We arranged our own air and always opt to go in a day early in the event of delays due to weather etc. We were able to get a straight through flight from Cleveland to Ft Lauderdale a feat not easily accomplished these days.
We were able to get a hotel through Hotwire around 60% less than the hotels own site. We ended up staying at Sheraton Suites- Plantation. Very nice hotel accommodations. We had rented a vehicle for the day and therefore did not require transportation to the port. I do believe they have transportation but at a charge.
Getting on the ship was a very easy process. In a matter of minutes we were in our cabins. The cabins were very clean and provided ample closet space. Drawer space was at a minimum but adequate with the shelves that were provided. Our cabin had a nice balcony which my husband likes as he smokes and enjoys going out there and having a cu of coffee. Me I can take any cabin as we spend very little time in the room. Our Cabin steward Henry always had the room made up we saw him very little but he did his job well and when he did see us in the hallway he called us by name. Of course he was rewarded with a little extra tip.