Cruise Like a Davis- Our Cruise Travels 2006 to present
RCCL Anthem of the Seas 2025
Chris and I took our very first cruise in Summer 2006 shortly after we were married in March. His parents gifted us this cruise with his family and we loved traveling via a cruise ship. Almost a decade later after having our two kids, Natalie and Luke, we decided to go on another cruise out of Galveston, TX and the rest is HISTORY- We were hooked! We have now been on over 27 cruises and this form our travel will remain not only our favorite but our kids favorite as well. It has also proven to be the most economical way to travel with kids in our most recent experience traveling via LAND and SEA.
We have sailed four of the biggest (and BEST) cruise lines in the world and we love comparing and contrasting each ship and cruise line as we sail. We have tried to highlight each cruise with our trip details, pictures, tips, costs and more.
What started as a way to share our trip with my grandma, has now grown into a well followed blog and I am so grateful for all of you who continue to support us by following along on our travels!
Seattle by Day and Night Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Seattle Center
This was a GREAT day spent in Seattle!
Morning The sun started shining through our Airbnb windows shortly before 4AM which woke most of us up although Natalie could sleep through anything. We laid around and tried to go back to sleep but our bodies would have none of that. We got up and ready for the day and then took the Light Rail to Westlake where we would then take a bus to Seattle City Center.TIP- The Orca Cards we purchased and the day pass loaded onto said card for $6 would pay for Light Rail and Bus Transportation. However, the Seattle Monorail was not included and was $12/ day roundtrip. The near $50 for a family of four just wasn't worth it so we took the "longer route" to get to the Space Needle.
Hello from bus #495
We had reservations at the Chihuly Glass Museum at 9AM so we made a quick pitstop at a local coffee shop. Chris says this was the worst coffee he had ever had but it wasn't "burnt tasting" so it was a win for me.
Good morning from Seattle City Center!
This local coffee shop had all kinds of coffee and tea options but it was anything from "normal"!
The Chihuly Glass Museum is really neat and absolutely stunning. This was included as one of our 3 choices from the City Pass. This museum had countless glass blown pieces in many sections and was highly interesting. Our near teenage son wanted no part of it, but did exceptionally well surprisingly. We spent about 1 hour in this museum and I personally think that is all you need.
This museum is SO PRETTY- Be sure to check it out when in Seattle!
Another beautiful exhibit of blown glass inside Chihuly!
The patio area give picture perfect views of the blown glass and the surrounding Seattle City Center- including the Space Needle.
Another view of the patio!
I just couldn't get enough of this area!
Hello Space Needle and a crystal clear blue sky!
We loved this area of the Chihuly Museum
This was a great morning in Seattle!
After Chihuly Glass Museum, we went to the Pacific Science Center across from the Space Needle. This, too, was also included in the City Pass. TIP- Oftentimes, attractions like these require advanced reservations when purchased via City Pass. When planning our trip, 4 out of the 5 attractions needed timed advanced reservations. The Pacific Science Center (PSC) was the one attraction that did not require a reservation, or so we thought. When we looked up the tickets the night before we realized we needed a timed entry. Now ALL attractions on the City Pass Seattle require advanced reservations! The only available time was 10AM and this was between our Chihuly Glass and Space Needle reservations. Luckily when we arrived I explained our concern and we were able to enter and then get a stamp to leave and come back. This worked out really well as we were able to see about 30% of the bottom floor prior to our 11AM Space Needle reservations.
The kids making their own watershed area... They played in this "Sand" for nearly 20 minutes! They truly are just BIG KIDS!
We then made our way down to the Space Needle for our 11AM entry. Chris and I expected a CRAZY LONG (hour plus) wait to get to the top of the Space Needle but we were able to walk right up to the elevators. TIP- Most schools were still in session this last week of May and I think this really helped us while in Seattle. Keep this in mind if you are able to visit cities prior to school being released for summer.
