A FAMILY which scooped a seven-day cruise around the Caribbean thanks to a Salisbury Journal-backed competition say they were "left speechless" by the experience.

The Donnarumma family were also awarded the title Royal Caribbean ‘Insta Family’, and will appear in Royal Caribbean marketing and promotional activity this year.

During stage one of the competition 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. A panel of judges watched the videos to determine their top three families’ entries to go forward to stage two of the competition.

Then during stage two of the competition the three finalists families including the Donnarummas from Southampton, the Harman family from Bournemouth, and the Croswell family from Southampton spent the day on Independence of the Seas during October half term, experiencing all that cruise life has to offer, recording their day and showing us what they feel makes a cruise holiday special.

The judges then selected the Donnarumma family as the overall prize winner from the three videos created onboard and they set sail on Harmony of the Seas on 17th-24th February on an eastern Caribbean cruise which encompasses a roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, visiting Philipsburg, St. Maarten - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Labadee, Haiti.

The Donnarummas enjoyed the very best of one of Royal Caribbean’s favourite ships– all in one place onboard Harmony of the Seas! The fun-seeking family looking for the perfect getaway, found the very best of Royal Caribbean here.

On return from their holiday of a life time Carol Donnarumma said "The holiday was absolutely magical. We had the time of our lives.

"Harmony of the Seas is a wonderful ship. We had done some research before we went, but were still left speechless when we saw Harmony and all that she has to offer.

"We couldn’t quite believe her size, and just how many activities and features have been incorporated into the ship and how accommodating it is for families of 5 – we had fun trying as many activities as we could, with the Ultimate Abyss and Wonderland restaurant being particular Donnarumma favourites.

"We loved the ports which we visited, but especially Royal Caribbean’s private resort at Labadee where we had our best family day ever, as we tobogganed, aqua parked and zip lined our way through the day.

"We probably don’t get enough quality time together as a family, and we are so grateful therefore for you giving us the opportunity to create such wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

"Thanks again to all at Royal Caribbean and (Journal sister paper) the Daily Echo for giving us this holiday of a lifetime."