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Cruise Port of Fort Lauderdale

Also known as Port Everglades, the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale is a popular turnaround port in Florida for cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico.

Useful Links:
Fort Lauderdale Port (Official Site)
Port Everglades Ship Schedule
Visit Lauderdale

cruisetravelmama

⚓️Living 6 months per year on cruise ships with my husband @captain_tony_ruggero
📍Currently onboard Discovery Princess
❤️Mom of twins
Icy Strait Point, Alaska water shuttle operations Icy Strait Point, Alaska water shuttle operations 🚢 Today it was raining in Icy Strait Point, Alaska and Discovery Princess was at anchor for the afternoon. 🚢 Option 1: Sit inside the tender (water shuttle) with other wet guests 🚢 Option 2: Sit upstairs on the tender with the opportunity to take photos even though it is raining. ➡️ Do you like to sit upstairs on the water shuttle, rain or shine?
The Captain needs to make tough decisions during g The Captain needs to make tough decisions during glacier cruising in Alaska. ➡️ Whenever a cruise ship has a day of glacier cruising on the itinerary, the cruising will be dependent on visibility, ice concentration, wind, and other factors. ➡️ Today both Discovery Princess and Island Princess were in Glacier Bay. ➡️ The Island Princess schedule for Glacier Bay was 6:15am until 3:15pm. Whereas, Discovery Princess started our day in Glacier Bay at 9:15am and finished at 6:15pm. ➡️ Due to a very foggy day today, each ship was only able to do one major glacier. ➡️ Just like when driving a car, if there is restricted visibility, the ship needs to drive at a slower speed than normal. Therefore there was only enough time today for each ship to do only one major glacier. ➡️ The Island Princess went to Margerie Glacier first thing in the morning, but they were not able to do Johns Hopkins Glacier. ➡️ Comparatively, Discovery Princess went to Johns Hopkins instead of Margerie Glacier today.
Glacier cruising in College Fjord 🚢 Our cabin is Glacier cruising in College Fjord 🚢 Our cabin is next to the Navigational Bridge, so of course I’m always waving or taking videos of my husband, Captain Tony. And this time he was taking videos and photos of me 😂. (See him in the window on the Bridge wing). 🚢 At that moment, the ship was being held in position for guests to watch the glacier while we were in College Fjord. 🚢 I was also chatting with the Naturalist Rob while he was on the bridge balcony, next to our balcony. Between our cabin and the bridge there is a small balcony for the bridge to use. And yesterday, the Naturalist was there taking his own videos and photos.
Love Boat themed horn was sounded on departure fro Love Boat themed horn was sounded on departure from Whittier, Alaska this evening. 🚢 This was Discovery Princess’ last call in Whittier, Alaska for the season. 🚢 Whittier still has a few more ships coming until the end of the season, with the last Princess ship visiting on September 24th. 🚢 Discovery Princess will be back in Whittier for 2027, with her first call on May 22nd. She will be doing 7-day cruises from Vancouver to Whittier and Whittier to Vancouver with Saturday turnarounds.
Embarkation day in Whittier, Alaska ➡️ When you e Embarkation day in Whittier, Alaska ➡️ When you embark a cruise ship in Whittier, Alaska you are either coming from Anchorage or from one of the wilderness lodges. ➡️ Guests come to Whittier by train, bus, or car. Some are coming independently but most come through an organized shuttle or train. ➡️ Your luggage may be loaded onto a truck and will travel separate from you on a train or bus. If that’s the case, the truck will bring your luggage directly to the ship. You won’t see it again until it is delivered to your stateroom. ➡️ If you have chosen a more independent option and are travelling with your luggage, there is a different procedure. Once you arrive at the cruise terminal in Whittier, then you will be responsible for dropping off your luggage at a designated spot in the parking lot. ➡️ Your luggage will then be transferred onto the cruise ship. ✅ Make sure your luggage has luggage tags identifying your name and cabin number. ✅ Also, make sure that you have your documents, medications, and anything you may need for the day. You may not see your luggage until much later in the day.
Which cruise ships use a water shuttle to get to s Which cruise ships use a water shuttle to get to shore in Skagway? ➡️ Due to the previous landslide in Skagway, cruise ships docked on Railroad Dock need to shuttle their guests and crew off the pier. ➡️ Cruise ships docked at the Railroad Dock Forward are required to use water shuttles (tenders) to get guests and crew ashore. ➡️ This season, Discovery Princess was docked at the forward dock in Skagway and therefore we needed to take a water shuttle to get into town. ➡️ Cruise ships docked at the aft part of Railroad Dock used the shuttle buses to drive up the pier. ➡️ Cruise ships docked at Broadway and Ore Dock are not required to use shuttles and guests/crew are allowed to walk off the ship and right into town.
