Looking out the window around 7:30am, we spotted the coastline of Florida, and thought it interesting how we made such good time in getting here this morning. Although we were docked at pier 26 by 9am, we were not cleared yet.
On our way to breakfast, we saw a line of guests already waiting at the gangway on deck two to be first off of the ship. What part of do not congregate at the gangway don't they understand? It wasn't until 10:30am until the first group would be called off. We do know many people who had to re-book their flights in order to give them enough time to arrive at the airport. With some folks, that meant having to spend the night in town. So glad we are staying on.
Before we left, we had three separate knocks on our door. One was for the delivery of President's Club amenities of Diet Coke, bruschetta, and sweet tarts. Then, a florist arrived with 12 dark red long stemmed roses. Finally, a plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate were gifted by our travel agency. Really nice. Normally, we are not present when these things arrive, so it came as a surprise, that the bruschetta would sit in the room for three or more hours without being refrigerated. Since we had the time, we did make room for them in the refrigerator to make sure they were cold until we came back. Same for the desserts.
While we were watching the docking process, the skies turned dark, and we had a really good downpour. Great, now we will have to pack the umbrellas. The weather station on the TV still was not working, so we did not want to chance getting drowned.
After most of the groups had been called off, we left the ship by 11am. By then, all that was left of the passing cloud were a lot of puddles in the street. Taking the usual route, we saw the Celebrity Infinity docked at pier 21. The ship looked empty, not only of guests, but of crew also. In fact, their name was not up on the billboard at the port's entrance. Actually, the N. Statendam was listed at pier 21, although that was incorrect.
This time we did not make it to the top of the bridge, since we were already late in leaving the ship, and all aboard was 5pm. We did want to be back by 3pm for the Mariner party. On the way, we came across a huge iguana on the sidewalk, who had met his fate perhaps crossing the 4 lane street. Never saw one that big.
Stopping at the Renaissance was futile, since we could not get online to update the Kindle. So we went straight to the Harbor Shops, and walked through TJMaxx. Finding some shampoo we needed was easy. Then it was on to Publix for our room snacks and other supplies. Good to go, we went back slowly to the ship.
By now, it was hot and really muggy. The clouds never did go away, but it sure felt like rain. Guess we were not too far from wrong there. Getting onboard was easy with our in transit cards, however, I set off the alarms in the terminal every time with my new knee. Not taking my word for it, I always get the "pat down" treatment, then I am free to go.
It took forever to get a ride back to deck five in the forward elevators. They kept passing our floor, we assume with the luggage delivery. When a door finally opened up, six of us squeezed in. Then two more people jumped in. Not everyone was masked either. Later on, going back down to deck two, we took the stairs. Slowly for one of us.
We had 10 minutes to eat our bruschetta, then it was off to the gathering of the 4, 5 star Mariners and President's Club members. There are only three PC of us now, since Gyl, Howard's friend, left today for home. She will be missed. The event was held in the Billboard Onboard and was well attended. Sitting at the bar, we sipped champagne. Howard spotted us half way through, and joined us for a while. Beverages offered for this party were red or white wines, champagne, soda or juice. The fellow next to us wanted a beer, which he did get served, but he had to pay for it. We do have to say, our glasses were bottomless for the hour.
Back in the room, we watched our exit by 6pm or so. Wouldn't you know it, we heard thunder, which followed with driving rain. Going through the opening of Port Everglades, no one was out in their backyards cheering us on. However, this time, once we cleared the harbor, the Captain sounded the horn with two very long toots. Glad he can live up to the name of Captain Hornblower again.
A very faint rainbow appeared as we sailed further away. We even went past the Infinity, which had left before us. She went several miles off shore, then stopped. That pretty much confirms our theory that she was an empty ship. It had gotten chilly and wet at this point, so we had to go inside.
Dinner time was on deck three at our original table 309. We had different waiters, but they seemed to know us since we have been around for so long. Dinner was good with salads, appetizers, and one chicken, one oxtail, and one lasagna entrée to share. Even with several choices of desserts every night, we still like the ice cream or yogurt. Close to that were two hot fudge sundaes to finish the meal.
Passing by BB King's, we watched as the new group were dancing in place to the music, even up at the railing. The band was playing songs from the 60's. Now the casino was hopping, and we could have sworn we smelled cigarette smoke. They may have relaxed the rules on this cruise. There wasn't one empty slot machine or a seat at the tables. Definitely a gambling crowd. Last week on Gala Night, we rode the elevator with a couple of folks dressed in t-shirts and shorts just coming from the dining room. They said that was as good as it gets for the clothes. Guess they were part of the casino guests onboard.
Now we will have two days at sea on the way to St. Maarten. Hope the rain stops….especially for the guests who have come from the colder parts of the world to enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean.
Bill & Mary Ann
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Report # 89 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Turn Around Day Wednesday - March 16, 2022 Overcast, muggy, and rain 80 degrees
