This was our 6th cruise--5th on RCL--We (my husband and I) stayed at the Hilton Ft Lauderdale Marina the night prior to sailing--nice views of the marina--ate at the Boathouse--just a few blocks away--a wonderful restaurant--brand new--excellent food- with great opened seating areas and on the marina.

Cruise day went smoothly--easy boarding process--we arrived via taxi (didn't want to ride the hotel shuttle with so many passengers/luggage)-paid 10$--well worth the private ride there--we arrived around 11 am--good time as traffic was getting heavy near port---went through security--and up to waiting area---boarded ship around 12 pm--rooms are not opened until after 1 pm or when ALL rooms are ready--we explored the ship and ate in the Solarium area(always nice and quiet for breakfast and lunch --we ate there every day--not crowded like the Windjammer)--the ship is magnificent--the "neighborhoods" are beautiful-our room was 8154--perfect location on the Central Park floor-- to easily get coffee in am and brought back to our room each am and enjoyed our balcony-- otherwise have to travel to 5th/16th floors to get coffee--one thing about this ship--there is not a lot of areas to get food/drinks--other than main areas--as with other ships/cruise lines that have little areas designated to get drinks/coffee easily-- We also did the Main Dining room for breakfast --1 time--but really just preferred the Solarium-- Just expect to see the same food choices everyday for breakfast--no matter where you eat.

We enjoyed Chops Specialty restaurant--excellent--best meal we had on this cruise---the Bacon appetizer is NOT to be missed-- We did book ALL of our shows and the specialty restaurant approx. 2 mos before cruise date--(it will all be booked if you wait until cruise sails). Read more