The morning began with some rain and wind, so our best plan was to take advantage of the complimentary buffet breakfast in the Mariners Café, off of the main lobby. Although we are not huge fans of buffets, it would work OK today. It was busier than we expected, but then we discovered that there were six large cruise ships in Port Everglades, and it became apparent that several guests were either coming from or going to sailings in the Caribbean, we suspect. The offerings were limited, but sufficient. When we were about finished, good friends, Martha and Bob, popped in to dine. Martha will be sailing on the full cruise, but Bob will join for the final segment in northern Europe. Sure was good to see them and we will certainly spend some more time chatting at the dinner tomorrow night.
The rain had stopped, so we explored the grounds of the hotel, which reminds us of a typical 60’s style motel complex. The iconic Tower is closed for renovations, since it sustained considerable damage from recent hurricanes. The rooms are now arranged in a square, all with outside entrances on two levels. The pool area is located in a garden in the central courtyard. We happen to be facing the Oceanside and the Intercoastal Waterway, a much more quiet side of the hotel.
Following the hotel’s map, we located the other two restaurants nearby, but we decided to check those out later on. The main highway has a bridge that crosses over the canal, so we found our way halfway across it. Then we heard bells, and found the walkway closed off with a gate, and red lights stopping the traffic. The bridge was going to rise up to let a big sailboat go under it. Fun to watch, and also a good spot to take some pictures. It did not take very long before the bridge was lowered and we were on our way.
Two years ago, we had walked to this area from the Amsterdam, which was docked at Pier 26. A long hike, we recalled finding a lot of convenient stores and restaurants. So today we went in and out of several strip malls on the opposite side of the highway. And it was busy today, being Sunday. Many families were out and about, as well as visitors like us roaming around. We like to venture through the Dollar Store, so we popped in and found some ready-to-go potted plants. Perhaps we will have a small window garden if the flower seeds grow.
Lunch was at Duffy’s, a sports bar near Publix, a local grocery store. The sodas never tasted so good, as did the house salad and bacon cheeseburger. The place was full of guests enjoying every type of sporting event on TV that you can think of.
Making our way back to the hotel, we paused once again while the bridge was lifted. Nice benches were placed near the gate that closes off the walkway….perfect place to watch the waterway boat traffic. By now, the sun was actually peeking out, but the warm wind was blustery. We counted six big ships and one little ship in port…..the Nieuw Amsterdam and Nieuw Statendam, as well as two Celebrity ships, the Edge and Silhouette. The Regal Princess and the Harmony of the Seas was docked near the small Balereac Caribbean. Funny thing, we spotted many crew members buying snacks of chips and candy in the Dollar Store. They got a lot for their $$$.
Getting back to the hotel after 3pm, it was a surprise to us that the room had not been serviced. There was no sign to leave on the door except DO NOT DISTURB, so we guess it will be done before the day is over. Another odd thing we found was a note stating that the linens and toweling would not be changed the first day, unless we wished them to do so. Sheets are one thing, but wet towels? Come on. So we had to place a call requesting fresh sheets and toweling. Kind of reminds us of the “straw” thing at home in our favorite restaurants. Unless we ask, you will not be given straws with your beverages. New state law. They are saving the planet from straw garbage. We figured this was only in California, but no, we saw a sign in one restaurant saying that re-usable metal straws were available for 75 cents. Bet that happens where we live soon, because the restaurants can make a profit out of that deal. Aren’t straws re-cycled like other plastics? By the way, the room attendant arrived after 5pm. Maybe this is the new normal.
Deciding on an early light dinner, we headed to the Lounge once again. There were several great suggestions for nearby restaurants with seafood, but one of us is very allergic to much of it. And not wishing to take chances with cross-contamination, we stayed here. We did take advantage of the free beverages given to us yesterday, which turned out to be two beers, one of which was Funky Buddha. Of course the name alone made it worth a try. Not bad with a higher alcohol content. Both of us ordered sandwiches with small dinner salads. All was delicious and just enough. And the crowds from this morning were gone as there was a slow but steady stream of new guests arriving for tonight.
If we can stay up a bit later this evening, we might be able to see the “blood moon”, a once-in-a-while happening when it actually turns dark orange. Naturally, there is a scientific explanation, but too hard to describe entirely correctly.
Tomorrow will be a busy one with a special dinner with our travel group and three of their top agents including ours. Looking forward to it.
Bill & Mary Ann
