Phil Reimer–Getting ready for another cruise—this time it was a much shorter flight than last week’s from London.
I’m in Ft. Lauderdale getting ready to board Holland America’s Zuiderdam for the first Ports and Bows cruise—the first of many we hope. I am staying at the Hilton Marina before getting on the ship tomorrow. The Zuiderdam is going to take our large group from Ft. Lauderdale through the Panama Canal, up the Mexican coast, into San Diego, then up to the northwest for a short stop in Port Angeles, and then into Vancouver. In all my years of cruising, this will be the first time I get off a ship in my home port. Even the Alaskan cruises I was on have been one-way and I flew home.
For those of us living in British Columbia, getting to Ft. Lauderdale means either a red-eye flight to make your ship in a day or leaving a day early. The Fort Lauderdale airport to Port Everglades cruise terminal transfer is the easiest you will find anywhere. The separation is only about two miles, but allow some extra time if you’re arriving on a weekend. All the cruise lines have their own terminals, but there could be as many as 20,000 passengers all heading to the same port.
Fort Lauderdale is well worth a day at either end of your trip. While it is distinctively different from Vancouver, it has some similar qualities. There is an entire community that lives in the heart of the city and on the waterfront, with many enjoying spectacular views of the ocean.
The inland waterways are home to some of the richest people in the U.S–Jimmy Pattison’s boat wouldn’t stand out down here. If you want to see how the really rich live, it’s a short drive north to Palm Beach, or going south, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Miami.
If you’re power-shopping, you will meet your match on Los Olas Boulevard. This street will do a good job of taking care of your disposable income. This is a walking street and similar in many ways to Robson Street. Boutique restaurants and antique shops, at every price range, can be found on this long walk. If Neiman Marcus and Saks interest you, head a few blocks away to Sunrise—also in the heart of the city.
Oh yes, Sawgrass, one of the largest shopping centres in North America, is also located here.
Tomorrow we start the cruise.
