About us We are three, professional, well-traveled women, ages ranging from 35-45. For myself, it was cruise number 3, the prior 2 cruises being on Carnival and Princess, but first cruise for the other 2 in our party. This was our first time traveling together, and we chose this option (FOS) based on date, itinerary, price, and likelihood to appeal to all 3 of us. While we all have children, this trip was just us -- husbands were home with the kids. I point this out because while we were keenly observant of the experience onboard for families/kids, we ourselves just wanted to relax, and often avoided child-heavy areas.

Pre-Cruise

We were flying into Orlando from different locations at different times. We arranged a package through La Quinta Cocoa beach, which had the best price for the fly-snooze-cruise option. Meaning, a room for 3 pre cruise, shuttle to and from MCO airport, and shuttle from the hotel to port the next day. The rate included a standard non-smoking room and breakfast the next day, as well as free wifi. The room had a fridge and micro I think (we used the fridge, not the micro). Beds were comfy, although they apparently have live poolside music during summer season at the pool- which luckily ended at 10, otherwise it would have been too much. If you dislike noise, this might not be the right choice for you. It didn't bother us too much. The shuttle the hotel uses is Cocoa Beach Shuttle, and it worked just fine. I was contacted ahead of time by both the hotel and then the shuttle company to verify our flight information. Pickup and transit was pretty easy -- we called the shuttle after collecting our bags and then they come over from the holding area. A number of other people in both terminals were riding, so it was a pretty full van. Again, didn't bother us too much, but if you have serious personal space issues this might not be the choice for you. The driver was fine, and we tipped a buck a bag. The la Quinta was the last stop (I think we may have stopped at 3 other hotels before ours). We were not worried about time, but I could imagine others (my husband, for example!) getting annoyed at the multiple stops. In any case, the room was perfectly fine (we didn't use the pool). Walking distance (1/2 a mile maybe?) to Publix where we picked up a few snacks and last minute toiletries. There was a taxi/van service we could have used, but we opted to walk. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant, which was Thai/sushi. Very good sushi, about $20-25pp. There was also a sports bar with burgers and other bar food- our later arriving friend got a burger from here and said it was good -- but it involved braving a large crowd of partiers to get it from the bar. The shuttle to the port next morning was full, not surprisingly, but well-organized (they have a list with your names and call by party to board). We dropped off at another ship (maybe 2?) before going to the RCI port. Read more