Luxury yachts, opulent mansions and immaculate landscaping dominated my view. Tales of famous businessmen, wealthy families and their real estate dealings rang in my ear. Conversations around me were varied, both in topic and language and cool breezes and bright sunshine made their presence felt in the perfect combination. Every few seconds my finger pressed the shutter on my camera as another magnificent view got my attention.

Yes, cruising Fort Lauderdale’s New River on the Jungle Queen Riverboat was a full sensory experience. Since 1935 Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises has been conducting sightseeing tours along the new River and that Wednesday morning I became part of that long history. The 90-minute cruise started at the Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, just across from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Along the popular Millionaires’ Row the guide pointed out sights like Michael Mann’s glass-panelled house from Miami Vice and La Maison Blanche which is a White House replica and businessman Wayne Huizenga’s estate.

But instead of me writing a thousand words . . .

I was actually a little early for the 11:30 start of my cruise so I used that opportunity to take a stroll alongside Fort Lauderdale Beach.

After the cruise I took a walk down Las Olas Boulevard. Check out my Instagram account for those photos.