Overview: This was a magnificent experience and an excellent value, exceeding all expectations.
Pre-Cruise: After flying to Fort Lauderdale from Albuquerque (via Orlando) the day before our departure, we stayed at the Hyatt-Regency Pier 66, booked on Priceline for $80. It proved a very good choice, conveniently located from the airport and to Port Everglades. Nice room, decent dining options, and a revolving city-view bar. In the morning, we strolled along the marina area and caught our first glimpse of the Millennium. Anxious to board, we left the hotel at 10:45 and, after a breezy embarkation process, were enjoying our welcome glass of champagne by 11:30.
Ship Design: The Millennium herself was the star of the show! An amazing ship, simply beautiful. We were repeatedly struck by the aesthetic everywhere we looked - elegant and sumptuous, yet accessible and comfortable. We were impressed with the lighting (which shifted from day to evening to night, effectively setting new moods), the appropriate (never flashy) use of mirrors, the interesting art collection, and the fact that even though common areas were all generous in size, they still managed to seem cozy. After several days, we inquired about the number of passengers on our trip because it seemed as if it must have been undersold - we were surprised to find out that it was booked to more than double-occupancy.