Pre-embarkation: We flew in from the West Coast 2 days early and spent 2 nights at the Courtyard by Marriott, Ft Lauderdale Beach. What a great time we had. It is RIGHT across from the beach, close to Las Olas Blvd, and within walking distance of the water taxi terminal. The hotel staff was superb and tended to our every need. Though it did not offer free shuttle service to the port, the $20 from the airport and to the port was worth it. It is about Location, Location, Location!
Embarkation: We were told by experienced Ft Lauderdale cruisers to arrive early, so we caught a cab and were at the port at 11:15. These port employees know what they are doing. We were on board in less than 30 minutes and headed to the Seaside Grill Buffet for lunch. Rooms were ready by 1 pm.
Stateroom: Our veranda cabin was on deck 8, slightly aft of midship. The initial shock of how small ship cabins are wears off quickly as you unpack and find there really is room for everything. We loved being port side and at most ports actually docked on this side so got to have a first hand view as we entered each port...great for photo ops. The bathrooms show a bit of wear in the tile floor, but were kept meticulously by our cabin stewards. The bed was comfortable, but our big suitcase did not fit under the bed so had to be stored until the end of the cruise, when our steward returned it like clockwork.
Cabin 8151 - Normal size veranda room with balcony, but a great location with NO obstructions whatsoever.