We left Ga and stayed in Ft Lauderdale prior to cruising. The Embassy Suites has been newly renovated and is beautiful. The pool is incredible with a waterfall and plenty of seating. You can see the ships from the outside porches at the end of the floors from 6 up. They are suites with an incredible spread put out for breakfast that is free.
We boarded on 5-10 which was a nightmare. They had us all lined up out in the hot sun all the way around the building. Several people were almost run over by fork lifts because we were standing next to the luggage racks they were moving. The line did move quickly but there were a lot of elderly people there in that heat.
Once aboard there were no nice people standing around to greet you or to offer you a drink of the day. Let me say this is our 6th cruise (3rd on Carnival). We made our way to the cabin and to eat lunch.
Our cabin was 8281 and it was great, a balcony and the bedding is the best.
Lots of closet space, quiet location, hallway always busy with stuff in it.