Pre-cruise: I arrived in Fort Lauderdale the day before and stayed at the Comfort Inn cruise port South. I really like this hotel because they have complementary airport to hotel shuttle and there are stores (Kmart, Old Navy, etc) in case you forget or need something and restaurants.

Embarkment: Very quick and easy. Got to the port around 11:30am. I had no problems at all with anything. I think it took about 5-10 minutes. I was told the room would be ready after 1:00pm (normal). Went to the Windjammer and had lunch and walked around until the room was ready.

Stateroom: Booked a Promenade Stateroom to see what it was like. Everything was nice and clean and it was neat to look out over the promenade. My cabin was right over the Cafe Promenade. I think it would have been good to watch the events from there as opposed to the "ground level". I had no problems with sound from the promenade but I have to admit I was usually up until 1:00am each day and out and about at 8:00am. Read more