Flew into Fort Lauderdale the day before and spent the night at Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port hotel in Dania Beach, FL. Free shuttle from the airport and to the cruise port. A taxi back to the airport from the cruise port can be arranged at the front desk. The hotel was nice we would stay there again. The only draw back is there is only one restaurant to eat at on the premises. For $125.00 for the night it worked out fine for us.
Took the 10:30 shuttle over to the cruise port. Stood in line for a very short time and we were on board by noon.
Sailed on the Carnival Freedom April 18th thru the 24th. This was our first Carnival cruise. We have sailed on RCCL, NCL and Princess. When i first stepped on board i said this is the ugliest ship i have ever been on. Very over the top weird decor. But after the 2nd day i hardly noticed it.