This was my fourth cruise, and one of those cruises was on this ship in 2010. I'm 57 years old and traveled with my sister this time on a "girl trip." Before I even left my home, I was determined to choose my attitude and be as flexible as possible. There were a couple of challenges on this trip, but nothing that even came close to being a real problem.

We flew to Ft. Lauderdale the day before the cruise and took the Tri-Rail (train) a few stops north to Deerfield Beach where we stayed at the Holiday Park Hotel. This elderly, but beautiful place offered comfortable and affordable accommodations. I enjoy a place that's been around long enough to offer mature plants in the courtyard. We chose Holiday Park because it is within walking distance of many shopping opportunities -- we like to get large containers of sunscreen and the like after we get off the plane so that we don't have to check any luggage.

The next day we took the Tri-Rail back to the Ft. Lauderdale station and were picked up by SAS Transport. The price is affordable and the ride is comfortable, but be prepared to be patient, as the owner tries to make the most of each trip, picking up people, often at a moment's notice. There were people in our van who had been on for quite a while before getting dropped off at the cruise port. My advice is to bring a book, exercise patience, and enjoy the savings SAS offers. Two of our fellow passengers on this trip were a mother and child going to meet the husband/father who is a production dancer on the Destiny. So it added extra fun to watch, listen, meet Dad at the cruise port, and then watch him in several dance revues. Read more