My husband and I don't fly, so we headed to ft lauderdale on Amtrak August 17 th, 2012 on the 418 pm train which we were expected to arrive the next day at 6 pm from Trenton new jersey There were a few delays, but arrived at 9 pm. A bunch of cab drivers were huddled in a corner just waiting for business, ,but it looked like we broke up a party. I didn't feel welcomed and expressed to the driver to get me to my hotel, and not give me a tour of ft lauderdale. He looked mad at me, but I didn't care. My hotel was only two miles away from Amtrak and didn't want to be paying 50 dollars for a two mile ride.
We stayed at the embassy suites and really enjoyed our stay overnight. They had everything we needed there, breakfast in the morning, a laundry room on most floors, restaurants in walking distance. I will be staying there again, I enjoyed it. The next morning, my husband and I headed to the pool for a few hours. Check out time was 12 and we didn't want to board the ship way too early.
We headed to the port with shuttle service from the hotel . We took out our passports, showed them and then headed for another line. One of the workers saw I was having trouble and pushed me ahead to the handicapped line. The total process for me took about 15 mins but if you don't have a handicap, be prepared to wait in line at least a half hour or more.
We were on the lido deck forward, port side room 9222. There is alittle bit of noise ,but not to keep you awake. It sounds like water running ,but I loved the room anyway, it didn't bother me in any way, I was just curious of why. As far as quiet, the hallways were always quiet cause those rooms only hold two in each room, so hardly any family's on that deck. I always love forward cabins. I used the balcony a lot.