As way of background information I am a single female in my mid 50s and I travel solo most of the time. This was a solo sailing and my first cruise with Holland America. My previous 3 cruises were all on Princess. This time, as in the past, I fly to the port the day before the cruise from my home in SC. I arrived in Ft. Lauderdale at around 10:30am via Spirit Airlines. If you are in a city served by Spirit, please check them out for your travel plans. The planes are modern and clean, the flight attendants helpful and the prices, by taking advantage of their specials are unbeatable.
My pre-cruise hotel of choice in Ft. Lauderdale is the Hampton Inn on Stirling Road. They allowed me an early check in and upgraded me to a king suite. The room was ultra spacious with a small kitchen and dining area, living room, bedroom and large bath with dressing area. That particular location has complimentary shuttles from the airport and to the cruiseport. They also offer a full, hot breakfast. Regular check in time is 3pm and check out is at 11am. I highly recommend this hotel based on cleanliness, service and amenities.
I left the hotel on the 11:30am shuttle and was deposited at the cruise terminal at 11:45am. Porters took my one bag and I was in a quickly moving line into the terminal. Perhaps because I had completed my paperwork online prior to the cruise, the check in itself lasted only a matter of minutes. I was on my way up the gangplank with my purse and one carryon a few minutes before noon. Rooms were not ready yet but we were welcomed aboard and invited to enjoy lunch in the Lido.