Get a Signed Copy of Snake Surprise + Enter the Giveaway!
Looking for a fun, adventurous book for the kids in your life? You can now order a signed copy of my newest children’s book, Snake Surprise, and have it shipped right to your door!
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And…there’s a giveaway involved, too!
Meet Snake Surprise
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Snake Surprise is based on a true story from our family.
One ordinary day, my son Clark decided to bring a snake along for a car ride. He carefully put it in a bucket, climbed into the minivan with his three brothers and two friends. What could possibly go wrong?
Well…let’s just say that bringing a snake into a minivan full of kids made for quite the adventure!
The story is filled with surprise, laughter, a little chaos, and plenty of sibling personality. It’s a fun reminder that some of the best family stories begin with, “You’re never going to believe what happened…”
Snake Surprise is a great choice for young readers, animal lovers, reluctant readers, and anyone who enjoys a good story based on a true adventure.
And, of course, it might make your kids think twice before agreeing to let someone bring a snake in the car!
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Order Your Signed Copy
I’m offering signed and shipped copies directly to you:
1 book: $12 signed + shipped
2 books: $24 signed + shipped (any of the 2 books)
3 books: $35 signed + shipped (any 3)
4 books: $45 signed + shipped (any 4)
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Get one for your child and a couple of their friends, grandchildren, cousins, or a classroom. The 4-book option is a great deal!
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How to order:
Simply send your payment through Venmo: @Kathryn-Egly (last four digits: 3459)
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I’ll personally sign your books and get them shipped your way!
If you’d prefer to pay with a credit card/paypal, use this link.
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🎁 Every Book You Order = A Giveaway Entry!
Here’s where it gets even more fun.
Every book you purchase gives you one entry into a special kids’ prize pack giveaway!
So if you order:
1 book = 1 giveaway entry 2 books = 2 entries 3 books = 3 entries, etc.
And there are two easy ways to earn additional entries:
Share this blog post with your friends or on social media = 1 extra entry
🪣 What’s in the Prize Pack?
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I wanted the giveaway prize to be just as fun as the story!
One lucky winner will receive a Snake Surprise-inspired prize pack for their kids, including:
All four of my children’s books
A toy snake
A toy turtle
Gummy snakes
A fun squishy toy
And a bucket inspired by the one Clark used to bring his snake along for the adventure!
It’s basically a little bucket of reading + fun + surprises.
The giveaway winner will be chosen and announced on Sunday, September 20th.
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Thank You for Supporting My Books
Every time you purchase one of my books, you aren’t just buying a story. You’re supporting an independent children’s author and helping me continue creating books that encourage kids to read, laugh, explore, and find the good in everyday adventures.
I would love to put a signed copy of Snake Surprise in the hands of your little reader!
Order your signed copy today through Venmo: @Kathryn-Egly
And don’t forget toleave a review and share this post for those extra giveaway entries!
Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Snake Surprise.
Every year, September 11th asks something of us: to pause, to remember, and to make sure the next generation understands what happened and why it still matters. Books have a way of doing that better than almost anything else. They slow us down. They put us inside a moment instead of just telling us about it.
This year, I’m recommending four books that approach 9/11 from very different angles: a personal memoir, an audio recording, a biographical work, and a novel written for young readers. Together, they cover the emotional and factual sides of remembering.
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My Memory of 9/11
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I was two months out from my wedding, and had just arrived at Jenks Elementary School to prepare for the 27 fourth graders who would soon arrive. A staff member ran past my door and told me to come to the office, something had happened. I joined a cluster of teachers and staff huddled around a tiny TV screen, and together we watched, in horror, as one plane hit the World Trade Center, and then a second.
That was all I had time to see, and all I knew, before the bell rang and I had to walk back into my classroom and welcome my students. They, of course, had no idea what had just happened, and I was not going to be the one to tell them. I didn’t even know what was happening.
I remember wondering, quietly, all day long: Is the world ending? Are we safe? Am I still going to get married in two months?
We got through the school day the only way I knew how, one lesson at a time, keeping calm and staying positive for kids who deserved a normal day even when nothing about it was normal. That evening, like so many families across the country, we sat glued to the news and called the people we loved to make sure they were safe and discover what they knew.
