THREE south coast families took to the high seas for their chance to win the holiday of a lifetime.

The Donnarummas, Harmans and Crosswell families were on board Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas for one day only in a bid to create a competition-winning video. They are one step closer to finding the lucky family from the South to become the Royal Caribbean ‘Insta Family’ and scoop themselves an amazing seven-night cruise around the Caribbean.

The winning family will appear in Royal Caribbean marketing and promotional activity in 2019.

The families were shown round the control panel on the ship's bridge before heading home to edit their footage.

Emma Harman, 38, a barrister and her husband Chris, 40, a graphic designer, live in Queen's Park in Bournemouth with their two children Lola, 7, and Miles, 9.

Emma said: "I'm the bossy one but Chris is the creative one. But for the video this time round we are going to go less cheesy I think than the last one!Miles is the action one and Lola is definitely a bit of a drama queen. When we put the first video out we were really putting ourselves out there but it's just about having fun as a family together."

Brothers Lloyd, 34 and Ryan Crosswell, 35 got together with girlfriend Leah Gawthorpe, 31, and fiancee Carley Roland, 29, to make a foursome - after Carley suggested they all enter the competition. Carly, who lives in Sholing with husband Ryan, said: "We are all quite silly really, but I'm such a huge fan of Royal Caribbean, I think it's amazing. Event just getting to come on board for a day is fantastic. And it's great to be able to show that cruises are just for normal people even though when you walk on board you have that 'wow' moment."

The Donnarummas are from Woolston. Carol, 42, is a secretary at Woolston Infant School, and husband Lee is a commercial director for Sir Robert McAlpine. But it's Lee, 41, who is taking creative control of this video. He said: "It's the only time I get any control of anything!" Daughter Ruby added: "My favourite part of the day has been the bungee trampoline with the virtual reality goggles. You get to jump on marshmallows." Carol added: "Being a family of five is quite difficult because you always have to book two rooms which makes it more expensive. So being on a ship would be ideal because you can all go on board together."

Readers submitted 30 second videos on Instagram telling us why they should win the prize and what it would mean for them to experience a Royal Caribbean holiday.

Each of the three families had a special tour round the ship – with a trip to the bridge and a chat with first officer Nick Kriakos – as well as a go on the giant water slides and crazy golf.

 

The Donnarummas

Their task was to create some eye-catching content of their day on board. Then a panel of top judges from Newsquest and Royal Caribbean will judge each video on its creativity – with the best one winning a one week holiday -of-a-lifetime on board sister ship Harmony of the Seas.

The families have this weekend to edit their videos, before handing them in today (Monday Oct 29) before judges make their decision towards the end of next week.

 

The Crosswells

They will then set sail on Harmony of the Seas, on February 17 to February 24, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise which encompasses a round trip from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) visiting Philipsburg, St. Maarten - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Labadee, Haiti.

The winning family will enjoy the very best of one of Royal Caribbean’s favourite ships– all in one place onboard Harmony of the Seas.