Flew from Seattle Friday morning on United. Our flights were both on time.

Once we were in Fort Lauderdale the Best Western Plus Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port (1221 W State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA 33315-2349 954/462-7005) shuttle was already there. A nice, free service that the hotel offers. When we arrived at the hotel the woman at the desk was friendly and helpful. We were quickly checked in and got a room on the first floor. It never occurred to us to ask for a non-smoking room -- didn't know that a smoking room existed anymore! There was a very faint smell of cigarettes, not enough to bother us or ask us to change our room. The hotel is very close to a strip mall -- we walked to Big Daddy's liquor store and got two bottles of wine -- they carried my favorite St Michelle's Riesling -- and we bought a bottle of vodka to put in our Shampoozles. Except for our snack pack on the plane we hadn't eaten yet so walked to Wendy's (which is in the parking lot of the strip mall) and to McDonalds (same parking lot and about 15 feet from the hotels front door). The bed and pillows were comfortable -- the room was very clean. There is a refrigerator and a microwave, coffee pot and iron/ironing board. We fell asleep shortly after eating our dinner.

Day '1' Embarkation Read more