We are a couple that live their lives in the public view all year long so we try to get away just to renew our marriage and renew and refresh ourselves for the upcoming hectic times. As such, this trip to the Southern Carib. was just what the doctor ordered. We have been to Aruba and Curacao before on the Noordam a couple of years ago and we loved them both and wanted to go back.

We arrived 2 days early and stayed at the W hotel in FLL. A fabulous contemporary hotel with a few quirks. (Don't try to share a room with anyone who is not your spouse - the wall between the shower/tub and bedroom is made of glass :) and the mini-bar is ridiculously pricey even for a luxury hotel. We go shopping at the Galleria Mall as there are more varied selection there than what we have back in NC.

Embarcation was a breeze especially as we were deluxe suite guests. Arrived at 11 AM and were eating in the MDR for lunch at 11:30. Read more