Fort Lauderdale and the Island Princess

 First off, while the air travel was frustrating and worrisome at times, I will say that the cruise itself was one of the best I've been on. The full transit Panama Canal has been on my list of must-dos for some time now and I was not disappointed.

Even after the late arrival in Fort Lauderdale, I was awake by 8 a.m. - excited to be there and looking forward to boarding the ship. I wandered down to the breakfast room and enjoyed a toasted bagel with cream cheese along with a very strong (and much needed) cup of coffee. Back in my room I did some stretching exercises and did a rapid antigen test. Since I was only on the ship for 14 days, it wasn't necessary as it was for the world cruisers (on for 111 days), but the way things change I had decided I would do it, just in case. It was, as I expected, negative.

I'd arranged for the shuttle pick-up to the ship for 11:30. There was a couple from Washington State waiting there as well - she stayed indoors while I chatted with the husband outside. I did run into them a couple of times on the ship, but neither were particularly friendly. The shuttle arrived around 11:45 after picking up two other couples at another hotel. 

At the port, I dropped my suitcase with the porters and headed inside the terminal with my carry-on (it holds my camera, chargers, e-reader, toiletries and a change of clothes. Once through security - basically just a scan of the carry-on and walk through the metal detector, I picked up my Medallion and was on board the ship about 15 minutes later . The Medallion is an electronic device that acts as a key card - it also has a locator which permits your travel companions (if any) and the ship crew to locate you. That might sound a bit creepy, but it has real benefits. There is a corresponding app, that allows passengers to order food and drinks, and the wait staff brings the order using that locator. It also came in handy later in the trip in another way that I'll share later.

Since I had my carry-on and knew that my cabin wouldn't be ready until for for another 15-30 minutes I decided to do what so many others were doing and hit the buffet line! I found a table outside on the pool deck and enjoyed a quick bite to eat, while people watching. 

Then it was off to my cabin, to unpack the carry-on. I knew my suitcase wouldn't be delivered for another hour or two so off I went with the camera. I started on the top deck (Deck 15) and worked my way down to Deck 5 (there is no deck 13) making note of the various venues; dining rooms, specialty restaurants, bars, Internet Cafe, and library, etc. When I first started cruising, one received a paper map of the ship - these days there is a permanent map affixed to the wall next the elevator bank on each deck. I like my way of learning about the ship, though I will admit I didn't learn it all on the first day.

Now, I mentioned that I started my exploration on Deck 15 - which was the last floor available in the mid-ship elevator. In fact, there was a Deck 16, both aft and forward, but both areas were accessible only up a flight of stairs. At the aft of the ship was this splash pool (not open on that first day)- something I've not seen on other ships. This area was very quiet, and the pool was a lovely spot to sit with one's feet in the water and read as I did a couple of afternoons. 

Forward were the pickleball courts, and a massive chess set. (this photo was taken early one morning later in the cruise). This area also overlooked the "Sanctuary" - an exclusive area for those willing to pay the price of admission. It provides plush loungers or cabanas, a bar and snack venue on site. I heard, though did not confirm, that the cost of a lounger for the day we went through the Panama Canal was $1500 USD. I've never bothered trying to book the Sanctuary and likely never will, though the price is much lower most of the time. 

I didn't take a lot of photos around the ship, as there wasn't a lot different from other Princess ships I've sailed on. The Island is smaller than the others - holding about 2200 passengers, through I think we were closer to 1700 leaving Fort Lauderdale. A ship is much like a small town, with shops, restaurants, bars, a library, as well as a gym, pools, a casino and a spa.

Mid-ship on Princess ships is an area referred to as the Piazza. In this case it comprised four stories (from Deck 5-8). At the top is this mirrored ceiling - I'm the goof ball lying on the stairs in the top right quadrant to get this shot. The left and right sides of the space ship looking piece are two glass elevators that allow passengers to view the open areas of the floors as they ride. There is entertainment in the Piazza every day - and on the last day at sea, about 30-40 passengers took part in the Princess Pop choir. They practiced together every sea day, and put on a lovely show. 

I dropped by the cabin about 3 p.m. to check on my luggage - it was there so I took the time to unpack before heading up to Deck 15 for sail-away. I found a place under the Island Princess sign as D and Eli were going to watch the port webcam. I thought they might spot me there. They didn't, but I tried. :)

The rest of the photos were taken before and during sail-away.

Further in land this bridge was opened to allow a larger/taller ship through. I was fascinated by the raising and lowering of the portions of the bridge and took a series of photos. I won't bore you with them.

Across the channel from the ship are a number of large homes. Two of them were undergoing renovations on this trip and it looks like both were gutted. 

This is one of the largest ones, not under renovation - and very pretty with the lush vegetation. Look at all the balconies and areas to sit and watch the traffic on the water go by. I would be in heaven.

If one of those properties aren't for you, perhaps this private yacht would suit. I wasn't able to locate a name on it, but she's a beauty!

I never tire of this view from the ship, with its tantalizing glimpse of the Atlantic ocean.

The Holland America ship sailed ahead of us, out the channel and into the open ocean. While they were doing the full-transit of the Panama Canal, we didn't see them again over the two weeks. They obviously had a different itinerary.

Our turn to head out to sea! In March 2019, I stayed an extra day after a cruise to watch the cruise ships sail-away. I recall it was a cool and windy day, but I still made my way down the beach to watch with the sand swirling and battering me as I walked.  

Farewell to Fort Lauderdale! 

After sail-away I headed back to my cabin to clean up and change for the evening activities. First up, I went to an event that is held every evening for the Platinum and Elite guests - it's basically a cocktail party with some appetizers. I only went the first two nights and found that people weren't mingling. As a solo traveller, I'm not really interested in sitting on my own, and as it turned out found a really wonderful group to spend time with. 

The next event was the singles and solos get together at the Wheelhouse Bar. There were between 15 and 20 people at this event, which is a good number. We introduced ourselves and after some conversation, a group of six of us, headed for the main dining room for dinner. I had a reservation for 6:20 p.m., the others had not reserved, but in any event there were no sharing tables available so we headed to the another bar for a quick drink before returning just after 7 and we were seated within 10 minutes of arrival.

At the table, much hilarity ensued as we shared stories of cruising and got to know one another. No politics were discussed though we had an interesting discussion about the state of healthcare both in Canada and the USA. We all agree, no matter where one lives, improvement is needed. One of our party is a doctor and was able to provide some interesting insight. 

We didn't finish dinner until 9 p.m. and by then I was feeling the lack of sleep from the previous two nights. I decided to head to the cabin to read or watch television before crawling into my bed while the others went to see a comedian perform in the theater. 

It was a wonderful afternoon and evening - a lovely way to start the cruise.

Next up - Cartagena, Columbia