We (Deb and Jack from Massachusetts) cruised to the Western Caribbean during the week of January 31, 2010. This was 8th cruise, and our 5th with Royal Caribbean. Since we had already had the experience of a cabin with a veranda (balcony), it was a "must" for us again this time. The Independence of the Seas is a beautiful and extraordinarily large ship.
Pre-night in Ft. Lauderdale: We stayed at the Best Western Oakland Park Inn. I suggest that a pre-night is a 'must' if you can afford it, but I would not stay at that particular Best Western again. The bed was so uncomfortable and the hotel itself needed a major update.
Embarking (getting on the ship): Extremely smooth. We got there just before noon. As planned, we got together with quite a few of our new Cruise Critic friends at sail-away. This group was terrific! It's so nice seeing familiar faces throughout the cruise. If you enjoy meeting new people, plan to meet the Cruise Critic friends you met online (Roll Call section of CC Message Board) prior to your cruise date.