I travelled to Ft Lauderdale on 24 Sept by Air Canada. The flight was smooth and on time. I stayed one night at the Holiday Inn Express Convention Center 17th St Causeway. I called the hotel from the airport and was told to exit the doors and turn left and walk to the blue sign that said "hotel shuttle and off airport parking". I did this and waited and waited about 20 mins. there was no one else at this spot, and I felt something was not right. So I called the hotel from my cell, and was told that the shuttle have been there by now, but to please wait and they would call him again. I waited 10 mins more, and then I saw the Hol Inn Express shuttle slow down, and I walked to the curb, and he took off! A third call to the hotel, and the shuttle did return within a few minutes. The driver said nothing, no apology, no hello, nothing. Same at the checkin desk. I mentioned the delay with the shuttle, and the desk clerk said "oh that's too bad". Next up to the room. The window opened up to a view of a concrete wall. So much for Priority club rewards! Otherwise it was typical of Hol Inn Express. But I would not stay here again. The shuttle to the port next morning was however very efficient.

The 10.30am shuttle arrived at the port by 10.45, and I checked in quickly and painlessly, waited about 30mins, then boarded shortly after 11.30am. Because of Tropical storm Matthew, our itinery was changed from western to eastern route, and this was fine with me. I certainly didnt want to sail into a storm! Boarded and had a quick lunch at the lido deck buffet. Went to the stateroom at 1.30 when the rooms were ready. I had a 1a porthole cabin and it was great! I usually have an interior when I cruise alone, so this was a bonus for me. Two portholes were good for natural light, and you could get up and see if you were near land in the am. Lots of storage space and hangers. I didnt meet the cabin steward until the second day, when I saw him and assistant in hall, and they said hello. There was an issue with, no ice in the bucket two nights in a row early in the cruise, and I had to call room service to get some. The third night, when again I found no ice, I asked why this was happening and why I should have to bother room service for ice, and the steward arrived within a minute, and filled the bucket for me and was pleasant about it. After that no more problems with ice.

The ship was very nice and clean. I have read that folks didnt like the decor. While I would say it was not my favorite of the Carnival ship decors I have seen, it wasnt that bad either. I loved the serenity area, and had no problem ever finding a lounge chair there. I even enjoyed one of those great clamshells on a port day when I chose to stay aboard. Read more