Today we drove from the Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Buena Vista to the Port Everglades Cruise Port in Fort Lauderdale.
It took us about 3 1/2 hours. We took the Florida Turnpike and the tolls were $16.50. There was also a charge to get off the Turnpike at the Fort Lauderdale exit. The exit is a Pay By Plate exit. We don’t know how much that cost us yet.
I now understand how Florida can afford to keep their roads so clean and beautifully landscaped. “TOLLS“
I am not fond of Port Everglades Cruise Port. It is very congested and security is tight even to get into the port. You go through gates where U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents look at your passports and it appeared today were randomly opening vehicle trunks.
There is an electronic sign over this entranceway that has the name of all the ships docking today and what terminal they are docked at. There were many ships listed. I took numerous pictures of the sign and this is what I got. The sign must be designed so you cannot photograph it. I’m assuming this is for security reasons.
Once in the port dropping off our luggage was easy. Serenade of the Seas was located at terminal 29 and we parked in the midport garage. This garage is not really close to the ship. You pull in the garage and take a ticket. There are no attendants and no sign saying how much the charge is or really what to do.
We parked on level 4. I think there were 2 more levels. Shuttles are waiting outside to take you to your ship. Be sure and read all the signs as it is a bit confusing as to what you need to do.
Quickly though we were on the ship.
It was a beautiful day and we ate outside in the back of the Windjammer Cafe.
Here’s a video of Port Everglades from the rear of the Serenade of the Seas Windjammer Café – Enjoy!!
After lunch I had my hair colored and styled in the salon. They did a fantastic job. It cost about $130.00.
Then on to our room at 2:30pm. Our luggage was already there.
We unpacked and headed to the 3:30pm muster drill which for our room was held in the theatre
Okay, the cruise is now officially on!!!!
To view more about Serenade of the Seas click here: https://deestimes.com/serenade-of-the-seas/