Let me begin by sharing that this is my 4th cruise, 3 in the Caribbean and 1 in Alaska. This is my second with Holland America. It will definitely NOT be my last! I will do my best to share all my thoughts, but keep in mind -- they are just that --- my thoughts.

Hotel: Stayed at the Sleep Inn in Dania Beach in Ft Lauderdale the night before embarkation. Would I recommend it? Probably not again but it was convenient enough and they provide transportation to the ship; at a breakneck speed, mind you -- but it was transportation none the less!

Embarkation: Stayed in line at the terminal until the doors opened promptly at 11:00 am. We were sent to suite guest embarkation quickly based on the "S" badge worn by my mom, who shared the suite with my husband and I. No line to speak of and quickly went upstairs to await boarding. After only a few minutes, we were granted priority boarding and sent to the Lido for lunch as our staterooms were not yet ready. Read more