Caribbean Cruise

Southern and Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Depart from Fort Lauderdale

Nov-Dec 2013

Recently, Christine and I went on a Southern/Eastern Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We were booked on our favorite cruise line, Holland America, and as an added bonus, the same ship (Noordam) on which we cruised the Mediterranean in 2012. And would you believe, we had the same suite and dining table as the Mediterranean cruise. 

After a quick peek from our balcony to make sure all of our luggage was ready to board, it was time to take a stroll on the ship to reacquaint ourselves with the layout. (OK, not all of the luggage was ours but a lion's share was as we often joked that we brought everything but the kitchen sink, plus we didn't want to be bothered having to do much laundry.

 An original Holland America logo on old, hand-painted tiles.

 

Elegant statues throughout the ship.

  

Presided over by King Neptune.

 I think we published a shot of the atrium chandelier on the Jun-Jul 2012 cruise but, I am still impressed with the beauty.

Back up to the room after the boat drill to look around before departure. Note the clouds behind the other liner. I think it rained awhile almost every day on the cruise. The light rains never interfered with any of our tours, but carrying an umbrella was a must--except for snorkeling tours.

Threat of rain did not deter locals from enjoying the waterway.

The thrill of speed. 

Then, with the revving of the side thrusters, we left the dock to begin our adventure.
End of pictures as it was time to dine. NO ONE ever missed a meal the entire trip. More about dining as the trip unfolds.