Extra cost of Sanctuary, is it worth it? ➡️ The S Extra cost of Sanctuary, is it worth it? ➡️ The Sanctuary is a quiet, exclusive area on Discovery Princess that offers deck chairs with thick cushions, attentive stewards to look after your food and beverage needs, its own hot tub, and cabanas. ➡️ On Glacier Bay day, there is also an extensive seafood buffet that includes fresh oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, baked salmon, chowder, crab cakes, ceviche, sushi, fresh fruits, and more. The buffet is offered all day. ➡️ The cost to reserve a lounge chair in the Sanctuary on Glacier Bay day is $60 per day. However, the cabanas are also available at $60 per person (first come first served). ➡️ Would you spend $60 pp to enjoy the day in the Sanctuary?
September cruises in Alaska are generally some of September cruises in Alaska are generally some of the cheapest Alaska cruises since it’s the end of the season. ➡️ Booking an Alaska cruise in an inside cabin is also the most inexpensive way to cruise. ➡️ However, this means you will need to your leave your cabin if you want to get photos of scenery and enjoy the scenic glacier cruising. Therefore, good weather is a bonus. ➡️ A cruise in September is typically colder and wetter than an Alaska cruise in July or August. However, you could get lucky and have a week like we are having now. ➡️ September cruises in Alaska also have way fewer kids onboard than in July and August, too. ➡️ September cruises you have a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights than in the middle of the summer, as well. ➡️ Would you book an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise?
Backstage with the puppies on Discovery Princess Backstage with the puppies on Discovery Princess ➡️ Every time a Princess Cruises ship is in Skagway, there is an onboard event called Puppies in the Piazza where you meet Iditarod champion, Ryan Redington and listen to his stories about sled dog racing as well as how he raises his sled dogs. ➡️ Ryan brings two or three puppies onboard with him each time. ➡️ At the beginning of the Alaska season, he brings puppies as young as five weeks old (watch my older reels to see older puppies). ➡️ Today Ryan brought three puppies (from a new litter). Last week’s puppies were older (I think 7 or 9 weeks old) so they were much bigger and very active. ➡️ Prior to the puppies being brought out into the Piazza for the event, they are “backstage”, getting accustomed to their surroundings and getting acquainted with the cruise staff that will be holding them in the Piazza. ➡️ The puppies are brought into the center of the Piazza to play then the cruise staff walks around with the dogs so that guests can take photos. ➡️ Guests are not permitted to hold, pet, or touch the dogs as it can be overstimulating for the animals. ➡️ Have you been on a cruise ship where they brought sled dog puppies onboard for the Puppies in the Piazza event?
Captain’s announcement in your cabin for Northern Captain’s announcement in your cabin for Northern Lights, what are your thoughts? ➡️ Around 00:45 last night, the Northern Lights were visible on the starboard side of Discovery Princess (which is where our cabin is 😀). ➡️ Yesterday evening we left Juneau around 9:30pm and we headed towards Skagway. ➡️ The Navigational Bridge called our cabin to wake up Tony and let him know that there were visible Northern Lights. ➡️ Tony quickly went on the Bridge and made an announcement into the guest cabins and throughout the ship. ➡️ Would you be happy or annoyed that the announcement was made into your cabin in the middle of the night?
Timelapse cruise ship departure 📍Juneau, Alaska Timelapse cruise ship departure 📍Juneau, Alaska
Busy afternoon in Juneau, Alaska today ➡️ Today t Busy afternoon in Juneau, Alaska today ➡️ Today there are four ships in port in Juneau: Discovery Princess 8am to 9:15pm Noordam 7:30am to 5pm Celebrity Summit 7am to 9:30pm Norwegian Bliss 6:30am to 1:30pm Norwegian Encore 2:30pm to 10pm ➡️ Although Celebrity Summit was scheduled to be at anchor all day today, since Norwegian Encore didn’t arrive until 2:30pm, the Summit was able to use the Steamship Dock in the morning. ➡️ The Summit relocated to the anchorage around 1pm today, ahead of Encore arriving. ➡️ When dropping the anchor, I could hear Summit’s anchor chain all the way across the channel on Discovery Princess. ➡️ FYI, Discovery Princess does a similar dock to anchorage change when we are in Icy Strait Point. We start at anchor in the morning, get the tours dispatched (and most guests get off the ship). Then around 11am, we go at anchor for the rest of the day.
Early show front row seats for Spotlight Bar! ➡️ Early show front row seats for Spotlight Bar! ➡️ We had a super early dinner tonight (5:30pm), so I was able to go to the early show tonight which was at 7:30pm. ➡️ Typically, you need to be in the theater 30 minutes before show time in order to get the best seats, especially for the early show which tends to fill up quicker. ➡️ I prefer the front row seats. I love not having anyone sitting in front of me. Plus, I like to see the expressions on the singers/dancers faces as they perform and interact with each other on stage. ➡️ Do you prefer the early show or late show? Where do you prefer to sit in the theater? How early do you get to the theater for the show?
Ketchikan weather to expect on an Alaska cruise ➡ Ketchikan weather to expect on an Alaska cruise ➡️ Weather in Ketchikan can change from week to week (and even throughout the day). One moment it can be warm and sunny and the following cruise it can be cold and rainy. ➡️ Ketchikan receives around 160 inches of rain per year, and is nicknamed the Rain Capital of Alaska. However, I’ve been there many times when the weather is warm and sunny, too. ➡️ The best thing to do is pack layers so you can dress accordingly for the day. ➡️ A good quality, waterproof jacket is a must for any Alaska cruise. You will appreciate it on a rainy Ketchikan day, or a cold glacier viewing day that you can layer it over a warm fleece/sweater.
