The beauty of cruising is that you can choose your neighborhood. Here in Miami Beach we have quite the rich and famous right next door so to speak. During the holidays we parked our Diesel Duck between Palm Island and the MacArthur Causeway opposite where the cruise ships dock. It's a quiet spot next to big yachts moored in front of beautiful estates and a perfect setting for roasting our Christmas turkey in the oven. To the east we are looking at Star Island. Everyday sightseeing tour boats bring tourists by to show and tell who resides on the island or previously owned what house. Being curious Benno and I took a dinghy tour around the island. The largest property and most impressive estate belong to Dr. Phillip Frost, 2.4 billion worth and #190 on the Forbes list. Among other accomplishments he founded Ivax, a generic drug co. best known for the drug "Viagra" his impressive résumé is a mile long.

We located the estate of Gloria Estefan and know that Rosie O'Donnell's house was hidden somewhere among the beautifully landscaped surroundings. Also Sean Combs was supposed have a house amongst these famous neighbors. However, the pictures I took of previously owned houses by Elizabeth Taylor who sold to Don Johnson (Miami Vice), Julio Iglesia, Madonna, who sold to Xuxa, Will Smith and Diddy's abode, we cannot verify as being true. But then, do we need to?

Now we think we'll move on to explore the Florida Keys and beyond. It would be far more interesting to discover nice snorkel grounds and swim in clear water. We'll let you know what we find.




Dr. Phillip Frost's home




Elizabeth Taylor and Don Johnson's dig




Gloria Estefan lives here




Julio Iglesia's estate




Suppositly Madonna was living here before passing it on to Xuxa




You think this belongs to Will Smith?