Saturday,
January 20, 2024
Sky
Princess
Stateroom
S222 on Deck 17
Port
Everglades—At Sea
70F
We took our time leaving the hotel this morning. After a Dunkin’ run and a gas run, TK drove us to the Park ‘N Go at 1101 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale. The people here are experts at unloading trucks and cars and getting everything to the right shuttle. With five ships in port (that I could see), thousands of people are parking and riding and checking into a cruise!
Boarding the ship took no time at all and after unloading our carryon luggage, camera, and computer, we headed to one of the main dining rooms for lunch. I had ricotta and spinach ravioli that was exquisite. The sauce could have come straight from Italy!
This ship is a twin to the Enchanted, the ship we were just on in November/December, so we had no need to acclimate. After all the passengers engaged in the security drill (which now is just watching a short film on the stateroom TV and checking in at the designated muster station), the ship headed out to sea.
TK noted that the accompanying U.S. Coast Guard security boat had a forward gunner with his hands gripping the M240 machine gun. (I looked that up). That made me feel safe but wondering. This scene must play out with every cruise ship leaving a port. With up to 5800 passengers on many ships, it is important to be safe.
Our main luggage arrived quickly and by 4 p.m. we were unpacked and ready to go, except for a football game that needed an observer. Our stateroom is a balcony room, as opposed to the mini-suite and balcony we had on the Enchanted. Despite being a bit smaller, it has plenty of storage. We wanted this room because we wanted to try out one that overlooked the pool on Deck 17. A glass wall does separate us, but it will be very easy to get a prime lounge chair for reading and maybe writing. The mini suite had a larger desk, larger bathroom, a couch, and a drape separating the sleeping area from the bed area.
TK pulled himself away from the football game (Ravens winning) and we went to the dining room, reserving the same table we had on the Enchanted, private for two. Dinner was excellent, pot roast for me and pork loin for TK. We usually lose weight on a cruise and my theory is that the food is not like home cooking. I will be in trouble if the chef on this ship trend toward my favorites.
The Ravens are still winning and then another game, so we are in for the evening. [Note: the Ravens won, now someone is watching the 49ers vs. the Packers
TK’s Takes: TK said I could relate what happened in the shuttle bus as we were leaving the Park N Go—with 12 people on the bus and oodles of luggage piled up. TK realized he left is cell phone in the truck just as the driver was about to pull onto the highway. I “hollered” up to the driver, and he turned the shuttle around. TK’s truck had already been parked far away and the driver had to find it first, then retrieve the phone. As I write this, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but Readers cannot see how many white trucks, how many shuttles, how much luggage, and how many people, populated this very large parking lot. Mission accomplished. One of our shuttle mates said, “This was probably the first time that ever happened.” Everyone had a good laugh at that.
TK took this photo as we left Sawgrass Mills Mall complex
So glad u are starting another adventure, the pictures are great. You picked a perfect time, the weather here sucks. Finally stopped snowing and hopefully roads will be better today. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim! We do have fun!
ReplyDeleteNice digs! What a nice driver to hunt down your truck and get Tim's phone!
ReplyDelete