We arrived in FLL 2 days before the cruise. After an uneventful flight we rented a car from Hertz where we had to wait in a long line to get the car and then drove to Total Wine and purchased a case of wine and champagne to take on the cruise. Then it was off to the Sheraton Suites in Plantation. We have stayed here before and emjoy the hotel and location. Though it is not near the ocean it is close to restaurants and shopping. On the 12th, we took the rental car back to the airport location. An employee of Hertz said he would take us to the port, which was a nice perk. He dropped us off at Holland America terminal for the Maasdam about 10:50 a.m.

The doors to the terminal opened at 11 and we were given number 4 and told to sit and wait. About 11:20 they started calling numbers, ours was called about 11:30 and after a few minutes we were on board. The cabins weren't ready so being Mariners we went to the Main Dining room for lunch. We had our carry ons with us and were told to take them with us to our table.

While we were eating the announcement was made the cabins were ready. Read more