We drove to Ft Lauderdale to board the Independence of the Seas. It was berthed right next to Midport Parking Garage so I dropped my family at ship with luggage, parked our van, and walked to ship. We arrived at 2 PM and there were still parking spaces available even though the port was full of cruise ships. Cost is $15 per day, cheaper parking is outside port but I wanted convenience and security of port parking.

We were on the ship within 30 mins, inc time to park my van. I was told by other family members it was more crowded between 11 and 1, although embarkation still was smooth. We went right to our staterooms which were available after 1. My daughter already had her bag delivered to her room (amazing!), rest of us had bags within 2 hours. Went to Windjammer for lunch, not too crowded after 1 PM.

Wife and I had inside stateroom, also had one for 3 teens (daughter and friends). We felt our room, although functional, was small - next time we'll get a balcony. Teens were OK in their room. But closet size, flat panel TV, and shower were good features in the room. Read more