First, I would like to make everyone aware my last cruise was in 1992, on a Carnival ship for my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary-so I really had nothing to compare this to. My sister had sailed the Century and recommended her highly to me and after reading TONS of posts I felt I had made the correct choice... and now I know my decision was the right one. I fell in love last week, with the CENTURY.

Okay... On Friday, May 16th, I was up early and out of the house about 7:30 am. I started my vacation with breakfast at Denny's and was on the road by 8:00 am. I was in Ft. Lauderdale by 1:00 pm and stayed at Amerisuites on 17th Street. They had free parking for the week and the room was clean. My bed was too soft but since it was just one night it was fine. After checking in, I walked along 17th Street and stopped in Carlos and Pepes for a Margarita. They are in a strip mall and I found a neat used bookstore called "WELL READ". The owner is Donna and she and I chatted for about ½ hour. Nice lady and great little bookstore. Next to the Amerisuites is another Mexican Place-Del Rio and there is also OUTBACK. I found a marvelous Italian restaurant on 17th Street... also within walking distance called "BRAVO". They are casual or dressy. (Near the port... most anything goes)... and the food was AWESOME... for any of you who are interested... prices vary from 11 to 25... full meal with salad and bread... its VERY GOOD. I had Fresh Chilean Sea Bass... was delicious... and I even had the bartender make me a French Martini!

Saturday morning... I was up early, could not sleep. The hotel offered free breakfast and as I was sitting on a couch, someone came up to me and asked if I was Lois... I looked up and it was Cruise Orlando! He and his wife were there too (sorry John, your wife's name escapes me at the moment). I think he heard me talking to some people about sailing solo, so we sat together for a while and talked. They are both very nice people and it was great meeting them! So, I had already met 2 from these boards before we even got to the ship. Also, I had spoken with Kay and John from TN on the phone but we didn't end up meeting. We did meet on the ship and they are nice people as well. Read more