In the weeks that followed, I watched our nation do something I’ll never forget: we leaned on each other. We grew closer in our faith, in our care for strangers, in our sense that we belonged to something bigger than ourselves.
That’s the part of 9/11 I hold onto, the way we showed up for one another in the days after.
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Here are four books to consider reading to remember the heroes and events from that day:
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1. Let’s Roll! by Lisa Beamer
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I couldn’t put this book down. It tells the story of Todd, who said the famous words “Let’s Roll,” before he fought the hijackers on United Flight 93. This memoir isn’t really about that one moment, it’s about everything before and after it. Lisa writes about their marriage, their faith, and the almost unbearable task of raising 2 young children while pregnant with their 3rd, and grieving in front of the entire country.
Why read it: It’s the most intimate of the three books: a window into what it actually felt like to lose someone on that day, and what it took to keep going.
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2. Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11 by Mitchell Zuckoff
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Rise and Fall book
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This is a newer book, written so an entire generation of young people can learn about, and remember that day.
The author spent years interviewing survivors, first responders, hijackers’ families, government officials, and people who were working that morning. He weaves hundreds of individual stories into a single, minute-by-minute narrative of the day.
Why Read it: There is so much packed into this book that makes it a gripping non-fiction story. I loved the biographical nature of this book and think you will too.
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3. The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett Graff
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This is an incredibly unique book. It’s an oral history, meaning there’s no narrator, just the words of the people who lived through that day, stitched together chronologically. I recommend you LISTEN to this one. Graff pulled from hundreds of interviews and never-before-published transcripts, including accounts from President Bush and his staff aboard Air Force One, first responders inside the towers, Pentagon survivors, and passengers’ families learning the news in real time. There’s no distance here; you’re dropped straight into the conversations, chaos and confusion as it unfolded, minute by minute.
Why read it: It reads like a documentary on the page. Why listen to it: It will give you chills as you listen to the voices of those who were there.
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4. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
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Alan Gratz is one of my son’s favorite authors!
Written for middle-school and young adult readers, Ground Zero tells the story of a boy named Brandon trapped inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He writes in such captivating detail and makes you feel like you are a part of history.
Why read it: Hand this to a pre-teen, or read aloud as a family or classroom. It’s perfect for anyone born after 9/11 who wants to understand it. It not only re-lives the day itself, but also connects it to the twenty years of consequences that followed.
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Why These Books
Each book fills a gap the others leave open. Let’s Roll! gives you the grief. Fall and Rise gives you the full scope. The Only Plane in the Sky gives you an inside look. Ground Zero gives you a story to share with young readers. These four books make remembering 9/11, the people who lived through it, and the people who didn’t.
What’s your 9/11 story? Share it in the comments.
Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.
My mom, my sisters, and I just had the perfect Stillwater girls’ weekend — and it started with a surprise at my own front door. (Click here to watch the surprise).
My mom and sisters traveled in from all over the country, and all I’d been told was to pack a weekend bag. I had no idea where we were headed until we pulled up to the Rivertown Inn Bed & Breakfast in Stillwater, MN, a gorgeous home built by a lumber baron in the 1800s. The inn has a book theme running through it — every room is named after and decorated in honor of a famous author, which they knew I’d LOVE, since reading and writing are my two favorite things (after faith and family). The home is beautiful inside and out, and just steps from downtown.
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Exploring Downtown Stillwater
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From our B&B, we walked down to the historic Lift Bridge, built in 1931 and one of only three working lift bridges left in the country. Standing on it, you are in between two states — one side of the St. Croix River is Minnesota, the other is Wisconsin.
We spent the afternoon wandering the quaint main street, with stores selling clothes, antiques, art, and books. My favorite was a store dedicated entirely to local Minnesota-made goods. Perhaps you’ll find my books in that shop one day soon?
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A Trolley Tour Full of History
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If you visit Stillwater, do not skip the Stillwater Trolley tour. Our driver, who also owns the company, was an absolute encyclopedia of local history. Did you know Stillwater is actually known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota”? He pointed out a hotel built to resemble George Washington’s Mount Vernon (pictured above), along with a home built by Abraham Lincoln’s cousin.
We capped off the day with dinner on the river, watching the moon rise, and a slow, happy walk back to the B&B.
