This was a first time cruise for my family (husband and 2 children ages 5 & 8) and I. My parents had decided to take the whole family including my brother and nephews on the FOS for a family trip and it was a great gift and idea. My aunt and cousin also booked so we were a group of 11.

We flew down to Miami the day before (Saturday) and stayed at the Best Western in Coral Gables as they offer free shuttle from the airport to the hotel and then to the port the next day. I had read a review that it wasn't that great but I tell you it was well worth it even though it is not a 5 star hotel. We just wanted to relax and swim and eat before we left and it was clean and affordable.

Upon arriving to the port.. I was impressed, there were 4 other ships there along with the FOS and wow.. it was a big ship. Getting through all the rigamarole to get on wasn't too bad. I would say from start to finish it was about an hour or so and we arrived at 11:30am. Our cabin wasn't quite ready when we went up to check it out but that was fine. We went up to the windjammer for a bite to eat and settle in. Read more