Having done two trans-Atlantic's ("TA")from Europe to North America, this year we thought to try it the other way. We saw a very good deal on the Eurodam's TA, probably because there were only three ports before the ship reached Rome, and some people may have wanted more ports and fewer sea-days. Not us, however--we love those languid days at sea!

We flew to Fort Lauderdale the day prior to the cruise and stayed the one night at the Sheraton Suites in Plantation, Florida. We stayed at a Sheraton because I had plenty of Starwood points. This hotel is quite close to the port, and the two room suite is generous. The neighborhood, however, is dicey--it is next to a closed shopping mall. Hotel staff are very pleasant, and the food we had for breakfast the morning of departure is also decent. Yet that was offset by the fact that on arrival we had a bug of some sort, dare I say a cockroach, in our room...yuk. So, I doubt we will return to this hotel. As it was for just the one night, we toughed it out.

Embarkation to the Eurodam was very easy at noon on the Saturday, although the entrance to the port was busy as many ships were departing that day. We were, however, soon on board and enjoying the embarkation lunch in the main dining room, which was full. Yet despite the large numbers service and the meal was great, so we were off to a very good start. By the time lunch was done, around 1:30, we could go to our suite, a deluxe verandah just down the hall from the Neptune's Lounge. Our luggage arrived quickly and our two stewards introduced themselves. These two gentlemen took very good care of us over the nearly two weeks--the room was kept spotless and we would leave them notes with any requests, as we hardly saw them (they were quite busy but very efficient). Read more