Westworld Alberta

22 W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A | F A L L 2 0 1 5 sime/estock photo GOING PORTSIDE BY TIM JOHNSON A rriving in a port city can be an intoxicating experience, with most of us anxious to explore the cultural and culi- nary influences, often centuries old. However, time is often limited. As well, "flying in the morning before your ship departs can be very stressful. There's always the possibility of flight delays and cancellations," says Leonna Manna, AMA Travel Cruise Specialist. "To help ease your worries, plan for an extra day or two to explore your departing port. It's almost like getting two vacations in one." Here, Manna and other AMA Travel Cruise Special- ists share their favourite ports – and how to maximize the few hours you have in town. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA Chosen by AMA Cruise Specialist Cathy Tse Home to bustling Port Everglades – the world's second-largest cruise port – travellers often pass quickly through this South Florida city, stay- ing just long enough to board their ship and head down the coast. And that's a shame. Often known as the "Venice of America," Fort Lauder- dale's picturesque canals and beaches make the perfect playground for a pre- or post- cruise stay. See and Do Los Olas Boulevard runs from the beach through the heart of the city – use bike lanes to explore by cycle, or head out on foot to browse bou- tiques and galleries. After dinner at the Riverwalk, a culinary and enter- tainment complex lining the Tarpon River, head to the clubs. e best way to see the city is from the water. Cruise Lauderdale's 250-plus kilometres of canals and waterways with one of several local day-cruise operators or, even better, Tse recommends saving a few bucks by taking the Fort Lauderdale water taxi, which offers a one-time, hop-on-hop-off price. is "taxi" stops at nine different places, including a shopping mall, restaurants, attractions and hotels. Shopaholics should head to either Sawgrass Mills, one of America's largest outlet malls, or indulge in Florida's culture of vintage, antique shopping at the Fort Vintage Flea market or Festival Flea Market, located just to the south in Pompano Beach. Luxury yachts moored in the Intracoastal Waterway at Las Olas. CRUISING

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