We arrived in Ft Lauderdale 2 days prior to our cruise. Stayed at the Hyatt 17th St Convention Center Hotel. A real mixed bag. It looks like they took an old hotel, tried to fix it up and it just is not a good place. Our room smelled, they changed it the next day but there must be nicer places than this.
The Zuiderdam is a wonderful ship. Clean and truly functional.
Embarkation was a snap. We were sent to the holding area and in about a half hour we were on the ship.
Cabin 1108 on Main Deck. Great location - dining room up one level, reception desk right down the hall. Large room kept clean by service staff.
Only down thing is it is under the galley - noisy!!