From all the reviews-one can guess that embarkation typically goes very fast and surprisingly smooth. My wife (40), daughter (6) and I (40) arrived in Fort Lauderdale the day before and stayed at the Radisson Bahia Mar Beach Resort- Now not affiliated with Radisson...Priceline for $125 for an oceanview suite- not a bad start for a $289 room!

Beware of the hotels who load your bags into a (non)licensed taxi for the Pier when you checkout- Being in a rush, you don't realize some of the things to consider- like cost...We were placed in a large unmarked-nonlicensed van with a driver that displayed no identification...Halfway to the pier we asked how much it costs and without pause said- $15.... Distance-3/4mile...time-about 3 minutes!

At the pier- there are large signs that state the porters work on salary and that tipping is not required. Our very polite porter informed us he would appreciate a little something...Of course not wanting our luggage to end up on another ship. we obliged. Read more