FLL and MSC Orchestra 4/16-4/25 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

djgifford · 04-10-2009, 10:32 AM

Okay... I am just getting this area ready for me, lol...

djgifford · 04-17-2009, 10:12 AM

good morning from sunny Ft Lauderdale...

Had an interesting flight yesterday, went to land... gear down, close to the ground... picked up speed, gear up and back into the air we go.... UGHH, I guess there was a plane on the runway, NICE hunh?

I still love the Ft Lauderdale Grande, Hilton Grande or whatever they call it now! VERY full.. but still got nice upgrades. had lunch and dinner at a hole in the wall called Giorgios!!!! AMAZING food, not cheap but not expensive... then we had pizza delivery from them last night. Perfect thinnnnnn crust... thought I was in NY! The owner is from CT, speaks fluent Italian and knows his food!!

Today I think we are doing the water taxi, to ride around, enjoy the sites, and chill out... then hang by the pool in the afternoon!

I was surprised at how crowded the airport was yesterday compared to last October! I love the view out the hotel... looks right intot he marina, over looking the gorgeous yachts...

I will get some pictures... Temps today looking to be 81 F, yayyyy!

That is all for now...

Dolores

sue miller · 04-17-2009, 10:14 AM

Hi Dolores, glad you made it safe

Sounds awesome. Have a great day

djgifford · 04-25-2009, 09:58 AM

Good morning,

I apologize for not doing the live from thread! The internet was the slowest I have encountered onboard a ship.

I can give a brief update though!

Embarkation was the easiest of any cruise I have been on! Our rooms were to be ready by 1 pm, but we dropped off our luggage and headed to the buffet area for lunch! Lunch offerings were the typical and the food was warm, and tasty! There was a nice European flair to many of the dishes! The staff were mostly Italian, and many were going out of their way to assist us. There were two in particular that we enjoyed! The first was a cute Italian guy with a fabulous smile! The second sang in Italian as he served the food...

The ship is spotless! Shiney, clean and beautiful. Reminded me of Princess in many ways. I haven't seen so much gorgeous marble! The burgundy color was my favorite. We found the ship easy to navigate...

Our room was very nice, roomy, and the set up was very Disney like! The bed was comfortable and we slept vey well.... the top bunk was claimed by my son, age 16, my little one age 7 took the pull out love seat. The balcony was roomy approximately 4 feet by 9 feet (ish)! There was plenty of room to put clothes away, there were 4 of us and I overpacked! We had to double up a few things in the closet, but really not a big deal at all!

That is all for this post.... LOL....

Dolores

nealberk · 04-25-2009, 02:38 PM

Okay, Dolores, tell us more.....

MD11F · 04-25-2009, 04:19 PM

Dolores, I just go home from touring the Orchestra. You're correct, very nice Marble, and very easy to navigate. Like the Lirica, it's an elegant vessel, and I'm looking forward to the Poesia early next year. I have lots of pics, and bet you do too. We saw an Inside, Balcony and a Cat 12 Suite. I'm glad they have the large outdoor movie screen poolside.
My one disappointment was the filet mignon which was tasty, but tough, otherwise, the food was very good.

djgifford · 04-26-2009, 07:43 AM

That is funny Ken, our filet was very tender, but not as tasty as the prime rib which was to die for! LOL...

I will work on more a bit later... I promise!