Embarkation Day: We parked at Park N' Fly, which is about 1 mile from Port Everglades. The 1st shuttle let the parking lot about 10:45am. We were picked up from our car and the luggage was loaded on the shuttle for us. We used our AAA card for a daily discount. Our pre-paid reservation cost $84 for 8 days (vs. $120 at the Port Parking garage). Even with our tip to the shuttle driver, we still saved money. Check in at the port was very easy. However, some people must have thought the ship was going to leave them, even at 11:30am!! Just a friendly reminder to those who forget their manners & etiquette: there's no need to cut in line in front of guests when checking in or even waiting for basic services on the ship. Good etiquette goes a long way. We were on the ship by 11:30am. My room key didn't work, but my minor son's did. I had to eventually go to the guest relations desk to get my key fixed. We had lunch in the Windjammer and played at the H20 Zone (awesome) all before 1pm.

Cabin: At 1pm, our cabin was ready. We had a Florida resident rate and our balcony cabin on Deck 9 was great. There was plenty room for the two of us and our luggage. We stored our luggage at the bottom of the closet and that was 1 large suitcase, 2 large duffel bags, and a small carry-on bag. The balcony had 2 chairs and table; plenty of space to sunbathe and enjoy room service meals. The beds were very comfortable and the sofa was nice to relax on when taking a break from all the ship activities. Bathrooms on ships are small, unless you are in a suite. However, even though the bathroom was compact, it was cleverly designed and we always had plenty of towels.

Meals / Drink Service: My son had dinner one time in the main dining room (early seating). Johnny Rockets and the Windjammer Cafe were preferred by most of the younger kids. Even those children who would run through the dining venues and their parents say nothing to them: seem to enjoy all the French Fries and cheese pizza. I enjoyed a few dinners in the main dining room. However, the sushi was very good in the Windjammer, and the burgers at Johnny Rockets were great. Most of my complimentary drinks were in the Diamond Lounge in the evening (for Diamond & higher repeater cruisers). However, I did have a few other drinks at the Solarium, Disco, and Piano bars. All of the waiters & bartenders were very nice and provided excellent service. Overall, I actually enjoyed the food better in the Windjammer & Portofino (great mystery dinner there, too) better than the main dining room. The Cafe Promenade and Pizza shops on the Royal Promenade had great desserts, ham & cheese sandwiches, and pizza. Read more