Our City Pass tickets allowed us to have 2 visits within 24 hours- one in the day and one at night. This is a great bargain as regular Space Needle tickets are only for 1 timed entry. We LOVED the Space Needle and it offered absolutely gorgeous views of the city, Puget Sound and Mt Rainer. We were so lucky and loved every minute.
Hello from 605' in the air!
My babies loved this Skyscraper!
The Davis Family has arrived!
Mt Rainer was stunning on this day! We were SO LUCKY!
This right here- the best picture we took the whole trip! And it just reminds me... this girl is growing up! She looks 20! Time is a thief!
Me and my girl loving the breeze and gorgeous scenes from atop the Space Needle!
We were able to witness a Marine being discharged from the Marines. This was SO COOL! Thank you, sir, for your service!
Another iconic shot of my girl! Nattie Grace- You are GORGEOUS!
Hello Seattle!
Chris and I celebrated the 4th day of summer with a cocktail or two from the Space Needle Revolving Bar. TIP- These were very expensive but really good and strong! These mid-day drinks costs $106 with tip (4 drinks)- which honestly is outrageous!
Cheers to TWO Master Teachers!
A view of the Pacific Science Center from above. This is a MASSIVE museum and has SO MUCH to offer. I highly suggest this attraction, especially with kids!
I loved this picture!
Be still my heart!
And then there is this guy- Just 2 weeks away from being a TEENAGER!
The Museum of Pop Culture as seen from the Space Needle!
Afternoon After we left our daytime tickets of the Space Needle, we grabbed some souvenirs at the gift shop and then went to the "Armory" Food Court within Seattle Center for lunch. Chris and I found this on our 2016 trip and it did not disappoint. Chris and Luke were able to get some fresh Fish and Chips while Natalie opted for Asian food. I grabbed a local burger and we all enjoyed our lunch!
This burger was pretty good- $18 without a drink.
This fish and chips meal was $23 but the boys loved it!
The Seattle Center Armory is a great place to eat with a family as everyone can choose exactly what they want to eat!
After lunch we went back to the Pacific Science Center to finish making our way around the museum. The kids LOVED so much about the PSC but the body exhibit was probably all of our favorites.
Evening After wrapping up our afternoon at the Pacific Science Center we opted to take the bus and Light Rail back to our Airbnb in Beacon Hill so we could nap. Honestly, this is so NOT like us on a land vacation but we were so tired. After we all got naps, we walked to the local brewery- Perihelion Brewery- for one of Seattle's "Best Burgers of 2023". The burgers were really good but the winner was the "Olive Appetizer" and the local beers. The service was impeccable and we really enjoyed this pub.
The Mediterranean Olive plate was really good!
We ordered Sweet Potato Fries for the table and we loved them!
The Perihelion Burger was HUGE!
A look at the inside... This could have fed both Luke and I!
To me, the star of the meal were the beers! We loved the Mango Pear IPA!
This meal with the appetizers, beers and burgers was $127 with tip. This seemed to be common costs for burgers within Seattle!
After dinner we made our way back to Seattle Center for our evening Space Needle reservations. TIP- With this City Pass double ticket, you could enter the Space Needle in the last 3 hours of operation and since the Space Needle closed at 11PM we opted to get there right at 8PM to optimize our time at the Space Needle. We spent some time on the outer deck but spent the majority of our time on the lower level on the revolving floor. We were able to see the sun set over Puget Sound and it was breath- taking! I would HIGHLY recommend everyone do this one time in their life! Seeing the sun set on a city is such an American thing to do!
The sun setting on Puget Sound was gorgeous!
Goodnight Seattle!
Goodnight Mt. Rainer!
Another classic Skyscraper selfie for my collection!
This was taken around 9:45PM.
After spending over 2 hours at the Space Needle, we took the Light Rail back to our Airbnb for the night! It was a GREAT day spent all over Seattle Center and the Space Needle.
Pike Place and T-Mobile Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Downtown Seattle
Hello Pike Place Market and Seattle Vibes!
