Fun Old Fashioned Family Christmas Freedom OTS *Live Dec 18-21*

[mandyleighflies]

Hey kids. Long time no sea 😆😆 

 

No you are not seeing things. I am living the dream of two cruises a week apart from each other. My husband and I just got off Allure yesterday morning and landed back in VA last night. In fact, I have one full day off before we fly out on Sunday the 17th…that day being today.  I’m an FA so I’m home today but then on back to back work trips coming home the afternoon of the 16th. Thoughts and prayers appreciated. 🤦🏼‍♀️😆 

 

Why the madness? Well. Here’s the story. 
 

Picture it, sitting on our balcony on Lady G this past spring. Yes myself and my father had the drink package, mom doesn’t drink, she just goes along with the shenanigans. We are sitting here with our drinks and my teenage kids talking about the holidays.
 

My parents ask my kids what they want for Christmas and they give the usual “I don’t know, the newest *insert expensive electronics here* because ours are not the newest anymore”. 

 

How dull. The kids go off to hang out with new friends and the adults *and our beverages* get to talking. “Let’s take them on a surprise Christmas cruise” comes up from my mom. My dad is a once a year cruiser, it’s simply not his thing. He quickly says that would be great for mom and I to do with the kids. I then text my husband (their step dad) and my ex (their dad) about this idea. My husband says “no thanks but have fun” (I mean cursing with mother in law…I get It lol) and my ex says “we are actually vacationing in Key West that time frame and would love to coordinate vacations”. 
 

When I’ve had a couple Kraken colada’s on my balcony in Labadee…that’s all the convincing it takes. I email our travel agent friend and fellow FOB here on CC and it’s done. 
 

2 Bedroom Grand Suite the week before Christmas. 
 

*insert multiple Kraken Colada’s here* 

 

What a fun surprise for Christmas.

 

Ultimately, the surprise gets ruined because one day, hanging out with the kids I mentioned I can’t wait for Christmas and our cruise. However, there are things the kids don’t know about yet, which will make it fun. 
 

OH and speaking of those kids. Don’t feel bad for them and their “lack of the best technology”. When we disembark in Miami, their dad is picking us up, dropping mom and I at MIA and taking the kids to spend the next 5 days in Key West at a lovely resort. I will be sure to send everyone’s heartfelt condolences their way….terrible winter break. 
 

 

Now, how did I end up in this back to back “you have literally one day to get your whole life together and ready to go again” moment? 
 

Because everyone in my family thinks a like and hubby had booked Allure as an anniversary gift for us. Our Wedding anniversary is actually today but we celebrated this past weekend. 

 

An alluringly amazing anniversary *Live Allure OTS Dec 8-11th* 

 

If you want, go read that review for all the Allure. 
 

Anyway, welcome to my day of turn around. Currently re-doing luggage tags and chugging coffee, oh and Welcome Aboard. 

 

Edited December 12, 2023 by mandyleighflies

[mandyleighflies]

 

Tags done. Great success. 
 

 

Suitcase ready for a couple days at work. 
 

 

Next cruise setting up. 
 

AND so much laundry….and errands. 
 

It will be totally worth it 😆❤️

[Arzeena]

Still catching up on the Allure and enjoying it. Will follow this one next.

[goldfish65]

Just off Freedom last week, I hope you have as great a time as we did. Don’t miss the new “Marquee” show! 

[mandyleighflies]

I am up bright and way too early for work today and had to recap my *wonderful* day yesterday. 
 

First off, thank you to the kindness of strangers. I received more than enough random kindness yesterday than I can even begin to explain. 
 

I was in the grocery store checkout and the man in front of me randomly bought myself and the cashier candy bars. SO sweet, what an amazing gesture. 
 

Then I went out to my suv and it wouldn’t start. Yes. My car died in the grocery store parking lot. I called my husband hoping it was just a battery issue but he couldn’t jump it. Luckily, I have State Farm roadside assistance and they sent a tow truck. The driver had a special jumper box and suggested we try that before a tow. Wouldn’t you know…it worked. He said I should take my car to National Tire and Battery ASAP to get the battery checked out. I did just that (husband took groceries home) and the amazing staff at NTB said my battery was done and I needed a new one. I was Grateful for a simple, quick and relatively affordable fix. It was the original battery that came with my car (2017 Ford Edge) and so far *knock on wood* the first “issue” that has come around since purchasing her in 2017. 
 

I get home from this fiasco to continue laundry and cook food for my next two trips at work. My leg seems itchy. Fast forward to bedtime and I notice two red bumps on my leg. Spider bite. Awesome. I apply Vaseline and go to bed. 
 

