Arrived in FLL the day prior to the cruise, and stayed at the Sleep Inn (Dania).. We have stayed there before, and for the price, including shuttles to the port and from the airport, and a hot breakfast in the AM, as well as a clean room, we return there on each sailing from FLL!

Our friends from the UK picked us up at the airport, and we spent the afternoon at the Sleep Inn, and shopped at Publix, as well as dinner at the Kings Head Pub.. Quite good! In the AM, we dropped the ladies off at the ship at 1130 AM, then returned the rental car to the airport... We then took a cab back to the ship, and were all onboard the ship by 115 PM.. The lines were long at embarkation, but moved quite quickly..

After 'brunch' at the Lido, and a drink or two, we went to our cabins on the Verandah (aft). We had 8448 and our friends had 8442, both category 9A! The steward (Ellsworth) stopped by, introduced himself, and graciously opened the balcony partition as we had requested thru our PVP! Ellsworth was probably the BEST cabin steward we have had on any previous cruise. Our kudo's to him..!! He certainly was highlighted on our 'comment card'! Muster drill was a breeze, and most passengers made it there in a quick and orderly manner. Read more