Happy New Year!!!
What usually happens when we get ready to go on such a long trip, we barely slept last night. No matter how thorough we think we are, there is always doubt that we forgot something. However, since we just did this same procedure two months ago, it seemed to be easier this time.
One of those jobs we had to do was to apply for Sri Lankan visa, as this is one the ship is unable to do for us. Thanks to the detailed instructions from a fellow guest on Cruise Critic, also on this cruise, we were able to successfully get the e-visas online. And better yet, there was no charge for the transit visa. How about that? Since we are not arriving to that port until March 30th, we had to wait to apply 90 days prior to that. The surprise was that it only took a few minutes for the applications to be approved, which we also printed out to be shown on the ship. The other option was to do nothing, and stay on the ship that day. Many of our friends do just that by choice.
So the alarm went off at 4am, even too early for our rooster to be crowing. Our driver arrived shortly after 5am, and we were off for a quick ride to the San Francisco airport. We made it in a little over an hour, with little traffic. This has to be the best day to fly, since most folks spent the night celebrating the new year. This time we flew with Jet Blue, a straight-through flight, leaving at 9:30am. There was no line at the counter, and we spent perhaps 10 minutes getting one bag checked and receiving the boarding passes. Once again, we lucked out and got TSA pre-check.
This was our first time leaving from Terminal One, which has recently been remodeled. Very modern and spacious, we went through security, where everyone working there was in a good mood. Must be starting the new year on a positive note. Again, with no lines at all, we breezed through the security check, then searched for someplace to get breakfast. At this point, the terminals have mostly to-go food. Only one place was full service, but it did not open until later. We ended up at an Illy to-go venue, and shared croissants and a bacon and egg sandwich. With one raisin swirl roll and two coffees, we were happy campers.
And thankfully, the flight was on time, leaving the tarmac close to 10am. No rain or fog today. Going over Arizona and Texas, we hit some pretty bumpy weather, causing a lot of vibration. It disappeared when we climbed well over 36,000 feet. The flight went fast, although the TV screens were touchy while we were watching movies. Just our luck to get seats with the bad connections. The movie would stall, but come back and continue with some repeating. By the time we watched two flicks, we were landing round 5:30pm Florida time. We had fun with the many snacks they offer. And they are available to help yourself, which everyone did.
The Ft. Lauderdale airport was crazy busy with traveling people. It took a while for the luggage to come out, but we had no trouble getting a taxi. It was a short ride to the Renaissance Hotel by the cruise port area. This was the new venue chosen by our travel agency, and located in a great location. Having stayed at nearby Pier 66 last January, we were very familiar with the local stores and restaurants….all within walking distance.
Checking in was easy, then we walked to a nearby restaurant, the Boatyard. It had become dark, and one of us was chicken to walk the main street in the evening. The Boatyard was much more of a fish restaurant, but we both ordered the chicken entrée, which was very good and ample. A couple of draft beers, and one shared Keylime baked Alaska finished the meal. Expensive, but a treat for the New Year.
It had been a busy day, even though we did lose 3 hours on the clock in the long run. Something tells us, we will have no problems sleeping tonight. At least we have three days and nights here to acclimate ourselves to the welcomed warm weather.
To be continued…….
Bill & Mary Ann
