First off, this cruise included 8 of us (4 couples, ALL adults). We are the only couple that had cruised before. The other 3 couples were ALL new.
We flew into Ft Lauderdale the night before we were to set sail. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott. It was a great hotel, we started the party early and took full advantage of the pool, jacuzzi and bar. We also liked that it was right next to a Bass Pro, and did a little shopping over there and tried out their restaurant.
Embarkation: Smooth as silk, we showed up around noon. Everyone had their Set Sail passes and passports ready and within 20 minutes we were walking onto the ship! Stopped for the welcome aboard photo, and then proceeded to a bar for a drink of the day! Our rooms weren't ready yet, but we were early and it only took a few hours before they were ready.