Best month to see the salmon run ➡️ The salmon ha Best month to see the salmon run ➡️ The salmon have been very active in the creek for the last few weeks, but today they were really jumping. ➡️ Although the overall window to see the salmon running is from mid-July to mid-September, it also depends on the water level in the creek. ➡️ When there’s a lot of rain it helps the salmon swim upstream and through the fish ladder. When it’s drier and the water level of the creek is lower, and the salmon aren’t moving as much. ➡️ There are multiple areas to view the salmon including on Creek Street, the boardwalk section of the Salmon Walk, and even farther up the creek. ➡️ Different species also run at different times of the summer with high numbers of pink salmon arriving by late July, followed by sockeye, coho, and chum. ➡️ When walking on the Salmon Walk there are some educational signage that describes the species, their circle of life, and their incredible journey from creek to sea and back to the same creek again. ➡️ The Salmon Walk is a “must see” attraction of Ketchikan. 📍Save this post for your next cruise to Alaska.
Instagram disabled my account today for about an h Instagram disabled my account today for about an hour, and to say the least I was stressed. ➡️ Although, their email to me said that I “requested” a review, the review was for them to review why they disabled my account. ➡️ They said they needed to verify that I was a human (and not a bot). They asked me to do a video selfie. The problem is that we are at sea today and the wifi was not good, definitely not a great start to confirm my identity. ➡️ I have a fairly strong social media footprint, and I know I’m human, but I was also dealing with an Instagram bot, so I knew I just had to wait it out and let them confirm my identity. ➡️ The other issue was if I complied with “community guidelines” which I know I follow. But I was stressed that I had done something wrong, without even knowing 🤷‍♀️. ➡️ Thankfully after about an hour, I was able to access my account again, but it got me thinking. 💡I need to build an email list by offering an opportunity to subscribe to exclusive content. Stay tuned for that 😀. What type of additional content would interest you?
Sailaway Party from Vancouver on Discovery Princes Sailaway Party from Vancouver on Discovery Princess ➡️ Where will you be? A) Line dancing with the entertainment team by the pool B) Watching the entertainment from a deck chair or a bar stool C) Not on the Lido deck, instead enjoying the Sailaway from your own balcony ➡️ Leave a comment
What to expect when you drop off your luggage in t What to expect when you drop off your luggage in the cruise terminal building on turnaround day ➡️ Guests drop off their luggage in the cruise terminal building before proceeding to check in for their cruise. ➡️ Luggage is loaded into cages and the cages are loaded onto the cruise ship. ➡️ Once the cages are loaded onto the cruise ship, the luggage is sorted and loaded into crew elevators and brought up to the deck that is specified on the luggage tag. ➡️ Luggage is then brought directly to the guest cabins. 💡Make sure you pack what you need for the afternoon into your carryon (ie. medication, bathing suit, change of clothes, etc) since it could be a few hours before your bags are delivered to your cabin.
Best kayak tour in Alaska if you want to do other Best kayak tour in Alaska if you want to do other activities during the port ➡️ Many other kayak excursions in the ports of Alaska take up most of the day and don’t allow you to have time do other things in port. ➡️ The kayak tour in Icy Strait Point is only 2.5 hours and allows you to have the rest of the day to explore the port. ➡️ The tour meets at the Kayak Center which is at the far end of Icy Strait Point (just past the Cannery shopping area). ➡️ Guests sign a waiver in the Kayak Center and are given a life jacket and paddle. ➡️ You will then walk down to the beach area just a few steps from the Kayak Center. ➡️ Kayak tour starts with basic instructions on how to hold the paddle and how to paddle efficiently. ➡️ Choose from two-person tandem kayaks or single kayaks if you are experienced. Kayaks have food rudders that you can optionally use. ➡️ After entering the kayak, the guide helps push the kayak into the water and everyone waits to proceed until all kayaks are in the water. ➡️ The tour kayaks from Icy Strait Point along the coast in the sheltered waters of Port Frederick and all the way to Hoonah. ➡️ The tour also crosses the channel and paddles around Pitt Island (aka Cemetery Island). ➡️ There is the possibility of seeing, whales, porpoises, eagles, and other wildlife (but not guaranteed). ➡️ The tour is classified as Strenuous, which it can be if there is wind and current during the hours that you are kayaking. ➡️ FYI - You will get wet on this tour as there is no spray skirt provided. When you are paddling (or your partner), the water will drip off your paddle onto your lap. ➡️ Have you kayaked in Alaska?
Last day of cruise, what would you be doing? ➡️ W Last day of cruise, what would you be doing? ➡️ Weather is foggy, rainy and typical of Alaska, so what would you today? ➡️ Appears that no one is on their balcony today, lol. ➡️ This afternoon there was line dancing, Navigation at Sea presentation, wine tasting, Yes No game show, Globetrotter Trivia, and Deal or No Deal game show. Where will you be? ➡️ When will you start packing?
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