We arrived in Fort Lauderdale two days before our cruise. We loved the fact that we were able to come from snowy cold weather, to sunny delightful weather, however being Mainers we didn't feel comfortable renting a car in Fort Lauderdale it just seemed to busy for us. The first night we stayed at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale, it was nice. But nothing around it unless you have a car. The second night we stayed at the SpringHill Suites Marriott, what a mistake, it was so so busy, lots of people just trying to start there cruise or just coming back from one. My husband stated it almost seemed like a transfer station. Very hectic place to stay, the only plus is it is next to a Burger King and across the street from a little strip mall with some stores in it.

Embarkation- Was a breeze we were dropped off at the cruise port by the hotel shuttle, we got to the cruise port at 11:30 and we were on the lido deck by 12:20p.

Ship Info - The ship is very clean, semi bright colors, and new. The staff always greeted us and smiled while traveling around the ship. I loved the spa on the port day I had a pedicure and manicure for $49.00. What a deal. It was so nice and relaxing. We did purchase internet while on the ship because we needed to stay in touch with family. Its costly but it was worth the peace of mind knowing that you can stay connected to home. We found that the lido deck was nice especially the big screen tv, however I must say that there was a lot of people saving chairs. I guess you have to be out at the lido deck by 7a and save a seat somehow. Read more