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Coffee, Stairs, and Historic Homes
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The next morning started right: coffee, a river walk, and a climb up the famous Stillwater Stairs to a stunning overlook. There are honestly so many staircases around this town that I suggested we rename it “Stair-water.” We wandered the neighborhood, completely charmed by all the beautifully restored historic homes.
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Museums, Libraries, and Teddy Bears
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From there, we toured Minnesota’s oldest standing courthouse, built in 1870 — now a free museum, complete with the original jail cell still inside. Just down the road, we stopped at the Carnegie Library, built in 1902 with funding from Andrew Carnegie himself. (I hope to visit EVERY Carnegie library in Minnesota!)
I had to stop at Teddy Bear Park — perfect for kids, and for anyone who’s still a kid at heart.
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We made a stop at Ascension Episcopal Church to admire their stunning Tiffany stained glass windows. The staff was so friendly, sharing all kinds of interesting things about Stillwater’s history.
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Marine on St. Croix
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We drove about 10 miles north to Marine on St. Croix, a tiny, impossibly charming town. It’s one of the oldest towns in Minnesota, founded in 1839 as the site of the state’s very first commercial sawmill. Walking around, it genuinely feels frozen in time — well-preserved buildings, a historic general store, and a whole lot of small-town character packed into just a few blocks. We grabbed lunch, took a leisurely walk, and stopped by a beautiful local winery before heading back to Stillwater.
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Minnehaha Falls and Mall of America
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On our last day, before heading to the airport, we made two final stops. First: Minnehaha Falls, a gorgeous 53-foot waterfall in Minneapolis. Then, because two of my sisters had never been, we stopped at the Mall of America. You really can’t come to Minnesota without experiencing MOA at least once.
We had the best girls’ weekend in Stillwater (and beyond). Have you been? If so, what was your favorite part?
Snake Surprise is now out in the world, and I am SO excited to finally share it with you!
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The Story
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This book is based on a true family adventure when my son finds a snake at the park and tries to sneak it home. What follows is a funny, unexpected adventure!
It’s silly. It’s suspenseful. And it’s the kind of story that gets told and retold for years, which is exactly why it’s now a book.
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A Huge Thank You to Brianna
This book would not be what it is without the incredible illustrations from Brianna. She took this story of a snake on the loose and brought every bit of the chaos and the charm to life on the page.
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Bring Snake Surprise Home
Snake Surprise is available on Amazon now and signed copies will be available in September!
If you’ve got a kid who loves animals, a good laugh, or a story that’s just a little bit wild, get this book!
Thank you for being here for this launch, and for every step of the journey that got us here. Here’s to Snake Surprise, and to many more read-aloud-again-and-again nights ahead.
I was not familiar with the name, Mike Posner, until this week. I danced along to his upbeat dance song many years ago. However, I had never really listened to the words of that song until today. Though it has a fun, upbeat music, the lyrics are SAD and full of disappointment, loneliness and despair. (Warning: the lyrics contain bad words.)
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HOWEVER….
God rewrote his story and Mike rewrote the song. Listen here:
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What a beautiful transformation.
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God creates beauty from ashes. He turns sadness into joy, despair into hope, and puts the lonely into families.
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After months of writing, editing, and illustrating, I am so excited to introduce the cover of my newest children’s book: Snake Surprise!
This book is based on another true and crazy story — the kind that happens often with a house full of boys! It’s going to have you laughing (or maybe screaming?!), and your kids asking to read it again and again.
A huge thank you to Brianna for bringing this story to life with her illustrations. Every page of this book exists because of her talent, and I couldn’t be more grateful to work with her on this one.
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The Countdown Has Begun
Our September launch is officially on the calendar, and the countdown has started! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes moments, sneak peeks, and how “Snake Surprise” came to be.
Boston had been on my bucket list for years. So when my husband, Ted, got invited to speak at Harvard right around my 50th birthday, I knew I had to join him.
We only had two days, but that turned out to be exactly enough: one full day to explore the city of Boston, and one more to wander Harvard’s campus and watch Ted give a phenomenal talk to a room full of leaders. By the end of it, I understood why people LOVE this city – and why, especially this year, it deserves a spot on your bucket list.
