DeerJod

So we have status with delta and after deltas fumbling with their loyalty perk changes jet blue offered a status match. I applied and was awarded mosaic having not flown on jet blue within the last year. i have to say jet blue really offers a premium set of amenities, including free checked bags, priority lines, free access to upgraded seats and free drinks in flight. I’ll lose the jet blue status on Jan 1 2024 but this little basket of perks is making our flight much easier without any additional cost. C

Made it to the airport and everything is on time.

2 full-size bags, a pack and play, car seat bag, stroller bag, three backpacks and a small purse. I forgot how much “fun” it is to travel as a family with small children.

Short run to offset the gluttony that is about to unfold.

Weather systems appear to have passed, here’s hoping for a safe and uneventful travel day! x

Not an ideal email from Jet Blue, but we don’t fly in until late Thursday so fingers crossed we’re good.

Although we have no distinct plans, there is a side quest that we'll be embarking on with this sailing. Thanks to Sea Dog I know that RCL ships carry this Jack Daniels Single Malt in the duty free stores. If you aren't familiar with this particular bottle it is only sold in duty free stores and some military bases so you can't simple walk into a liquor store stateside to purchase it.

Consider this the Hype post to start my 3 day live review on Freedom of the Seas. Itinerary is an interesting one in that we are not stopping at Nassau, every 3 nighter I've done in the past has the obligatory stop in Nassau so this will be interesting to have a true sea day to round out the long weekend. Honestly I thought we had a stop in Nassau until typing up this post and realizing we were not going to be seeing Atlantis, so not sure if this got dropped last minute or if it was never part of the itinerary? This will be a family cruise with my DW and our two kids. So think of this as a Thirty Somethings Getaway Cruise guest featuring a 7 year old and a 2 year old. This sailing was HEAVILY subsidized by Club Royale, but not completely free as I had to pay for both of the kids. As a result we're all staying in an Ultra Spacious Ocean View room, (think regular OV room but with a set of bunk beds). All in all, the upgrade costs from the free interior plus two extra's put us at about $1,000 out the door with taxes and fees (not including tips) for the cruise fare. I'm interested to see what the room is like, but honestly have a feeling we'll be missing our typical connecting rooms. For those of you assuming family cruise = boring posts I assure there will be bourbon consumed and black jack being played which should balance out the posts from the kids pool nicely. We're all diamonds, so I guarantee we will leverage all of our free drinks each and every day of the cruise. I'll keep an eye out for any questions or posts as we lead up to departure, but hope you all enjoy the ride.

Thank you for looking this up for me! We sail in a few weeks and I'm excited to get one!

Thank you!

Mind checking the price on that Jack Daniels single Malt? The pink/blue one. Supposedly it's only sold in duty free locations. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi_-LiSuI2CAxVVnokEHRYkD5QQFnoECBsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gearpatrol.com%2Ffood%2Fdrinks%2Fa45355847%2Fjack-daniels-american-single-malt%2F&usg=AOvVaw1CT_C2kQSp_LnoDLXG9Rt-&opi=89978449

So after my dry spell with casino offers, RCL has decided I'm worth investing in... I've received 3 free cruise offers since returning. Two were for 3/4 night interiors out of Florida with 50$ free play and one was for 100$ free play and there was quite a large selection of cruises from now until June of 2024 for interior or OV. It's exciting to be wanted again.

I actually don't remember unfortunately! The doors were not free swinging as the ship moved though so something must have helped secure them.

Great cruise was had by all. Hope everyone enjoyed sailing along with us this past week.

Great final dinner. if you’re curious on tips: 100 head waiter 100 asst waiter 100 +snacks stateroom attndnt 160 in drink tips.

Bt old fashioned proof tipping does wonders

Someone bought all of those Blantons but interesting twist, a manager stated they do match prices from a legit website.

$10 bj pays 6 to 5 anything higher stakes is 3 to 2

Absolute dream run at the 25$ bj table puts us even for the trip. Going to book this as a win.

Getting prepared for normal life, waiting until after noon to drink.

Get to ice skating 30 min before signups, huge line last day and they filled all the sessions quickly.

22 actual miles run this week not bad considering a less than ideal food and bev combo.

So day 7 the last and final. Kids are eating breakfast and I’m off to run, see you all after a few laps.

I’ll confirm but my 6ish son was well above the height restriction. No drinks of the day had by me, blue Hawaiian and dark and stormy were the two that I remember seeing

One more day but it’s been an amazing ride so far.