Background: Along with myself (54 yrs) are my wife (52 yrs) and my in-laws (82 and 78 yrs). Minimal physical issues, no dietary issues, and preference for relaxing, reading, and good food and drink. Flew into Sarasota, and stayed with the in-laws prior to, and after the cruise.

Hotel/Rental car Info: No hotel required, but I did rent a Hertz car in Sarasota. Dropped the car off at the Marriot Harborside, and caught the shuttle to the port. It was a 5 minute ride. Very easy. Did the reverse on the way back, and it worked out fine. I believe you can now drop off and pick up the car at either pier, as long as you have an existing reservation. Check with Hertz first, but the Harborside was a piece of cake.

Check In: Incredibly easy! When we were dropped off at the pier curb by Hertz at 11:20 A.M., a porter took our bags at the curb (had our pre-printed bag tags on our bag), we went upstairs, filled out a health questionnaire, stood in a very short security line (where they confiscated our wine), checked in (did the electronic check-in 3 days in advance) showing our authorization form, got our ship pass cards, bypassed the souvineer photographer, got our hand sanitizer (get used to it!), boarded the ship and got our ID photos taken, and went to the buffet. Started eating at 11:40! Couldn't be any easier!!!!!!! Read more