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Day One: Wandering Boston
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I flew in, dropped my bags at the hotel, and hopped in an Uber straight into the city. I started my adventure in Beacon Hill, the most beautiful and historic neighborhood in Boston. The homes are 200 years old and absolutely breathtaking. I giggled with delight at every block.
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I even stumbled upon the bar that inspired Cheers. Naturally, I had to walk in. Nobody knew my name, so I kept walking.
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From there, I strolled through the first public garden in the United States, then The Boston Common, which was established in 1634 and became the first public park. It was here that I bought a ticket for the Freedom Trail. You can absolutely walk the trail on your own for free, but I love a good story, so I splurged ($18) on the narrated tour. Our guide walked us through Boston – explaining how different sites shaped American history. Every guide tells different facts and stories, and every group asks unique questions, so you could do this tour over and over, and never have the same experience twice. I LOVED the tour and look forward to doing it again.
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Boston Public Garden, Est. 1837
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Another option for exploring Boston is the hop-on, hop-off trolley that drives around the city, narrating important facts and stories.
After the tour, I purchased an obligatory cannoli at the North End of town. There’s a big competition about which bakery makes the best one. I tried Modern Bakery, next time I’ll get one from Mike’s to determine who makes the better pastry. They are almost across the street from one another, so you can try them both and decide for yourself.
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Pistachio Cannoli from Modern Bakery
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Next, I walked to the site of the Boston Tea Party, where I stopped at the gift shop for an ornament. Later, I ducked into a restaurant that once served the very signers of our Constitution. Sitting there, I was nearly in tears thinking about how those same floors once held the people who built this country.
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Exhausted and happy, I caught an Uber back to the hotel, and ended having dinner with Ted.
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Day Two: Harvard, Birthday Lobster Rolls, and JFK’s Table
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I woke up on my 50th birthday to avocado toast and Coconut Coffee at the Phin Coffee House (SO GOOD).
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Coconut CoffeeAvocado Toast
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Next, I rented a Bluebike – there are pick up and drop off spots around town – rent a bike for the FULL day or the minutes add up FAST. (Don’t ask me how I know) Exploring Harvard’s campus on bike was an adventure and a delight. The turns are sharp and the brick sidewalks are historic, beautiful, and BUMPY! I was in AWE of the gorgeous architecture, stately churches, and centuries of history packed into a few square blocks. Knowing I was walking the same steps as Thomas Jefferson, JFK, and John Adams gave me chills. I stopped at the bridge to watch the rowers practice and wandered out to the football field just to take it all in.
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Later that day, I got to sit in the audience and watch my husband give a phenomenal talk to a room full of leaders, one of those proud-spouse moments I won’t forget.
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That night, we headed back into Boston for dinner at the bar inside one of the city’s most storied hotels; the kind of place where presidents and historical figures have stayed for generations. I ordered a fabulous lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder, which I’m convinced are the two non-negotiable things you must eat in Boston.
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Omni Parker HotelThe table where JFK asked Jackie to marry him..
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After dinner, the host took us to the very table where Jackie and JFK got engaged.
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Why You Should Go – Especially This Year
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I cannot recommend a trip to Boston enough. It’s a city where you can stand in a garden, a tavern, a church, a print shop, or Paul Revere’s home, and feel the weight of the people who gathered there to build a nation.
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Paul Revere’s home
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This year, there’s an extra reason to go: 2026 marks 250 years since America’s founding, and Boston is throwing a celebration to match.
Every year since 1776, the Declaration of Independence has been read aloud from the balcony of the Old State House. During the Bicentennial in 1976, Queen Elizabeth II stood on that very balcony for the reading, exactly 200 years after Bostonians tossed British tea into the harbor. In a nod to history, and a good sense of humor, Boston even reimbursed the Queen for the long-lost tea.
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If you’ve ever thought about visiting Boston, this is the year to do it. Walk the Freedom Trail. Eat the lobster roll. Stand where history happened. I spent my 50th birthday there and walked away with a deeper love for this country and the people who built it, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 250 years.
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If you’ve been to Boston, leave a comment and tell me what you love about this city.
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Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.
If you have a teenage boy, you probably already know that getting them to read can feel like negotiating a peace treaty.
