I travelled with my partner and 2 friends for a 5 night cruise on Navigator of the Seas. I have previously sailed 4 cruises: 3 Royal Caribbean, and 1 Princess.

We decided to drive to Ft. Lauderdale and arrived the day prior to Embarkation, staying at the Holiday Inn Express Cruise Port. Very nice hotel with a quiet pool. The hotel is located within 2 miles of the cruise port.

Since we drove down, we parked at Port Everglades, at $15 per day. We arrived to port on embarkation day around 11am. Previous cruisers were still leaving. We dropped the luggage off at the terminal, where I waited while the rest parked the car in the garage. The parking garage was within walking distance, though they do offer shuttles. We were quickly inside the terminal, and onboard the ship by 11:15am. Very fast! Rooms were not ready until 1pm, so we went up to the spa and made some appointments, also to confirm appointments at the specialty restaurants. Windjammer opened at 12 and was immediately packed!!! Everyone must have been eating in there!!! Read more