18 PM

Yes so I think it would be super fun to also see some Islands with your kiddos too. I love The Bahamas!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:18 PM

If we forget to get off - we are headed to the bahamas for 8 days! How fun!!!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:18 PM

Imagine if that happened...what an adventure
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:18 PM

I could be headed anywhere with sand and Palm Trees! But the Bahamas sounds good.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:19 PM

Anywhere this ship goes -- I'm in
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:19 PM

I love watching all the people board. There is like every age here. It is so nice to see.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:19 PM

I was just thinking so many things. And a saw a family on a reunion w/ matching shirts. How amazing - love it
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:20 PM

Yes, I want to preset that to the Musens or my family.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:20 PM

I thought we were going together....or I'm included in your family?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:20 PM

Always included...I still smell Italian
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:21 PM

Ooh now I see Pizza
DA

Denise Albert · 5:21 PM

i do too yummmmmmm
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:21 PM

I want!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:21 PM

and ice cream...perfect for me
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:21 PM

I am also eyeing those tropical drinks. I like the mini umbrellas.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:21 PM

so do we tell the kids or keep it a secret
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:21 PM

Those umbrellas just make you feel like you are away
DA

Denise Albert · 5:22 PM

ready for the water park? we should have spent the day!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:22 PM

WE totally should have brought our swimsuits and taken the day. But we better get off soon or we are at sea for 8 days. Yikes!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:22 PM

i know you are planning on a road trip for dec break but maybe we should plan differently!!!! this is a tease
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:23 PM

I am kinda feeling that...I think we need to set sail on the Carnival Cruise Splendor
DA

Denise Albert · 5:24 PM

I agree...and the best part is once you're here -- you don't have to think...there are so many things you can do just by walking around the decks
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:24 PM

I'm jealous! I need a cruise!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:24 PM

And there's camp carnival for kids!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:24 PM

Melissa Perry you should book it!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:24 PM

They have some great packages!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:25 PM

and if you're feeling lucky - you can hit the casino. i forgot how there is really something for everyone!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:25 PM

We are not getting off this ship till we are all booked!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:25 PM

work it mama
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:25 PM

You mean Book it Mama
DA

Denise Albert · 5:26 PM

yeah yeah -- hmmmmgot a drink :) now...never too early right
DA

Denise Albert · 5:27 PM

sorry got distracted...the fun ship drink is yummy....i might show up for pickup tipsy :)
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:27 PM

Wow! Now I have one too That is delish! I might be going to my anniversary dinner a little tipsy. uh oh
DA

Denise Albert · 5:27 PM

don't expire early...
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:27 PM

Never! Not when I am out with my husband
DA

Denise Albert · 5:27 PM

i can't take this one for the team
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:28 PM

No you cannot. BUT you can book us a trip
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:28 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jamie Moody

Haven't taken my kids on a cruise yet but heard from many friends its the way to go as they get older.

MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:28 PM

Jamie, It is the way to go now!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:28 PM

love that....i'm ready.
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:28 PM

We are having a hard time leaving soon
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:28 PM

You should see the action and the energy is awesome. Kids everywhere having a blast!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:29 PM

you can also turn it into a history lesson for your kids....teach them things along the way!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:29 PM

Very smart
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:29 PM

Yes, the inclusive is key.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:29 PM

ahhhh thanks
DA

Denise Albert · 5:29 PM

i'm already planning oceanography 101
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:30 PM

I am just thinking of summer fashions now with the Islands a day away!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:31 PM

love that ...and our new line of handbags Musen Albert would be awesome on board!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:31 PM

They sure would be! We have to look into that. The price point is perfect! And The Harris tote is the perfect Beach Bag!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:32 PM

Perfect.....but so sad to think about summer fashion when we are just starting fall / winter....that's why a cruise now would be perfect
DA

Denise Albert · 5:32 PM

Dancing to Madonna Material Girl now!!! So fun!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:32 PM

Yes, the music is super festive. I am feeling my 80s vibe. Maybe I will have to start dancing.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:33 PM

I can't believe you're not yet and I am!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:33 PM

I am still recovering from our Musen Albet launch event yesterday. Plus you have sustaining powers that I do not posses.
DA

Denise Albert · 5:33 PM

Jamie - you are so right....I agree!!!! And there are so many food chioices...
DA

Denise Albert · 5:33 PM

Perfect for kids
DA

Denise Albert · 5:34 PM

i love this melis - so fun tawking to you
DA

Denise Albert · 5:34 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jamie Moody

So much for them to do and you don't have to worry about paying for 1000 sodas and chicken fingers all day long since it's all included

MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:34 PM

This was super fun! Lets set sail soon with Carnival Cruise!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:35 PM

Casino? Now my husband will want to come too!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:35 PM

Melissa - yes there is a casino! You ready?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:35 PM

I am a poker champ and pretty good at Black Jack too. You??
DA

Denise Albert · 5:36 PM

I'm a low roller ....but love black jack -- but since having kids haven't really had time...would be great to get on the ship and have a night out....in the carnival casino
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:36 PM

Yes, that is what the Night Owl Babysitting is for. You will get to hit the Casino and so much more!
DA

Denise Albert · 5:37 PM

Love it - can't wait....perfect for single parents like me too - since there is so much to do and reasonably priced
DA

Denise Albert · 5:37 PM

And great to have a place for the kids if I need "Mom time"
DA

Denise Albert · 5:38 PM

I'm ready to pack - sound good?
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:38 PM

Packing when I get home. HA!
MG

Melissa Musen Gerstein · 5:41 PM

Thanks everyone. Bye for now
DA

Denise Albert · 5:43 PM

What fun. Loved this TAWK on carnival! xoxo TAWK SOON!