I’m not above a little strategic motivation. Around here, reading can earn you your favorite dinner, a little cold hard cash, or both. On the flip side, if you don’t touch a book, you won’t touch your phone. The investment will pay off in ways that last far longer than summer break.
Because once you find the right books, something shifts. Boys who “don’t like reading” suddenly can’t put a book down. The key is choosing stories that are fast-moving, real, and full of grit, courage, and purpose.
Here are some of our favorite, teen boy-approved reads:
Two bicycle mechanics from Ohio with no college degrees, no government funding, and no guarantee of success, changed the world forever. This is a story about failure, persistence, and the audacity to believe you can do what no one has ever done. This book is for the teen who wants to read about how an impossible dream can come true!
Boys in the Boat for Young ReadersBoys in the Boat
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Nine young men from America who went to the 1936 Berlin Olympics and stunned the world (including Adolf Hitler) by winning the gold medal in rowing. This is one of the most thrilling underdog stories ever told, and it’s all true. Brown focuses especially on Joe Rantz, a boy who grew up with almost nothing, and shows how teamwork, sacrifice, and sheer will can carry you further than talent alone. Your son won’t want to put this book down.
This short book may be the most quietly life-changing one on the list. It follows a young man named John who travels to Japan to become a samurai, and the wisdom his sensei teaches him isn’t about archery at all. He learns how to build a life worth living through daily discipline, humility, and process over outcome. In a world of instant everything, this book teaches boys something countercultural and essential: that greatness is built in the ordinary moments, one day at a time. Great for any boy involved in sports, the arts, or anything he wants to pursue with excellence.
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4. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
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In 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his crew set sail for Antarctica. Their ship became trapped and crushed by ice. What followed was nearly two years of survival against conditions so brutal it’s almost impossible to believe. Lansing reconstructs the story from diaries and interviews, and the result is one of the greatest survival narratives ever written. This book will make your son look at his own challenges differently. Whatever he’s going through, it’s not the Antarctic. And somehow, that’s incredibly motivating.
Brother Andrew was a young Dutch man who began smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain in the 1950s, driving through communist checkpoints with nothing but his faith and a prayer. This memoir reads like a spy thriller, except it’s real, and the stakes were life and death. It’s a story of one person’s radical faith, courage under pressure, and conviction that some things are worth risking everything for. I recommend this book for any teen asking big questions about faith, purpose, and what it means to stand for something.
This one is a little different from the rest of the list. It’s a novel set in 1954 and follows eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson, freshly released from a work farm, who plans to drive west with his younger brother to start a new life. Instead, two uninvited companions hijack the trip and send everything sideways. Towles is a masterful storyteller, and this book is funny, surprising, and genuinely wise about brotherhood, justice, and what it means to forge your own path. A great choice for the boy who likes his stories with a little more grit and imagination.
If your son loves football, hand him this book. Michael Lewis tells the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager from Memphis who was taken in by a family and became an NFL first-round draft pick – but it’s also a fascinating deep dive into the game of football, and why protecting a quarterback’s “blind side” became one of the most valuable skills in sports. Lewis makes you care about strategy, statistics, and a kid’s life all at once. For football lovers, this is the one that turns them into readers.
For a fast-paced read that teen boys won’t want to put down, add Ground Zero by Alan Gratz to the list. The novel weaves together two parallel storylines set eighteen years apart – one storyline features nine-year-old Brandon, caught in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, fighting to survive. Gratz delivers an unforgettable take on history. Gratz has a gift for putting readers right in the middle of pivotal historical moments, pairing action with emotional depth. My boys LOVE Alan Gratz’s novels and I think your teen will too.
If you haven’t discovered the Heroes of History series by Janet and Geoff Benge, you’re in for a treat. These biographies are written in a narrative, story-driven style that makes history feel like a fast-paced fiction novel.
