10-24-2026 embarkation day! HAL Eurodam

 Time for another change of rooms---this time from a condo room to a cruise ship cabin. Quite a difference from the 4bdrm condo we had a few days ago---or even the 2 bdrm condos we had the other days!  Now we're in a little spa verandah suite.  I actually chose the spa verandah because of it's location to the panorama deck for sunsets and the easy access to the Lido restaurant.  It also came in handy being 1 floor from the Crows nest (where the painting room was and the games) and a quick elevator ride to the Main Theatre.  Originally we were booked in an obstructed view verandah.  So when an email came to me offering an upgrade to any remaining verandah for $39/person, I took it and requested the spa.  Ken and I were in one before and I also liked the expansive view from the verandah (even though the verandah was smaller than most of the other verandahs).  Unfortunately, this time we were in one of the spa cabins with the little Juliette verandahs right above us, so our expansive view was more limited.  Anyway---

I received an email telling us our check in time was noon, so we took our time loading up and getting out of the Wyndham Palm Aire room.  Then we had to go to the airport to drop off the car.  Got the car dropped off and went out to ground transportation where we tried to figure out where to get a taxi.  Someone directing traffic told us to just flag one down.  We tried several times, but they just drove by.  Another couple was doing the same and we finally realized there was a separate taxi pick up area at the end of the line. So off we went.  The other couple even asked if we wanted to ride with them, then didn't take any money from us towards the  payment.  So far things were going well.

Our view of our ship as we were being delivered to the ship.

Got checked in quickly and to the waiting area right as they were starting to call numbers.  

We were #15.  Only had about a 30 minute wait until our number was called and we were on our way to board the ship.

Made it to our cramped little room and started organizing our stuff.  I was somewhat confused about how to set my cpap machine up---there were no outlets near the bed.  The outlets were on the other side of the room by the desk.  Didn't take long for the room stewards to stop by and they immediately went and got an extension cord and ran it behind the beds and under the throw rug leading out to the verandah.  

Then we were off to the Lido to grab some lunch.  Thought it would be convenient to just have to go down one set of stairs and not rely on the elevator all the time.  No sooner did I get to the Lido floor when I heard a loud thump.  Turned around and found Carolyn on the ground!!!  She's having problems missing bottom steps---5th fall in 5 years! I was really surprised she wasn't hurt more and we didn't end up being disembarked and off to the hospital!!!  She was able to get up and continue on to the Lido buffet.  Had a very good lunch, then back to the room for sail away. 

I'd forgotten what how small a twin bed was and how uncomfortable they are. 

checking out the port Love the painting on the parking garage..

another ship starting to leave.

our turn

and we're off---on time even!

rainbow greeting as we head out

not much of a sunset today---there have been a lot of clouds during our stay in Ft. Lauderdale.

By now Carolyn's knee was hurting her more.  I had a gallon size zip lock bag (always carry them in my carry o luggage).  Found the steward and asked for some ice and Carolyn iced her leg for a while,

Finally heading down to Lido for for dinner.  Their prime rib was very good!  So was the horseradish sauce. 

I like that they provide free wifi for their programs and such.  Nice to not have to carry a paper around all the time.  We headed down to the World Stage for the What's to Come show

Thought 3rd level would be good---soon found out there's too many obstructions there.

But stayed there for tonight's show.  We both were really impressed with the HAL singers and dancers!!!   And they performed 5 of the 7 nights which I really enjoyed.  They were the best group of HAL performers that I've seen on a cruise!  Nice to see such talent back.

With this being the first Caribbean cruise after relocating from Alaska, there were some new employees---like the activities director.  I assume that's why one of the singers helped her with introductions.

Back to our room---and a toast to a great cruise and seeing each other again for the first time in 8 years!