When I moved 11 hours away from my family to be closer to work, I didn’t think much about what the holidays would look like. I figured I’d just cross that bridge when I got to it. But then Thanksgiving started creeping up, and I had to make a choice.

Between the sky-high holiday flight prices, figuring out which relative had the best couch, and trying to bribe someone in my new city to cat-sit for the week… I decided to stay put and create some new holiday traditions in my new home. And I stood on that decision — all the way until the week of Thanksgiving when everyone at work was swapping family plans and food recipes… and I started feeling a little depressy.

 Who was I kidding? I couldn’t fake the funk any more, I had no holiday cheer. So, I did what any level-headed, completely sane person would do: I booked a last-minute cruise to Haiti to lift my spirits!

The “How Did We Get Here” Moment

Okay, let me back up. Once I accepted that I wasn’t going back to North Carolina, I started researching quick, budget-friendly trips I could take just to switch up the scenery. I thought maybe I’d find a little countryside Airbnb and do a cute road trip. Instead, I found an all-inclusive multi-destination cruise for less than $100 a day!

Food, fun, ocean views — all of it. Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving like escaping to the Caribbean, right? The holiday blues turned into “Fam, I’ll see y’all next year” REAL quick. Next thing I know I was booking a cheap spirit flight to Miami where my cruise ship would depart. 

Miami Shenanigans

I flew in a day early because I knew I needed a night of popping in and out of Miami speakeasies to properly kick off my vacation. Great decision. Elite decision. The next morning, slightly hungover but very much ready, I boarded the ship for a week of luxury and vibes. The captain let us know we would be going to Haiti right after we stopped in Key West between our sea days.

Key West Was Cute, But the Cruise Was Better

Our day In Key West was a vibe. The weather was perfect, the food was top-tier, and the energy was chill and charming. They even had their own Bourbon street which reminded me of my new home while I was away. But honestly? I was living for the boat itself. Even though it was barely at half capacity (I secretly loved this), I had just as much fun on the sea days with other passengers and the crew. I’m talking about winning bottles of champagne from raffles (yes, i’m that girl), getting tipsy in the hot tub, and laughing over dinner with other spontaneous travelers. 

The Main Event: Labadee, Haiti

It was all gone with the wind fabulous, but the real gag was docking in Haiti on our 4th day. Or should I say the beautiful island of Labadee.  

Going to this island was like a dream.  It’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen in my life. Picture lush green mountains hugging the coastline, perfectly manicured park spaces, and crystal-clear water that looks photoshopped in real life. What made it even more special was the warmth of the Haitian people. I danced with locals dressed in bold red and yellow flowy outfits, their energy so vibrant it was truly contagious. Then there was the jet skiing in the ocean. I was riding so fast that my cheeks hurt from laughing and grinning the whole time. Needless to say, the experience was one I will never forget. 

I didn’t plan to spend Thanksgiving on a cruise. I didn’t plan to fall in love with Haiti. But sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. What started as a holiday funk turned into a memory I’ll never forget