Bermuda to Ft. Lauderdale

---

After 5 fun filled days crossing the Atlantic, there was a buzz around the ship that we would be arriving in Bermuda a full day early. The Captain confirmed this and announced that we would be docked next to our sister ship the Mariner. Everyone was excited about the extra time and especially about the prospect of visiting the Mariner. We had spent 54 days on her in ‘01-‘02 on her inaugural circumnavigation of South America. It was not only our 1st long cruise but also our recuperation from Chuck’s triple bypass 12 weeks before on 9/21/01. So we had many fond memories! As we cruised into the main town of Hamilton; the turquoise water, the pink sand beaches and the multi colored pastel homes with manicured gardens were as impressive as we remembered. There’s a magic about this place and it was made even better when we caught a glimpse of the Mariner. Her crew was spraying streams of water from large hoses over the bow to welcome us to Bermuda. Of course the two ships also blew their deep sounding horns to announce our arrival. Our afternoon was spent walking the downtown waterfront area of Hamilton with its many banks, insurance companies, shops and restaurants, touring the Mariner and making our way to the Fairmont Princess Hotel for high tea. Recently voted one of the Top 10 best afternoon teas in the world by the Gostelow Report, it didn’t disappoint. I ordered the jasmine butterfield green tea and the summer tea service featuring finger sandwiches like grilled chicken, avocado and sundried tomato tapenade on a Bermuda onion roll. Chuck ordered Fairmont earl grey tea and the rum tea service featuring such items as a Cajun rub tenderloin beef sandwich with rum mustard on a wheat roll and Bacardi and coconut scones with key lime jam. It was all very British as we sat in the formal tea room in comfortable leather chairs next to a fireplace and served by waiters with the traditional Bermuda shorts and knee socks. The following morning the Voyager hosted the Mariner passengers to a bloody Mary party on Pool Deck. They brought their Mariner trio to entertain alongside our Regent orchestra. After lunch we sat on our verandah with friends as it was now our turn to say good bye to the Mariner as she cruised out of the harbor to continue her voyage. Before we knew it, it was our turn to leave this island paradise. We gathered up on deck for a sail away party. During the party Chuck and one of his friends suggested I come to his suite to see the recording equipment that he’d brought on the World Cruise. Was I ever surprised and touched when they played a recording of Chuck singing our wedding song “Time in a Bottle”. What a wonderful end to a perfect Bermuda visit.

Now it was time to focus on our last 2 days before arriving in Ft. Lauderdale. Packing and more packing, the annual white elephant sale raising $15,000 for crew welfare, the formal farewell party and all the other details required before getting off the ship filled our days. Lots of hugs and kisses and “see you next year” and then it was over. We were whisked away to the airport and home with lots of wonderful memories.

---

Comments

[holidayparkhotel.com]

happy you stayed at Fort Lauderdale!
Hi! I am happy your trip went well. I just wish you had the chance to experience hotels in Fort Lauderdale as well.=)

[lalpri]

hello
The pictures are really fabulous.I loved it......... Fort Lauderdale Real Estate