This morning they are the same size but look like brown recluse (Internet search) bites and I will keep an eye on them. Fingers crossed they go away on their own in a couple of days. 
 

I am off to lovely Las Vegas today. I have zero plans on even leaving my hotel room. 
 

Stay tuned! 

[mandyleighflies]

Twas the night before flying out and all through the house…chaos is stirring. 
 

Worked back to back trips at work. Nothing much to report there. However, mom did come with us on our flight home this evening. The first time I’ve had her on one of my flights in over 9 years. I also happened to be working with two of my best friends. 
 

 

Yes we planned the earrings and headbands. Awesome way to start our holiday. 
 

The weather is what it is. Flight is on time for West Palm tomorrow morning. Bright line tickets purchased and hotel is all set in Miami. 
 

 

The night before leaving home and of course my teenage son said “these shorts fit last week” 🙄😆. He will be wearing sports attire this week and he’s not upset about this at all. Mom and I were dying over his short shorts. 😆 

 

Watching the Lions continue to play with our hearts then off to bed. 
 

We have 0430 alarms set. 

Edited December 17, 2023 by mandyleighflies

[perfect match]

Wow, @mandyleighflies! I’m exhausted just reading about your recent adventures! Anniversary cruise, dead battery, spider bites, coordinating the family including kids, all the packing and unpacking so you can do more packing, managing life in general - phew! 😅  To top that, you’ll be coming home just in time for Christmas! 🎄 I’ll be happy to live vicariously through following along with you here! 😎

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. 🤗

 

 

 

[mandyleighflies]

It’s travel day!! 
 

 

When you’re the one up at 0415 because you need to get yourself ready first. Teenagers can take care of themselves but do require some level of “supervision/time management” when leaving the house by 0530. 
 

Flight to West Palm is at 0813 and we are a pre-check household. However, the lines have been nuts the last few weeks and I am not a risk taker. I plan to be at the airport by 0615 just in case. We are Admirals club members…if all goes well we will go and “rot” in the club (or the Clurb as the kids call it) for awhile. 
 

Anyway, time to get myself together….at least partly 😆

[mandyleighflies]

3 hours ago, perfect match said:

Wow, @mandyleighflies! I’m exhausted just reading about your recent adventures! Anniversary cruise, dead battery, spider bites, coordinating the family including kids, all the packing and unpacking so you can do more packing, managing life in general - phew! 😅  To top that, you’ll be coming home just in time for Christmas! 🎄 I’ll be happy to live vicariously through following along with you here! 😎

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. 🤗

 

 

 

Thank you Perfect!! It’s been a HECK of a week that’s for sure. It will be a fun week ahead also, we are an entertaining group 😆❤️

[mandyleighflies]

 

We always love an admirals club moment. Little early for a mimosa for me but stay tuned!! 
 

Getting ready to board our plane to PBI. 
 

 

Ready to leave the cold gloom of DC for the windy warm gloom of south Florida 😆✈️

[mandyleighflies]

Hello from the West Palm Brightline station. 
 

Flight was uneventful aside from some minor turbulence, and no beverage service. It happens. We made it safe and on time. Happy fliers here. 
 

We had a quick lunch at PBI and Ubered to the Brightline station to catch the 1pm train to Miami. 
 

Uber ride was $15-25 (depending on size of vehicle) and MAYBE 10 minutes from PBI. 
 

The station is new and very clean. Quick scan of our tickets on the app and a small security screening and we are in the departures lounge. 
 

 

 

For an additional $30 Per person I choose the premium cabin option. I’ll screenshot the benefits and add them at the bottom. One of the benefits is this “private” departure lounge with self serve beer and wine. Coffee, infused water and light snacks. It’s not bad, I’ll never complain about included wine and food. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Fares include. 

 

Premium Fares come with the following 

 

 

Everyone has their priorities. Mine is space, comfort and to feel pampered on vacation. I’m happy to pay more for this. 
 

My son is thrilled to just be on a train soon 

 

[RedSails1968]

Welcome to sunny South Florida! The wind and rain are gone and it’s a beautiful day 😎

[mandyleighflies]

We are on the train! 
 

It is BEAUTIFUL. Easy boarding process. Clean interior. Comfy seats with multiple outlets. 
 

 

 

 

 

Outlets in the seat and also on the back of the seat in front of you. 

 

 

Lavender scented towels. 
 

 

 

We are happy Sailors. Drinks and snacks coming soon. 

