We have decided to leave the cold of Michigan and take a 7 day cruise through the Caribbean. This cruise is not so much about destinations but more of a cruise to enjoy tropical weather. We begin and end in Ft. Lauderdale and make it as far south as Turks and Caicos.
Out flight leaves at 6am. I was up at 2 am and Terri up shortly after. The wind was very strong throughout the night and we felt we needed to leave by 3:45 am to get to the airport with enough time.
The drive to the airport was very challenging. It was difficult to see the road with the snow blowing across. Smart move by leaving early. It took almost an hour. The masks had to come out after weeks of non-use. I don’t see the federal government giving up control over these for at least a decade. Just a predication. Remember the 55 mph speed limit put in place by president Nixon during the oil embargo of 1973? It was temporary to “save gas”. I believe it lasted 20 years. “15 days to slow the spread”.
Holland America has it’s own virus policies. I can’t really fault any business trying to survive the political backlash of trying to operate “normally”. Vaccine. Required. Masks. Required. Negative covid test within 48 hours of departure. Required. All employees on the ship wear KN95 masks.
The flight was uneventful and we landed in Miami about 9:30 am. 75 degrees felt great. Our HAL shuttle was waiting and we arrived at the terminal about noon. Check in was smooth and easy.
The Lido deck was waiting. Terri decided to try something new for lunch. Salad!
Our room is an inside cabin. No window to the outside. Something we have done for shorter cruises but not a good idea for the longer ones. No window to see what direction we are traveling in or what the weather looks like. Are we in port or in the middle of the ocean?
Tim and Kelley Daley joined us again on this cruise. They had some issues with the HAL shuttle and will be going to guest services for the “fruit basket”.
Dinner in the main dining room was full. I imagine that this ship is near capacity and it is a sign that people are feeling more comfortable living their lives than they are listening to their government.
After dinner we played euchre with the Daley’s on the back deck of the Lido. No luck beating them this time. 3 games to zero.
Tomorrow we are stopping at Half Moon Cay. This is owned by Carnival Cruise lines which is the parent company of Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines.…