When Ashley Wanichko set out on a seven-day cruise with her sons and boyfriend, she had no idea what awaited her. Little did she know that a simple forgetfulness would lead to an unforgettable experience.

Embracing the Chaos

After boarding Carnival's Mardi Gras Cruise, Wanichko was shocked by the small size of the room she had booked. Sharing the cozy quarters with her boyfriend and two children, she documented the unique situation in a now-viral TikTok. In her video titled "POV: you forgot to upgrade your room and you’re about to be REAALL close for the next week," she showed off her small bed and two bunk beds above it. Despite the limited space, her boyfriend seemed to be enjoying himself, and her sons were excited for the week ahead.

Initial Disappointment

When Wanichko booked the cabin two years ago, she had no idea it would be as small as it was, especially on a new ship. She had assumed it would be similar to her more spacious first cruise. But as soon as she opened the door, she and her family were taken aback. However, instead of being disappointed, Wanichko decided to embrace the adventure with her family. She was only paying $1,200 for seven days, and it turned out to be a great deal.

Family Dynamics

The family dynamic on this trip was anything but ordinary. Alongside Wanichko's parents and her ex-husband's family, they all navigated their vacation in different rooms. Wanichko explained, "We have a very big family dynamic of coparenting. It's not your typical coparents that dislike each other. We are a very tight-knit group." Her longtime boyfriend also played an important role, always rolling with the punches and embracing the chaos.

Making Memories

Many commenters on TikTok joked about the room being like a "spacious N.Y.C. apartment," but others praised Wanichko. One user wrote, "As a kiddo, this is so unforgettable and special. They will talk about it forever." Another added, "My family always went on cruises like this when I was a kid. It’s actually really fun and brings the family closer." Wanichko wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "They were excited. They’re kids... I look back on this and it was our best trip. We made so many core memories."