Ft. Lauderdale

Left the house at 6:45 AM and arrived in Ft. Lauderdale at 510 PM. Makes for a LONG day. But we are settled into our hotel (Hyatt Place by the Convention Center) and are looking forward to a wonderful night's sleep and a late wake up before we head to the ship tomorrow.

Nothing exciting to write about for the airports. Layover in Love Field was uneventful, flights were on time and we had an empty seat between us the entire way. That's the way I like things to go! Even the little kids on the plane were well-behaved.

I was fascinated by the time we spent flying over the Everglades. It is HUGE! I will have to put it on my list of things to really really see. From the air it looks like water and green, but you can see trails through the green where folks have made waterways. And, although no animals can be seen from the altitude we flew over, I watch the Discovery channel enough to know it would be fascinating.

As promised, here's cruising tip #2. Again thanks to the Budget Travel Magazine:

2. Most cruise lines offer certain drinks for free -- juice, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, milk, tea -- but you'll have to pay for soda. If you're a caffeine addict, pack a bottle or two. Unlike on a plane, you won't have to worry about paying for the added weight.

My addition: This is yet another good reason to fly in a day early. Gives you time to hit a local grocery store and purchase sodas to carry on board. Just remember, the policy doesn't extend to alcohol. Wine or any liquor found in your bags will be confiscated and held until the end of the cruise. However, some cruise lines, Carnival for example, allow a small amount of alcohol per person ... like a bottle of wine. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line for their specific policy.

Tip #3 tomorrow along with pics of our first day on board the Noordam