Gym's Ramblings: Atlantic Odyssey 2025: Miami (updated with pictures)

Marriott Biscayne Bay from the Venetian Way

It was with some trepidation that Gym had to begin this ocean cruise in Miami. Before Trump, there would have been no worries. Recently though, it has become a bit of an unsettling prospect, to travel across the 49th Parallel. Gym had heard stories of Canadians being detained for brandishing a Canuck driver's license, on routine traffic stops. Google it, it's real! And if truth be told, Gym had promised himself that he would avoid America while Trump was in charge. However, this cruise had been booked for two years. Mrs. G had started planning for this adventure during the much more harmonious Biden Administration and embarking out of the terminal on Dodge Island was not considered a drawback at that time.

Gym needn't have worried. The passage down to south Florida was incident-free and everyone was very friendly in Atlanta, where the adventurers had to change planes. They were processed through U.S. Customs and by the TSA without a hitch. As the luggage was thrown onto the conveyor belt to be carried away to the waiting Delta 757 for the second leg of the trip, Gym felt better.

Once they touched down in south Florida, all tensions subsided as they had arrived in Miami, a city of immigrants, a place where almost everyone is welcome. Gym had booked the Marriott Biscayne Bay and they would spend one night there before boarding the Oceania Vista on April 19th.

Musings about downtown Miami:

- The taxi drivers in Miami are normally the first Floridians that you interact with when you head to your hotel from the airport. These guys all tend to be personality-plus. Gym enjoyed meeting Luis who hailed from Uruguay. Gym and Luis agreed on the currant state of US politics.

- The Marriott Biscayne Bay is a nice clean place with some excellent staff. The rooms are nothing special though, they are clean and modern but not worth the nightly rate until you consider in the fantastic views you get from this waterfront property.

- Walking around downtown Miami is safe and very worthwhile. In spite of a plethora of newer high-rise condos, there are numerous green spaces where this neighbourhood's locals are out strolling, jogging and riding bikes. Within a few blocks of the Marriott, there is Margaret Pace Park, Maurice Ferre Park and the Bayfront Park and outdoor mall. This part of Miami is full of mostly younger, Latino middle-class families that enjoy spending time in these green spaces.

- La Canita Cuban Restaurant is a good bet. Gym had the fish of the day and his boss devoured delicious beef empanadas. Gym Rates it 5/5.