Crown Princess Trip Around South America

Crown Princess Trip Around South America

Saturday, February 15, 2014 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Larry and I left Clearwater Beach at 8:00 am for our trip to Fort Lauderdale. We had loaded the rental car the night before so we just dressed and walked out of the building for our five hour drive south. Gorgeous sunshine, moderate temperatures, and little traffic made the trip a success. We drove to the port to find eight ships waiting to set sail, with the largest cruise ship ever, the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Sea, in dock. It alone houses over 8000 passengers. We heard all about this ship that set sail this fall for the first time out of New York City Harbor while on our trip across the Atlantic from Portugal. The RC Cruises are very proud of their largest ship in the world title. We are not so sure that we would want to be on this king sized floating city.

Anyway, the traffic getting into the port was #%&*! We finally arrived around 1:45 to unload our luggage, and Larry left to turn the car into the airport. Upon his return back to the Pier 2, we got into the longest line that we have ever experienced boarding a ship. Why? Each passenger had to have proof of their Brazilian Visa presented as well as their Argentina Reciprocity License to go to visit these countries. It was amazing the amount of time that it took to look at each individual person's information...but we finally arrived around 4:00pm at our room mid-ship on the 9th floor...the highest that we have ever stayed on a ship...just in time to do the lifeboat safety exercise. Princess took no chances with anyone not knowing how to put on their life jackets. They had everyone arrive with their jacket in the specified area and then made everyone put it on....This is probably a good idea....Not everyone is boat safety conscious.

The ship was supposed to sail at 4:00pm. It did not sail until a little after 6:00pm. Larry and I unpacked quickly and then headed to the top of the ship to enjoy the time leaving the harbor. There was lively music, lots of happy hour people, and a tremendous sunset occurring. Everyone was happy to finally be on the ship and for the ship to finally be moving.

We stayed on the top deck until the sun set and then went to a dinner of shrimp, mussels, prime rib, salad and broccoli. It was all yummy! Larry had a nice slice of chocolate cake while we went to the back of the ship to watch the Fort Lauderdale lights twinkle and fade away. As the evening passed, the thoughts of the afternoon wait faded away, and we smiled at each other going off to bed knowing that our exciting South American journey was going to be one of our most exciting trips yet.


Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Sea
We had a wonderful breakfast with two other couples in the Da Vinci Dining Room. Both couples were second home Florida home owners....One from New York's Long Island. The other was a German/ Puerto Rican couple. Both were well traveled and we enjoyed sharing our travel stories and information about our families. The breakfast service was superb! "Probably the best we have ever experienced; except Kay's kitchen", says Larry.
                                                       

Larry and I went for our daily three mile walk and then went to a seminar about St. Thomas and Antigua. The travel host, Julio Delgado, who was from Spain was excellent! Both knowledgeable and humorous in his travels. He will be a joy to listen to for the remainder of the trip. We had a lovely lunch while attending a lecture on Art. Larry treated us to a chicken platter with fruit and of course, some yummy dessert.

We checked out the Spa in the afternoon....working out on all the equipment, jumping into the pool, hot tub, and sauna. We had a fabulous dinner of duck, mashed potatoes, cream of asparagus soup, salad, and a creamy chocolate confection. We watched a movie under the stars outside, called "Star Trek into Darkness"...WHAT an action packed movie! Brought back the memories of the old Star Trek series with a new younger generation. We returned to our room ready for bed, but watched the Fox television special on George Bush. Informative and entertaining. What a fabulous first day at sea!


Monday, February 17, 2014 at Sea
Today began by setting the clock forward one hour! To our surprise, after looking at a map, our ship is actually sailing south east. I got up at 7:00am to take pictures of the sunrise. Gorgeous!

I brought back some fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and a sticky bun for my man who gulped it down like he had not eaten in days. We enjoyed a leisurely morning of watching the news before going off to the Michelangelo Dining Room for eggs to take out on the back deck of the ship.

 

 

After a quick breakfast bite, we headed to the Sea Destination Talk about Barbados and Trinidad, our upcoming ports of call. Julio Delgado once again entertained us with a lively talk. He has extensive knowledge about the Caribbean and South America. He was a joy to listen to.

The rest of the morning we walked three miles around the ship ending at the Spa for water and a short rest to catch some rays. The day was gorgeous and the temperatures were in the mid 70's again with a wonderful breeze on the front of the ship.

After a corn beef, calamari, and stir fry lunch, we listened to the autobiography of Rod Stewart. What a lively writer! Humorous and informative! The people he encountered in the early 60's were all soon to be hotties of the 60's and 70's. This is an enjoyable fun book.

The rest of the afternoon was restful. I read out in the sun the book called Steve and Me by Terry Irwin....about the Crock Man of Aussieland, Steve Irwin. A very easy read and enjoyable story!

After a grand dinner outside on the deck of sweet potato shrimp soup, salad, pork loin, and vegetables, we enjoyed watching a movie under the stars called "Jack Reacher" starring Tom Cruise. A real who done it and it kept us guessing.