This was our 6th cruise with previous experiences to the Eastern Caribbean, the Western Caribbean (twice), the Southern Caribbean (from San Juan) and Hawaii. Five of the cruises were with Carnival and one with NCL. We have had success with Carnival in the past and were not disappointed on this cruise. Traveling with us were four others, my son and his wife, my daughter and my sister-in-law. Other than my daughter this was a first cruise for the group.

We flew in from Milwaukee to Fort Lauderdale and spent the night at the Roadway Inn & Suites based on other reviews. We chose the hotel because we needed to have transportation from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the cruise ship and a place to park my daughter's car. Roadway provided all these capabilities along with pickup from the ship back to the hotel when the cruise was completed.

This is not a high end hotel. My daughter-in-law labeled it a ghetto hotel. It is not fancy but it serves your needs. The rooms are clean but basic. The staff is courteous and willing to serve. I found nothing wrong with it as long as your expectations are that you are spending the night and getting to the ship. The food and drinks at the attached sports bar are very good. I recommend the nacho plate -- it is on the better I've had and is huge. Read more