We arrived into Fort Lauderdale two days early, staying at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale beachfront hotel. The weather unfortunately was the coldest of the season so visions of pre-sunning at the pool or beach were dashed. There was a CVS within walking distance to stock up on water to take on the ship. The hotel did not provide complimentary shuttle service but arranged a 4 person van for us to take us to the pier at 11 am.

Embarkation was a joy. The people at the embarkation desk are so friendly and helpful. We were staying in a suite and our parents in a concierge class room which would have had us splitting up to separate sides of the room to do check-in. They allowed us to bring them to the suite line with us and check them in so we could stay together. That was much appreciated. We were checked in to the ship within 15 minutes.

We immediately went to find a seat at the Oceanview Bar as we knew from past experience on the Equinox that seats are hard to come by when the staterooms aren't ready. We toasted with Corona's bucket of beers to a great time! We had a relaxing lunch and staterooms were ready by 1:30 pm. Luggage was delivered shortly thereafter and we were unpacked and ready for the muster drill by 3:00 pm. Read more