2019 Transatlantic Cruise on MSC Divina
Day 20 MSC Divina - Miami, Florida -- November 25, 2019
Please click here for video of our day in Miami.
After being away for a month, we finally arrived at our debarkation port of Miami, Florida. We already went through immigration clearance in Puerto Rico, so it was a very quick process to get out from the cruise port. All we had to do was having our last breakfast on board and then wait for them to call our color to get off the ship.
Arrived at the Port of Miami on Dodge Island.
Not sure which cruise terminal we were at but looks like it was one closer to the bridge on the north-east end of the island.
That was the ship (Europa) we've met a couple of times while in the Caribbeans. It was also docked the same morning.
It was quite chaotic leaving the cruise terminal, with everybody trying to figure out their way around and getting transportation after retrieving their luggage. There were taxis and cars picking up passengers, and then there were buses everywhere. We were looking for the complimentary buses for car rentals that would take us to Miami Airport where we had a van reserved from Alamo. Finally found it not at curbside but around the side of the terminal. After showing the driver our reservation, all of us boarded the bus for the ride to the airport. Before the start of this trip, we had thought about taking public transportation (trains) from Miami to Fort Lauderdale where we would be flying out from. We finally decided that renting a van would work better for us with all the luggage and that we had a whole day before our flight out at 7:00PM. This turned out to be a wise choice and worked well for our day in Florida.
Arrived at the Miami Airport.
MIA Rental Car Center, a huge space for all the car rental companies.
Glad that we rented a 14-passenger van, barely enough space for all 10 of us plus our luggage.
We were told to just go find the van we like and drive off and that's exactly what we did. We would return the van at the Fort Lauderdale airport later that afternoon.
By now, it was almost time for lunch so we stopped at Versailles first.
Versailles is the most popular Cuban restaurant in town. We came here in 2017 before we boarded our Transatlantic cruise on the NCL Getaway and enjoyed the food very much.
We were here early enough so the line wasn't that bad.
Yummy garlic bread
The Criollo Sampler
The Classic Sampler
Enjoying our delicious and hearty lunch.
After lunch, Big Brother took us to a couple of places in town for sightseeing. Mainly in Coral Gable District. I have not been here before so it was quite interesting to see new places.
The Biltmore Hotel with lots of history. It was the tallest building in Florida when it was built and also had the largest swimming pool in the world. It was also used as a hospital during WWII and then a VA Hospital until it was abandoned for many years. Then it was revived as a hotel again in 1968. Many celebrities, presidents, and famous people frequented this hotel throughout the years. It is still standing pretty in this quiet town.
Then, we also visited the Venetian Pool and DeSoto Plaza area but I just found out that I did not have any photos there.
Before leaving Miami for Fort Lauderdale, we just had to stop by Miami Beach. It was difficult to find parking near the beach area but after circling a few times we lucked out and found a space big enough for our big van.
High-rise near the beach.
The famous Miami Beach.
Art Deco buildings
Time to leave for Fort Lauderdale!
Everything went well as we concluded our month-long trip and back to Los Angeles safely. We were definitely tired but happy that we had such a memorable trip.
Below are just a few photos of the food that we have been craving for while on this long journey.
We were able to enjoy some fantastic Chinese food in L.A. after we came back. What great way to end our vacation before sending our families back to Taiwan!
Dim Sum at Grand Harbor Restaurant in Temple City.
Dinner at Atlantic Seafood in Monterey Park.
Authentic Chinese cuisine, our comfort food!
"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." -- Psalm 91:2
