The day started when I looked out the window only to see low cloud and rain. This didn't affect me, but I felt sorrow for people coming to the beach front to watch the big Air and Sea display here in fort Lauderdale. Anyway, after my shower I headed for breakfast and on returning to my room I finished packing, waited until about eleven and then organised a ride to port to board my cruise ship, the MV Amsterdam. On entering the port area I saw three cruise ships, an aircraft carrier and two other warships. One of of the cruise ships was the Oasis of the Seas--the ship from the video clip showing it appearing to sail up onto the beach when entering Fort Lauderdale Harbour.
Finally arrived at cruise terminal with hundreds of suitcase and a queue of passengers waiting to go through the embarkation process. I was told to place my case with the others and asked if I would like tip the porters. A group of men standing around with fists full of US dollars appearing to be doing little except asking for tips. Deposited my case and joined the queue. We were all asked to please stand on the blue line that lead into the ticketing and processing centre. This we all dutifully did, only to asked, a few minutes latter to move aside as the porters wanted to use the line to push trolley loads of cases--at least they now seemed to be doing something other than collecting money.
The queue started to move and boarding process was reasonably fast and painless. The final step before walking across the gangway was to be photographed by JC Black Label, Master Artist Kenny Botes--I guess these will sold to us once the cruise is underway. Across the gangway, up one set of stairs, turned right, and five cabins down the corridor I was in my cabin. My home for the next 20 days contained a queen size bed, two seater couch, single bucket chair, table, TV, desk, several wardrobes with plenty of hangars, and a bathroom with a large walk-in shower.
Waiting for my cases to be delivered to my room sorrow cabin I glanced through the information spread out on the desk, opened all the cupboards and drawers, had a go at setting the safe's combination and then went up on deck. Wandered around the decks getting orientated and then spent the time watching many boats, large and small go by.
Back to my cabin and it wasn't long before my cases arrived. Unpacked, hanging up my clothes and sowing my suitcases I was now ready for my cruise.
Right on 5 pm the Oasis of the Seas left the port with me furiously taking photographs as it appeared to go across land behind one off the harbour buildings. At 6 pm we left port, sailed out the harbour entrance into the open sea--the cruise had started. All I had to now was go up to the dinning room, have a meal then go to a show in the Queen's Lounge, and then off to bed.
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