There’s nothing quite like that moment when your cruise ship begins her voyage — and your vacation.
Her horn blares. Slowly she glides past the other vessels at dock. Pilot boats dot the rippling waters. The ocean breeze picks up. You take in a last wide view of your departure city, as it becomes smaller and smaller, then disappears, and there’s nothing to see but ocean.
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Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the most popular departure port for premium-cruise travellers, according to cruising Web site CruiseCompete’s latest CruiseTrends report. I’ve cruised from its Port Everglades twice.
The oceanside city has miles of beach, nature parks, and fabulous food to enjoy before and/or after your cruise.
My favorite place to stay in Fort Lauderdale is the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, which boasts an oceanfront location, a spa, and a lazy river.
It also features a wonderful verandah with cushioned rocking chairs overlooking the water; I once spent a lovely night there with a friend, sipping wine from the hotel bar steps away, talking and rocking under a full moon, with the sound of the surf breaking on the beach.
And in the morning, pelicans really did swoop past our charming suite’s balcony.
The Caribbean is the favorite destination region for these travellers. The area offers plenty for everyone to enjoy:
sparkling turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, lush greenery, colorful flowers, exotic wildlife, flavorful cuisine, smooth rums, colonial and pirate history, and geological wonders including waterfalls, cenotes, and volcanoes.
Their destination country of choice is the Bahamas, the archipelago nation which comprises 700 islands and 2,400 cays about 800 miles from Florida.
The most popular port-of-call is Nassau, the capital city on the island of New Providence, known for its beaches, coral reefs, and conch-based foods.
A short ferry ride away is Paradise Island, which boasts the Caesars-affiliated Atlantis resort, which features a casino, a water park, and a marine habitat.
And I’ve enjoyed two splendid days on Holland America‘s private island Half Moon Cay.
Every HAL Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale includes a call at the peaceful small island.
If you’re looking to relax while enjoying spectacular scenery, delicious food, and learning a little history, a Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale is a fine choice.
After my misspent youth as a wage worker, I’m having so much more fun as a blogger, helping other discerning travellers plan fun and fascinating journeys. Read more …