Embarkation: Flight from Columbus to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday afternoon, with Sunday departure on Regal Princess. Had reservations at the Holiday Inn Express on 17th St Causeway (Convention Center). Had a little problem with being in the right place and getting picked up. Upon getting to hotel all was very good. Room was clean and comfortable. I am very picky about cleanliness! Restaurants and Publix grocery to pickup a few adult beverages for the evening within walking distance. Traffic along Causeway made it safe even in the dark of early evening. Breakfast was usual type of HIE. It was a breakfast, we didn't have to go find breakfast, and knew lunch on the ship would be good. The breakfast area facility was clean and organized. We did not use the shuttle available at the hotel for an extra $8 per person. We called Uber. While all the shuttle people were waiting and fighting their luggage, our Uber driver pulled up, loaded our luggage and quickly had us at the port. I had a free ride, however my receipt showed a total cost of $8.63 for both of us with luggage. I did give the drive a small cash tip. He dropped us right where the porters took our luggage and had a very short quick line. Only enough time to complete our health questionnaire and pull out our paperwork/passports.

Arrival on Ship:

We left to hotel at 11:30 am and we were on the ship in the buffet by 12:30 pm. After we finished eating lunch, which was in the Horizon buffet, we were able to get into our room by 1 pm. Many choices of food, and no problem finding a seat. Had much more problem finding a seat in the buffet on RCCL Freedom of the Seas a couple years ago. Also the wait staff made sure you had beverages. Read more