Crown Princess - Travel is the hardest part

The hardest part of the journey is getting to the departure point. Thankfully, on the flight day, the plane departed Phoenix at 3 in the afternoon. I normally book the first flight out of town, which would have been a very early 8AM (6AM at the airport) flight. I started to complain (if any one was listening) about the fact that we arrive in Ft. Lauderdale after 10 at night, but quickly retracted that thought because it saved me from a very early morning flight. Once at the airport, the baggage was checked in with US Airways. The cost for one checked bag was $25 and although the attempt was made to talk the clerk out of the fee, she quickly and slyly said that the check in machine would handle what ever was appropriate. Hmmm, that means an additional $25 fee. One bag, not bad for a four week trip. Plus my backpack with laptop and camera gear.
The plane was in the LAST jetway of the furthest hall. The seats were near the back of the plane. Rob served drinks and food in our section and he was very entertaining as he told me about how he had lost 40 pounds in the past two months. He gave me all of his tips. Bose headset on, I zoned out for the remaining part of the flight.
Baggage arrived quickly, call was made to the Hilton for van pickup, and we were on our way. The Hilton was close to the airport and the pier. I had renewed my Hilton account but there was nothing special for someone who used to have a lot of points but no longer did. We quickly discovered that the bar in the Hilton in Fort Lauderdale closes at midnight on a Friday night and our options for food was a delivery restaurant. The menu had subs, salads and pizzas. Subs were ordered, with a quick order of wings at the last second, and off to the vending machine to get something to drink. We should have just had water because the $5 bill in the machine, $2 drink out of the machine, and 25 cent change was NOT a good deal. Subs were good.
Killed one of those big Florida bugs running around the bathtub (the bug was doing the running). Mentioned this to the front desk and they assured us that they would get a bug man to spray. Mentioned the vending machine shortage and all fingers pointed at the name and number of the vending company as the way to be reimbursed for the lost money.
Good night's rest…up early… and off to breakfast. Best deal, of no surprise, was the buffet for $20 inclusive with the coffee and juice We then hopped on the shuttle to the airport ($9 per person) and made our way to the dock. The luggage deposit was quick (after we pulled the bags aside to put on our locks) and we were off to wait for the arrival of Mom and AuntE. Mom called to give me the latest update on the flight arrival and estimated pickup time at the airport. Armed with the new ETA, we found a place to stand where we could see all arrivals.

The sisters arrived via bus, waving through the window as we saw each other.
The line was long but moved quickly. We went through a scan and then off to check-in. Near skirmish in line as we attempted to all stay together (which was only a clue to the line skirmishes that would happen in the future.) We boarded the ship, found our rooms, listened to the room staff brief us on how things work, rearranged room assignments, moved luggage and unpacked for the month. Phew! The hard part is done!

This is the "Obstructed view" for Mom and AuntE's room.

The view of Florida as we left land, to sail for the next eight days.

I took a quick tour of the upper Lido deck.  Very nice pool and jacuzzi areas.

Went to the buffet for dinner and saw a show, called it a night around midnight.

One last view of the ocean as the sun starts to set.

I'm in an interior room and I love it. It's dark, it's at the end of the hall, and it is high enough to have a gentle rock. Lights out…and didn't wake until 10AM the next morning. Ahhhh, holiday!
Set the clocks ahead one hour as we sail in to a different time zone.