My partner and I (early 50's) and my parents (early 80's) sailed on the Solstice in the Aqua Class cabins.

Fort Lauderdale: Stayed one night pre-cruise at the Embassy Suites on 17th Street. I recommend this hotel because of 1) its overall cleanliness and quietness, 2) good buffet breakfast; 3) in the same shopping center as Total Wine and Publix and 4) only about 4 blocks from the Port Everglades terminal (we could see the cruise ships from our hotel balcony). Only steps away from the hotel, is the Gilbert's Grill, a family owned restaurant with a diverse menu, for a nice, inexpensive dinner. The morning of the cruise, I asked the bellman for a Yellow Cab (which can hold four adults and their luggage). For $20 total, the bellman offered to take us in a private hotel van, which was convenient and a good price.

Embarkation: Arrived at the Pier 25 around 11:10. (Pier 18, the new mega pier that formerly served the Solstice was not available to the soon to arrive Allure of the Seas) There were no lines for AQ passengers, and we were quickly processed. From there it was non-stop onboard the Solstice. I guess we had very good timing that morning. Read more