I had read other reviews here about Carnival Conquest, but we picked the ship for the ports, not necessarily the ship itself and were surprised with both.

Ft. Lauderdale- Day 1 Embarkation was pretty easy. Once you got in line for them to check your passports and boarding pass, we walked around the corner to the metal detectors, similar to what you would see in the airport. A quick 3 mins here and we were shown to a line that had several long wraps till we go to the desk for check-in. All in all about a 25 min process till we got to desk. A few quick questions, a picture taken for our Sail and Sign card and we were off to a waiting area for boarding. The Agent at the desk marked us a group 13. When we got to waiting area they were calling group 11. My wife took the opportunity to use the restroom and by the time she came out they called groups 12 and 13. Up the escalator and into another line where they actually put your S&S card into the machine. That familiar "plunk" sound as your checked in and then on to a spot where they are taking pictures as you board. For first timers reading this.. this is not the only time you're pic will taken. Actually felt like we had the Paparazzi following us all trip :) The ramp/jetway to the ship was very steep, but we did it and were welcomed on board by several of the crew. We were told our cabin wouldn't be ready till 1:30, so we found a place to sit in the Cezanne Restaurant on the Lido deck and grabbed something to eat. We were done by 1:15, went to find out came one deck below and found it ready for us.

Dropped our carry on bags and went to explore the ship. We came back about an hour later and our luggage was delivered and in our Stateroom. Usually they leave it in the Hallway! Muster Drill at 3:30 and we sailed away around 5. Read more