On July 16th, it happened. Even though I attempted to flee the Country in hopes this day would not come, I was unsuccessful. Forty found me. FORTY. What? Wasn’t I just turning 21 like a year ago? Despite my hesitation about this milestone, it turned out to be the best birthday ever (except for my 9th birthday when I had a party at McDonald’s and got a purple boombox from my Grandma…that was pretty rad).
My hubby (in cahoots with Carnival Cruise Lines) was a Rockstar and deserves all the props for making me feel like a Queen on my special day. Here are some ways you can help a loved one celebrate their birthday while aboard the Carnival Dream.
1. Decorate the Cabin: Cleverly hide some decorations from a local party supply store and deck out your stateroom with balloons, streamers, banners and signs. Some Carnival ships offer this service for a fee if you cannot seem to hide the decor in your carry on bag.
2. Breakfast in Bed: Order room service the night before so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed instead fighting the crowds at the breakfast buffet.
3. Spa Appointment: The Carnival Dream has a lovely “Cloud 9” spa which offers services for women, men and children, too. My hubby surprised me with a morning massage and facial. It was a great way to start the day!
4. Bucket List Excursion: Following my spa treatment, we headed off to swim with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman. It was just the right touch of adventure and relaxation to make for a memorable birthday.
5. Signature Dining at the On-board Steakhouse: While the regular dining options are fantastic, the steakhouse is a whole other level of exquisite. Make a reservation and let them know you have a birthday being celebrated at your table.
6. What’s a birthday without cake? Special decorated cakes can be ordered at the Steakhouse and I can tell you that it was delicious! A whole cake was delivered to my table complete with candles and of course the obligatory birthday song.
7. Roses Are Red. And yellow, white and pink, too! A dozen multicolored roses can be purchased on board (the Carnival Dream offers this at the Cherry On Top shop) and delivered to your stateroom.
8. Send a Gift: Not on board with your loved one? You can still arrange to have a gift sent the their stateroom to let them know you are thinking of them on their special day. One of my best friends sent me a Carnival Sweatshirt which was much needed at the chilly theater on board.
9. Make a Memory: Professional photographers are on hand several nights on all Carnival ships. I absolutely loved having a professional shot taken of my precious family. It was the perfect end to the perfect day.
Turns out, 40 is not so bad after all.
It sounds like you had an awesome 40th birthday. I like that he decorated your room. Awesome touch.