Start with George Washington: a man of humility, faith, and extraordinary perseverance who held a struggling nation together through impossible odds. Then try Daniel Boone, a frontier adventurer who embodied courage and self-reliance in the American wilderness, or Abraham Lincoln, a man of honesty and moral conviction who navigated America’s darkest hour with quiet strength. Benjamin Franklin captures the story of a scrappy, apprentice who became one of history’s greatest inventors, writers, and statesmen, proof that curiosity and hard work are a powerful combination. And don’t miss George Washington Carver, a man born into slavery who became one of America’s most brilliant scientists through faith, perseverance, and a refusal to let his circumstances define his ceiling. Round it out with Theodore Roosevelt, a sickly, asthmatic boy who became an amazing leader. And for the boy who loves exploration and or US History, Meriwether Lewis is a must – the fearless co-leader who helped map an uncharted continent and opened the American West.
Any one of these is a great starting point. Your sons might end up like me, wanting ro read the entire Heroes of History series.
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The Bribe Is Worth It
Whether it’s Culver’s or cash or staying up late to read one more chapter – don’t hesitate to incentivize. Reading is a habit, and habits need momentum. Once a teenage boy discovers that a book can genuinely thrill him, challenge him, and even change the way he sees himself, you won’t need the bribes anymore.
This summer, give him stories worth reading. The rewards will last a lifetime.
What book does your teenager love? Leave a comment!
This Mother’s Day, I asked my boys to take over the household chores for the day, while I put my feet up and enjoyed the day off.
Clark was my driver and he owned the kitchen. Paul tackled laundry (washing, drying, folding and putting away – he survived). Luke vacuumed. George organized our pantry, which means we can actually find things in there.
I have decided that a clean house is my love language, especially when my sons are making it happen.
I rewarded them with lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, where I discovered what might be the best-kept secret in casual dining: four people can eat unlimited appetizers for $12 total. Not $12 each. Total.
And the BWW cheese curds? They melt in your mouth. I’m not usually a fan of cheese curds, but these were SO good and our favorite of all the apps we tried.
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Where I’m going:
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Game Show Studio
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I attended a Yelp elite event at a locally-owned Game Show Studio. It was absolutely SO much fun. We laughed. We cheered. We played. Who’s coming with me next time? (This is not a rhetorical question. Text me.)
Paul’s final middle school choir concert was this week, it’s a bittersweet end of an era. Twice a year, parents would gather to watch their kids sing, while also trying not to laugh (success rates varied). Kids dressed up. Parents caught up. It was a whole thing. Now it’s over, and I’ll be honest: I’m going to miss it. The kids are going to miss absolutely nothing about it, and they’d like you to know that.
Also this week – Basketball games with Clark and baseball games with Luke – the boy hit a triple this week and earned the game ball!
American Idol – I can’t remember if I’ve ever watched a full season from beginning to end, but one night the auditions were on, and Hannah Harper started singing. She had me at string cheese (you’ll have to watch her audition to understand). I just had to follow her entire journey. She won and watching her try to sing that beautiful final song through tears made me teary too.
I also had a flash back to 2008 when one-year-old George and I were sitting in the living room and American Idol was on in the background. He stopped playing with his toys and turned to watch the contestant sing. I remember it because I was finally like, “Oh, this is a show we can actually both enjoy together. No more Baby Einstein.” Now he’s 18, a senior in high school, and sitting next to me on the couch, doing his homework while we watch the finale. This is a bittersweet moment for me because I’m remembering watching the show with baby George and feeling like time has passed too quickly. I share the memory with George and tell him it’s the last time we will watch American Idol together and he said, “Mom, I’m not dying, I’m just going to college!”
Lectio – an amazing prayer app that starts and ends my days.
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What I’m loving:
Everything is blooming in Minnesota! Finally. Birds singing. Ducklings hatching. If you live in the frozen tundra, you understand on a cellular level why spring feels like a gift – we’ve earned it after surviving another winter, and we are going to appreciate every single sunny day like it’s the most beautiful thing we’ve ever seen. Because it is.
Click the link – these are a game changer for breakfast on the go.
Veggie soup (the clean-out-the-fridge edition)
Open the refrigerator. Grab every vegetable that’s been quietly judging you from the crisper drawer. Sauté or boil them with some chicken broth. Blend. Marvel at the fact that you turned wilting veggies into something genuinely delicious.
We just got back from a Royal CaribbeanFreedom of the Seas cruise, and not only was it an incredible trip, but it was also such a special way to celebrate a senior year milestone.
Four mom + Four Sons = One Unforgettable Adventure
A week we’ll never forget. I’m so grateful for this time away with our senior boys – laughing until late, great conversations, exploring new places, and soaking in every last moment before the next big season of life.
