I am a teacher so I am used to the crowds, the children and the craziness when traveling at Spring Break. My husband and I selected this cruise because of the ease of getting from the Ft. Lauderdale airport to the port and because generally, there are fewer children and a more mature crowd on Holland America. We made the right decision.

We arrive at FLL at 9; while claiming our bags some Holland America greeters advised us to remain at the airport until 10 because we wouldn't be allowed n the terminal until 10:30. We decided to take their advice and relaxed at the bar with a drink. We took a taxi to the port ($20 for two instead of $19 pp through HA shuttle) and immediately went through the security scanners. We were carrying all of our luggage. They took my husband's leatherman multi-tool; he was very irritated but was told it would be return to him at the end of the cruise and it was. There was no line to check in; we waited in the terminal until boarding stated at 11:30. As soon as we got to our cabin, we quickly unpacked and went to eat in the main dining room where we were served complimentary champagne.

It was our first aft cabin, room number 4187. We really liked being able to see both sides of the ship and will book one again. The cabin was a standard size and arrangement. I liked the Elements shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower. We enjoyed the on demand movies in the room. I ordered room service for breakfast every morning and it arrived on time and exactly as I asked for it. I even wrote a few things on the printed menu like smoked salmon and it was always delivered. The stewards kept the cabin clean and provided us with the extra pillows and towels we requested. Read more