 

[mandyleighflies]

 

All complimentary with our ticket. 
 

I am ruined. I can never fly on a plane again. 

[Another_Critic]

1 minute ago, mandyleighflies said:

I am ruined. I can never fly on a plane again. 

Did you submit your resume for a Conductor job?  😄

[mandyleighflies]

Just now, Another_Critic said:

Did you submit your resume for a Conductor job?  😄

*orders another round and asks for a pen*

[mandyleighflies]

LONG day but we made it to the hotel. 
 

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Brightline. Not only was it a beautiful and convenient service, the staff were all wonderful. 
 

Our Train Hostess, Gina, she was lovely. She kept the cart coming around and talking to everyone. I told her that my son was very into trains and train travel. She said if they had time, when we got to Miami, the conductor and engineer would be able to talk to Ethan. I told her that would be amazing, it would literally make Ethan‘s whole trip. 
 

Sure enough, when we disembarked in Miami, they both were there and happy to show Ethan Around and answer all of his questions about trains. 
 

 

 

 

 

Shawn and Brandon were wonderful. I am for sure. Going to find a way to get them the kudos they deserve. Sean spent an additional 20 minutes with us when his shift was over just to take the time to show Ethan around. We could not be more thankful and grateful. This will definitely be experience he will be talking about forever.

 

My mom booked the hotel. She booked us at the Holiday Inn, Miami Beach. Apparently, when she booked, there was a cruise shuttle available. When we checked in, come to find out, there is no shuttle. We will have to take a third Uber tomorrow morning. It is what it is. Ubers have been running us $20-$30 for four people with our luggage.  
 

 

there’s not much to say aside from it’s a Holiday Inn. It’s pretty clean, definitely showing its age. The staff have been nothing but helpful and friendly so that’s great. 
 

 

We walked down to the pizza place down the street and had a couple awesome pizzas. 
 

Since the kids are teenagers, and we need some space, we booked two rooms. My mom and Ethan in one room and Ava and another. Ava and I are currently in our beds. Watching 90 day fiancé, enjoying some junk food. We are off to bed and will be checking in in the morning. Tomorrow morning is cruise day!!! 

[SteelCityCruiser10]

So much excitement so far!

 

Can i ask , Where did you get your Stanley mug with the ships on it?  Are you filling in the ship names as you sail on them?  
 

Hope you guys have an awesome cruise! 

Cheers 🍻 Mark

[mandyleighflies]

51 minutes ago, SteelCityCruiser10 said:

So much excitement so far!

 

Can i ask , Where did you get your Stanley mug with the ships on it?  Are you filling in the ship names as you sail on them?  
 

Hope you guys have an awesome cruise! 

Cheers 🍻 Mark

I actually got it on an Etsy shop! I had no plans to add ship names but that’s a great idea. The shop name is Pinsoftheseas on Etsy! 

[Husky1987]

2 hours ago, mandyleighflies said:

 

We walked down to the pizza place down the street and had a couple awesome pizzas.

 

While I'd prefer a little more char, that looks like really good pizza.  What was the name of the place?

[perfect match]

Brightening looks great! If we end up booking another cruise sailing from FLL or Miami I would definitely consider booking with them. It’s awesome that those crew members were willing to spend time with your son and show him around the train. 

[mandyleighflies]

7 hours ago, Husky1987 said:

 

While I'd prefer a little more char, that looks like really good pizza.  What was the name of the place?

It’s called Piola, located in the lobby of the Hampton Inn South Beach.  

[mandyleighflies]

Cruise morning! 
 

We had a nice albeit pricey breakfast and are now on our way to the ship!! 
 

 

Our first ship sighting ❤️

[mandyleighflies]

We are onboard!!! Suite perks rock. 
 

 

 

 

The suites departure lounge is lovely. We went through a quick security inspection, greeted by someone to check us in and on the ship in under 10 minutes.
 

 

The kids clearly weren’t excited 😆 

 

 

 

It’s a beautiful day to sail away from Miami. The storms have cleared but it’s still windy, we all took meds just in case. 

[mandyleighflies]

This sailing we are in a 2 Bedroom GS. We are obsessed with the space so far. My mom and Ethan are sharing the master bedroom and Ava and I the interior. 
 

 

Cabin 8714 at the back of the ship. 
 

 

Long hallway. Interior room to the right. 
 

 

Main living space. 
 

 

Master Bedroom 

 

 

Master Bath. 
 

 

Treats!! So very sweet and unexpected. 
 

 

Interior room 

 

 

 

Interior Bathroom