Morning Despite comfortable beds and wonderful accommodations, 3 of us woke up around 4:15AM when the sun started shining through the blinds in our Airbnb. This meant for a tired family most of the day but we were ready. Luke had enough waiting for Natalie to get up and started getting ready at 5:45AM, which feels natural to all of us at this point. We were up and ready to get out the door before 7AM. We took the Light Rail from Beacon Hill to the Westlake station and got off to explore Pike Place Market before they opened to the public at 8AM. This also meant we were able to get into the Original Starbucks just outside the market before the massive crowds arrived. TIP- The line for this Starbucks can get over an hour long so get there early! The coffee was plain and burnt, just like our Starbucks at home but the vibes were cool since this was the original store. This Starbucks run cost about $24 total and a $20 coffee tumbler. Afterwards we hit up one of my favorite spots in the Market, Piroshky Piroshky. This Russian pastry store is INCREDIBLE and also creates a LONG long of fans later in the day. These pastries are SO GOOD but kind of pricey at $8-9 each. This breakfast run cost about $40 total for all 4 of us.
The kids 1st view of Pike Place Market!
The Original Starbucks outside of Pike Place Market.
This may have been her favorite thing in Seattle. She LOVED this experience!
Piroshky Piroshky outside of Pike Place Market is NOT to be missed. Seriously- GO HERE!
After our brief breakfast outside Pike Place Market, we opted to walk inside to see all the booths get set up. This was so cool as many business were still getting ready for the day. We got to see the fish get laid out in the ice, the flowers get displayed and so much more. We were also able to taste test many items as there were not many tourist there yet. TIP- The Pike Place Market gets crazy crowded mid-day so I would HIGHLY advised going in the morning (9AM to 11AM) to avoid the most crowds.
We were literally the ONLY tourists in the Market for a hot minute! IT WAS AWESOME!
Hello Pike Place Market!
We loved this Fish Company booth. We were able to see SEVERAL fish being thrown!
Our reservation at the Seattle Aquarium wasn't until 9:30AM so we spent around 2 hours in and around the Pike Place Market. We were able to see the gum wall and Luke even contributed to this tourist trap. We then went into the 2nd level of the Market for another one of my favorites- Daily Dozen Donuts. These miniature donuts are SO GOOD and made fresh as you wait! These donuts run about $6-7 per half dozen or $10 for a dozen. I highly suggest getting at least 1 maple bacon- It is "on point" as they say!
This place is not to be missed- a morning breakfast or a midday snack. Either way- you will not be disappointed.
The Maple Bacon donut from Daily Dozen- You've gotta try it!
Hello gum wall... It really did STINK!
As we made our way down from PPM to the Aquarium, there were LOTS of stairs and Chris was already feeling the pain and inflammation on his knee from the Airbnb. We eventually found an elevator but he was definitely feeling the pain.
Once we arrived at the Aquarium, we had to wait a little bit before they opened and allowed us in. TIP- We purchased the Seattle City Pass which included the Aquarium and the Space Needle plus 3 other attractions of our choice.This was $129/ per person and for a first time visitor, I believe it is worth it. This was mine and Chris's 2nd trip but the kids 1st so we opted to purchase this pass. Next time, we would not spend this much.
Hello Seattle Aquarium- The Davis Family is here!
Once in the Aquarium we had a great time looking at all of the sea life. The harbor seals were among our favorites as well as the octopus that was housed in the main building. The kids enjoyed an add on virtual reality ride and really enjoyed learning about Humpback Whales of which we hope to see in Juneau. Overall this tour took about 1.5 to 2 hours and a great indoor activity.
It is official... I will be the shortest person in our family! Luke is only 1-2 inches behind me!
Where have my babies gone? Time needs to slow down!
The VR experience was an additional $15/ pp. The kids really enjoyed this and it lasted about 12 minutes.
