We have cruised 3 times before, always on Ncl, and always the week of Thanksgiving to coincide with my daughters college schedule.
pre cruise- we flew in a day early and stayed at the Alhambra Beach Resort,a small beautiful hidden gem I found after much research.
embarkation- easy. to the port by 1130, waited maybe 15 min inside terminal , then pretty much straight to room. Eurodam is a beautiful ship, well cared for and we were pleased with our choice to try Hal.