From deck views and dinner memories to our snorkeling adventure, this trip was more than a vacation… it was a celebration of who these boys have become. Strong, kind, funny, and ready for what’s next.
So thankful for the friendships, the memories, and these incredible seniors we’re so proud of. Senior trip: success.
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Not only were core memories made, we picked up a bunch of helpful tips along the way – some practical, some surprising, and some we wish we knew ahead of time. If you’re heading on a cruise soon, here’s everything that made our trip smoother, more fun, and even more memorable.
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Getting On & Off the Ship
I was honestly nervous about how to get on and off the ship, but it was SO incredibly easy. They’ve made it smooth and very organized. Don’t stress about this part. When you get to the port, signs and people are there to direct you with where to drop your bags and board the ship.
I was also nervous about the fact that we booked a flight the SAME day as the cruise. Thankfully, our flight left on time and we went from the airport to our Uber to walking right onto the ship. You can avoid some stress by flying in early, but it CAN work to fly in the morning of the cruise.
Shampoo and conditioner – there was only ONE mystery liquid in the shower. I did NOT bring my own shampoo or conditioner so I used the mystery. My hair survived, so yours might too, but I wish I would have brought my own stuff.
Reusable shopping bag. I brought a reusable shopping bag that folds up into a tiny pouch. This was great for bringing things to the pool, and for excursions/beach days.
Plastic container + baggies for leftovers or open snacks.
Pack clothes in your carryon. The staff takes your bags right when you get dropped off at port and you won’t get them til night. Pack shorts, t-shirt, sandals and swimming gear in your carryon so you can enjoy the cruise from the moment you step on board.
Reusable Water Bottle – You can get water at meals, but water bottles are $1 each. Save yourself some $ by bringing your own bottle!
CASH – The cruise does charge extra money every day for tips for all staff, but you might want to bring more for those who are extra helpful! For example: Excursion crew members, bag attendants, your room attendant, and your waiter. Also, bring money if you eat at a restaurant OFF the island.
No iron in the room and no self-service laundry (you can pay for both). I recommend that you bring clothes that don’t require ironing.
There ARE drawers and a closet with hangers.
There IS a safe in the room.
Unpack when you arrive and slide suitcases under beds to save space in your room.
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Food & Drinks Tips
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Black coffee with cream and sugar – FREE in multiple spots.
Starbucks is available for purchase. Bonus: All food at Starbucks is NO charge.
Pizza place in the promenade is open LATE every night and serves three types of pizza and no charge. Pepperoni, cheese, and pizza of the day – all delicious. Gluten free and veggie upon request.
Dinners in the main dining room are amazing – no need to upgrade. Every dinner included steak, seafood, pasta, chicken and vegetarian options for no extra charge. The menu changes every night and you can order anything you’d like.
When you get onboard, go straight to Windjammer for a great lunch and lovely view. Then explore the ship.
Cococay beach day has food INCLUDED in several large lunch areas.
Water, coffee and juice included. Pop/soda extra.
Alcoholic drinks are about $14 each. HOWEVER, there is a DRINK OF THE DAY for $8.50 and margaritas are $6 from 4-6pm everyday.
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Best Spot on the Ship
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Find the helicopter pad for amazing views and great photo opportunities. It was one of our favorite hidden gems.
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Entertainment Tip
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The shows were absolutely FANTASTIC. The family comedy show had every person in our group laughing for the ENTIRE show. Thank you PETE. We also loved the fabulous “Broadway” shows, as well as the game shows.
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Excursion Highlight
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If you’re going to Cozumel, I highly recommend snorkeling. It was one of the highlights of our trip – amazing fish I’ve never seen, every color of the rainbow. An unforgettable experience for all of us.
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Gym Lovers
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The gym is amazing – no extra charge, full of equipment and everything you need for a great workout. Pack work out clothes.
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One Last Smart Tip
Book your Uber the night before you leave the ship. Everyone is trying to get transportation to the airport at the same time on the morning you leave.
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Cruises are such a fun vacation, and I honestly can’t wait to do it again. I hope these cruise tips help you feel more prepared and relaxed before you step on your ship!
