We left NJ for Ft. Lauderdale on Friday and stayed at the lovely Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Beach hotel. Had dinner at Lulu's nearby and it was very good. Spent Saturday morning between the beach across from the hotel and the hotel pool.

Early afternoon we turned in our rental car outside the port and got a ride to the ship. VIP embarkation had only a few people in line so very quickly we were at the check-in counter. Carnival has a new computer system and you need only hand over your passport at check-in; no other documents needed anymore.

We had an aft balcony cabin and also two balcony cabins all near each other on deck 7. I liked our large balcony and the cabin was good as well. Read more