Magical Time on the High Seas... Back from a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the CostaMagica, 3/5-3/12/2006. This was my first real cruise other than day-trips to the Bahamas and nowhere (gambling). I have traveled extensively and have been wanting to try cruising. While I don't have a wealth of experience from previous cruises for comparison, I humbly offer a neophyte's fresh look at Cruising Italian Style. I found a good deal ($499PP) while searching the WEB and booked for my wife (DW 38) and I (46), no kids.
I found a great deal on airfare so the trip was falling into place quickly. I was able to save over $125PP by booking our flights from Ohio into West Palm Beach (PBI) instead of Fort Lauderdale (FLL). This much cheaper flight was only available on Saturday, so while trying to save money I managed to arrive a day before without knowing how nice and convenient this is. I originally planned to take the train (Tri-Rail) between PBI and FLL, but thankfully decided to rent a car for the 2 travel days. This worked out great as we : 1) didn't have to drag our luggage around as much, 2) were able to eliminate the need to shuttle from the airports to the Tri-Rail stations, and 3) had the rental car to use all day after our Sunday morning return before flying home Mon. morning. Our FLL hotel was the Sleep Inn in Dania Beach, which is very conveniently located near the FLL airport and Port Everglades. They offer an excellent free breakfast and free shuttle to/from both the airport and Port. Walk across the side-street and you will find a Publix grocery store and 2 restaurants. The Publix was great for buying liquid refreshments to repack in your luggage without having to fly it in from your home city. I bought a case (24 1/2 liter bottles) of water for $5 which we put in a collapsible cooler and a 1/2 dozen bottles in each suitcase. We also bought a bottle of Asti Spumonte $12 which went into a carry-on bag. Costa charges $2 a bottle for water and $20 for the same brand of Asti so we saved $50 bringing our own. I really wouldn't advise trying to bring many bottles of wine/booze because of the risk of breakage. Once on board I ordered and enjoyed many sodas with meals, an occasional mixed drink, bought a bottle of Asti while enjoying a show, and even bought their water when I was too lazy to go fetch one from my cabin. We aren't heavy drinkers but I was leery of running up a big tab by the end of the week. Hey, if they aren't going to complain, I'll bring my own and save some money.
The Sleep Inn provided a free shuttle to Port Everglades, so after a short ride we arrived at the Port about 1:30. Our checked bags were taken right there at the sidewalk and were delivered to our cabin within a couple of hours. Relieved of the heavy bags, we proceeded directly into a long line that stretched out of the terminal and onto the sidewalk. I thought the embarkation process was a smooth stroll through organized chaos. The Magica was full that week and it seemed that all 3,000 people showed up at the same time, but I was excited to get aboard, so I didn't mind at all. I think we were onboard within an hour, after the obligatory welcome aboard photo, and were directed to the Welcome Buffet.