Island Princess Feb 22, 09

My husband and I (both in our 50's) just returned from our first cruise to the Panama Canal. This was a 10 day round trip from Ft. Lauderdale on the beautiful Island Princess. We have previously enjoyed cruises on the Grand, Star, Dawn and Emerald, but the Island by far has been our favorite.

We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale a day early and stayed at the Hampton Inn on Stirling Road. This hotel was about $20 more than the Comfort Inn next door that we stayed at in 2008 and was well worth the additional amount. The room was bright and cheery with plush bedding and a large bathroom. We used the hotels complimentary airport pick up service and also their free shuttle to the port the next morning. In the afternoon we walked about ½ mile to Kmart to purchase some last minute items for the cruise. That evening we walked to Michael's Pub at the Comfort Inn for a barbecued burger and draft beer. Read more