Afternoon We decided to go back to Pike Place Market to find some lunch for us all. Chris and I knew of a great chowder spot from our 2016 Seattle Food Tour- Pike Place Chowder. We were early enough in the lunch rush to only have to endure a 20 minute wait. The chowder was delicious and made fresh. Chris got the Salmon Chowder and the kids and I stuck with the traditional Clam Chowder, all served in massive sourdough bread bowls; although next time I would not get it in a bread bowl to get more of the delicious chowder. This lunch was $94 with tip and fountain drinks. TIP- Get there early for lunch... By the time we left around 12:30PM the line was wrapped around the building and finding a place to sit was difficult.
Pike Place Chowder- DELICIOUS!
After lunch we took the Seattle Monorail from Westlake to Seattle Center to visit the Museum of Pop Culture which was also included on the City Pass. TIP- The Seattle Monorail is $12 per person roundtrip and only makes 2 stops (Westlake and Seattle Center) but it is the overall best way to get from Downtown Seattle to the Space Needle area. But at $48 for a family of four... Not a bargain by any means. Natalie was really excited to see a museum that "was all about teenagers" or so she thought. This museum was a neat find but was SUPER LIBERAL and not really our cup of tea. I would not purchase tickets to this museum unless it was a part of the City Pass but we did enjoy the experience overall.
Hello Gorgeous! I seriously LOVE the Space Needle. Such an icon of America!
I love this picture!
A chandelier of guitars. We even found a cello and an upright bass.
The only "pop culture" of my time in this museum.
Chris and Darth Vader.
We had a jam session in the Classical Rock area of the museum.
I think Luke missed his calling of being a percussionist!
He did SO WELL!
We took the Monorail back to Westlake and did some souvenir shopping before heading back to our Airbnb to try and get some rest. This is so not like us but we were all very tired. The time change, early sun rising and this being only 3 days after our last day of school meant we were all 4 feeling it. We got back to the Airbnb and took a nap before heading out to T-Mobile Park for a Mariners Game.
Evening We took the Light Rail from Beacon Hill to Stadiums and then walked to T-Mobile Park. This would be stadium #23 for the kids and one of my 10 Ten MLB Stadiums in my Baseball Bucket List Chase for 30. Once at the stadium, we got in the stadium in time for a Bobblehead. We walked around the lower concourse and found Ducktail Pizza and it was delicious. We took our slices to the Nationals bullpen to watch pitching warm-up. The pizza slices were $12.50/each making our dinner total $59 with taxes and tip. The slices were actual decent size for this price.
Hello T-Mobile Park. The last time I saw you, it was Safeco Field. Has it really been 9 years?!
Stadium #23!
I love baseball with my family!
I decided since we were going to be attending 2 games in T-Mobile Park we would splurge on one game and this was the game. We had tickets along the 1st base side behind the Mariners dugout and these tickets were actually cheaper (even with all the fees) than the upper deck Astro's ticket at Daiken Park. I was very impressed with the overall value of the ticket we paid for and we LOVED our seats, just 15 rows from the field. These tickets (with all the fees and etc) cost $189 total for all 4 of us.
We loved the "Salmon Race" in the 5th inning! King Salmon won!
A view from our seats... Well worth the money! And to be honest, I am jealous Seattle peeps can get this on the regular!
We got a few snacks and drinks throughout the game but even these prices were very reasonable for a West Coast stadium and T-Mobile park even offered "Value Items" including beers so we really were getting bargain. Overall we spent about $300 total for a night at a baseball game. All things considered... This is very reasonable in our travels.
The Mariners won big and we were even able to see back to back Homeruns and several defensive plays including 3 Double Plays. When the game was over, we followed the crowd back to the Light Rail to make 2 stops before getting off in Beacon Hill for our Airbnb. Once back at our condo shortly after 9:45PM, we were able to watch the sun officially set over Puget Sound from our balcony. Again, the location and the balcony made this Airbnb worth every penny!
This is 9:50PM in Seattle!
Day 2 was LOTS of fun!
This was a GREAT day spent all over Seattle and we enjoyed every minute of it! Stay tuned for more. Once again, thank YOU for following along!
Up Next- Up in "Space" at the Space Needle and more!
