We traveled to Fort Lauderdale the day before our cruise left. I highly recommend this. We flew into Fort Lauderdale. We stayed at the Comfort Suite CruisePort/Airport. Fine for one night. Our room was clean and ready at 3:00 others in our group were not so lucky. They do supply transportation from airport to hotel and from hotel to cruiseport.
Embarkation went very very smoothly. Very quick. We have filled out all paperwork before hand and we traveled with passports.
Our Junior Suite was ready by noon. Four of us stayed in this room. Lots of storage. One queen bed and one pull out couch. The couch is fine for kids by adults may not find it so comfortable. The room is big enough so you do not feel cramped.