My husband and I are in our 40s and were travelling with our two teenage girls (we had a balcony cabin and they had an inside cabin across the hall) and my in-laws who were in a balcony cabin down the hall, all on deck 8.

We flew in the day before and took a taxi ($25)to the Marriott Waterside. It is a little pricey, but was a nice hotel. We walked to the Florida Aquarium that afternoon; unfortunately the temperature outside was only in the 40s/50s!

Embarkation day wanted to take a taxi but they put us in a shuttle for the same price ($3 per person) to get to the port. It is not far, but with all the luggage can't walk. Embarkation at the cruise terminal was very easy and we were onboard shortly and enjoying lunch in the Windjammer. We went to the far back so we could sit outside. Read more