Sailing Away; 5-Day Celebrity Cruise - Fort Lauderdale, Key West & Bimini
As a travel agent, firsthand experiences are invaluable. So, I decided to take a quick 5-day, 4-night cruise with Celebrity Cruises to get a better feel for their offerings.
Our agency group, consisting of three people, carpooled to save on parking costs for the trip's duration. We breezed through security, boarded the ship, grabbed our room keys, dropped off our bags, reported to our muster stations, and then headed straight to the Martini Bar.
My balcony cabin was upgraded to one of the aft balcony rooms at the back of the ship offering an amazing view of the wake trailing behind us (and a front row seat on day three backing into Bimini’s port). Mornings and evenings out on the balcony are definitely something to be experienced without question.
The food on the ship was generally good with plenty of variety. Sushi on Five and the Lawn Grill Club were standout options that I highly recommend. Cafe Al Bacio became my go-to spot for coffee and satisfying my occasional sweet tooth. The buffet offered a decent selection especially for those like me who lean towards quick bites like fruits, veggies, cheeses, lox and those easier grab and go items.
There was obviously a diversity of entertainment options. I had an unexpectedly great time at the silent disco—it was unique and energetic. Other highlights included comedian magician Darren "Dizzy,” Broadway-style shows, and Lou Gazzara’s impressive singing performance, especially his rendition of "Con te partirò" (Time To Say Goodbye), which brought me to tears. Cruise director Luigi Del Mar did a fantastic job keeping everyone engaged throughout the trip.
Our first stop was Key West. Having visited before, we ventured further down the strip this time, visiting La Te Da and the Old Town Tavern and Beer Garden. It was an easygoing day, filled with beautiful sights and the occasional encounter with the island’s vibrant roosters.
Next, we docked in Bimini, Bahamas. The beaches were as gorgeous as ever, with clear blue waters and soft sand. For the sake of our travel agency, we opted for the trolley to Virgin's Beach Club before heading back on board.
The staff on the cruise were friendly and attentive. We made a habit of getting to know the bartenders at a couple of our favorite spots, which always adds a personal touch to the trip.
Well, for the most part that sums it up. Until next time, happy travels!
Your pure-hearted dysfunctional trash-panda,
Kristine Anne Hoffarth
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