Matt and I took the 3:30 p.m. cruise on the Riverfront Cruises I, which pulled up to the dock to let loose its cargo of satisfied, and in some cases, slightly tipsy cruisers. While the next batch of customers lined up to board the boat, Xavier and John took their pictures. These photos are nice glossy prints which are offered for sale (a $12.00, 4x6 addition to your travel photo album) after the cruise to commemorate your trip.
Matt's always wanted to be a photographer so he tested his skills to capture the pleasing views offered by the boat's upper deck. There was plenty of comfortable seating and shade. For those who prefer a little less South Florida heat, the lower deck is air-conditioned. The Riverfront Cruise boats also come fully equipped with an open bar. The drinks are included in the price of your ticket.
"That's right, folks. Open bar downstairs," said John. John provided the entertaining narrative of the sights along the way. The cruise began at Riverfront and headed east down the New River. Sights included a number of waterfront residences from the Luxurious River House Condominium on the north side, to the Broward County Jail on the south side. Luxurious mansions belonging to local and national celebrities and politicians were pointed out. Interestingly enough, we gained a basic timeline of the life of Lee Majors by the end of the tour. The 6 Million Dollar Man still lives in a penthouse condo overlooking the Intracoastal. His former home with late, ex-wife Farrah Fawcett is one of the sights you will see on the cruise down the New River. The award for most waterfront homes mentioned on a riverfront cruise goes to the Huizenga family. Wayne's waterfront complex consisted of five interconnected homes and a stunning bell tower.
The cruise continued into the Intracoastal Waterway where cruisers were treated to views of local nightlife hotspots such as the world famous Bahia Cabana and the Hyatt Pier 66 with its rotating restaurant at the top. John, our tour guide, also talked about Port Everglades and the cruise ships (some of the largest in the world) that call it home. At this point, the Riverfront Cruise I turned around and began its journey up north along the Intracoastal. John took a break to let us talk among ourselves and go down to the bar for refills. John returned after a 15 minute break to tell us more about the luxurious waterfront neighborhoods on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway. The difference between these mansions and those on the west side-about $20,000 more in property taxes per month. The boat continued up to the Las Olas Boulevard bridge and made another about face for our journey back up the New River. John made sure to point out some of the important points of interest for visitors to the area, as well, such as the historic Riverside Hotel and the Stranahan House and Museum.
After about an hour and a half, the cruise ended back at Las Olas Riverfront with happy, more relaxed cruisers, with glossy 4x6 photos in hand. A friendly good-bye from the crew on our way out left Matt and I with a sense of satisfaction over a well-spent Friday afternoon. We visited the kiosk to show our gratitude and overheard a group of our fellow cruisers buying their tickets for a repeat ride on the final cruise of the day. The cruiser excitedly told us that it was her third time on the Riverfront Cruise and she thought it was a different way to enjoy the day; and relaxing, too.
Fort Lauderdale's Historic Stranahan House
