hello sunshine & humidity

April2, 2017 - Fort Lauderdale

After a long travel day with some delays we made it to our hotel at about 10:45 pm. We are at Gallery One Double Tree. It's beside a lot of shopping so we went out to stretch our legs before bed. Holy humid! My dry Alberta skin is not used to hot, humid air...at 11pm!

This morning we walked around a bit, went to Starbucks and bought our two bottles of wine that we are allowed to bring on board. We watched some of these guys (and gals?) play in the field. Not as cute as Westley and Phin.

Our room is a suite. It has lots of space and air conditioning.

We took the shuttle to the cruise port and arrived around 12.30. This trip we are travelling as 4 star Mariners so we did not have to wait in any lines. It was really great walking past the hundreds of people waiting in the zig zag lines. We also get free laundry and discounts on wine packages and specialty restaurants. Yippee!

On board we checked out the ship (she still looks great!) and went to DiveIn for lunch. We had our fav burger, dog and fries for lunch. With a celebratory drink.

We caved and bought the thermal suite spa package. With so many days at sea we know we will enjoy it. It's a private space with saunas, a thermal pool, heated relaxation chairs, etc. It really is our favourite indulgence.

The last time we were on the ship we were with a group of 14. We will miss you guys. We always knew Karen and Monte would be in Marshall's corner, mom and dad at the duelling pianos, uncle Rick and Aunty Marylou at BB Kings, Aunty Pat and May at the casino, Lyn in the shops...

We've done our safety drill and will sail in about an hour. Port Everglades is really busy today so we must wait our turn. Even though the Koningsdam is the biggest Holland America ship it looks tiny compared to Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas. That ship is a monster although I'm sure is amazing inside.

I love sail away from Fort Lauderdale - it's always fun. People wave and honk as you sail by their condos. Tonight we have dinner booked at the Canaletto and then who knows what we will do.

Unless we buy an internet package you may not hear from us for 6 days when we hit land in the Azores.

Here's hoping for sunshine and calm sailing!