I was my big 3-0. Not my birthday, I'm older than that, it was my thirtieth cruise. My fifth cruise on Princess, I've also cruise on Royal Caribbean, NCL, Carnival, Celebrity and Disney.

We flew to Fort Lauderdale two nights early, January 27, via Delta with a stop to change planes in Atlanta. The flights were uneventful, we arrived on time. Although we were one bag short when the carousel quit going around. We proceeded to the baggage office to inquire. Luckily when we gave our name they said that our bag is on its way. It must have fallen off the little luggage train onto the tarmac.

We stayed at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel. I was able to book this hotel on Hotwire for under $100 a night before taxes and fees, listed as a 3.5 star in the Fort Lauderdale Beach zone with the following amenities; near beach, smoke free, fitness center, pool, restaurant, business center and high-speed internet access. This property was recently remodeled and was very nice and clean. We were assigned a room in the main tower on the third level over looking one of the pools. The room had fresh paint and carpet and nice bedding. The furniture was kind of cheap, the bed a bit on the firm side and the bathroom small. But all fine for the two nights we would be there. Our room overlooked the skyway over to the marina tower, but because of the curve in the road we also had an ocean view. We went to explore the hotel and found the beach bar and infinity pool. We thought the beers were affordable at $5 each and had some very tasty chicken quesadillas for $10. We also found a happy hour at that Mexican restaurant there where beers were only $4. I highly recommend this hotel if you want to stay on the beach before or after a cruise. Read more