Goodbye Fort Lauderdale!

Goodbye Fort Lauderdale! 

We set sail at 4:00PM, 4/30/2013, leaving our country, family, friends and most importantly my comfort zone. I couldn’t help thinking of my grandparents who crossed the Atlantic in 1920, to start a new life in this country. Certainly not in the lap of luxury or for recreational purposes and grand-mother was pregnant.

As we entered the cruise terminal, I welled up and needed a moment to compose myself. A nice woman on staff, asked what was the matter? “I just can’t believe I am here”, I sobbed! She gave me a great big hug and welcomed us aboard. 

“The herded cattle process” as some call it, went extremely well. Very little waiting, except for the photo line which we were allowed to decline. The staff, extremely polite, punctual and informative. My wish is their command. A little scary!!! I could get really use to this.

Our cabin is spacious with a king size bed, small couch, desk and a large window that lets the light flood in! Not a bad way to spend the next twenty-seven days! We settled in quite nicely, enjoyed a tour of the ship, a delicious dinner and a great show latter in the evening, followed by a sing along at the piano bar. My micro managing, along with the help of a great travel agent, has now finally paid off. Holland America, has just got it all right, folks. 

My only problem is navigating my whereabouts. I have still to figure out how to get from point A to point B. Hubby, hysterical that I get it right about 20% of the time! Hopefully my numbers will improve shortly! Forward, aft, starboard and port, way to much information to comprehend on our first day! My sense of direction has now vanished! The benefit to all of this, walking off those extra calories!

Dreaming of unknown adventures yet to come, I fell into a deep sleep! Humming engines and calm waters were the perfect combination to help this process along.

Many activities are planned for us in the next six days at sea and I am excited to try new things. 

Our first port of call, Horta, Azores. The second port of call, in the nine island Azorean chain, Ponta Delgada. I suspect my camera will get a real workout when the time arrives. So exciting and so decadent! Hey somebody has to do it!