We had an early morning flight the day of embarkation (Saturday, Dec 18) from Detroit to Ft Lauderdale. We traveled with our adult children (ages 22-26) and all 7 of us packed carry-on. Upon arrival to Ft Lauderdale we found a shuttle van for all of us and our luggage and were at the cruise terminal in no time (the shuttle was around $62 and we found that splitting into 2 taxis would have been cheaper--which we did on return) Since we arrived at the terminal on the early side we had to wait a little but the excitement of embarkation is always an experience I enjoy!

We got through security easily and I just think there is nothing like making your way onto the ship and hearing the "ding" of your first time through the gangway! LOVE it!!! We found our staterooms (the largest balcony rooms we have ever had...with small couch) and since we had our luggage with us we had to wait for nothing! We toured the beautiful ship and found the Promenade Cafe with Seattle's coffee very quickly! Yay! We also love sailing Princess...but hate the coffee...so this was so nice! Our family found this cafe (no extra charge for coffee/tea/hot choc and pastries/pizza) to be a great place to relax. It was never crowded.

The Promenade was beautifully decorated for Christmas and we thoroughly enjoyed this ship's design. My family ice skated, played miniature golf, went to almost every Trivia, played bingo, relaxed by the pools, and found many open tables to play "Bananagrams!" The Windjammer is a great food court design and food was very good (how can you NOT find something that you like?!) We also very much enjoyed our early seating in the dining room and had wonderful service. Our stateroom attendant was also great! Read more