Just home from our first, and definitely not last cruise. We did the Allure Western 7/31 sailing.
Pre-cruise: Stayed at the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach. We got in late Saturday evening - hotel was clean and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. It was even better that we were using Marriott points for the rooms!!
Embarkation: Just as everyone says - a breeze! Grade - A+