Friday -- Pre-Cruise Day -- When coming from the north in winter make sure to go a day early. We had weather delays and it would be too risky and stressful to fly on in embarkation day. Flew into FLL on Friday and found two very nice and helpful HAL ladies waiting by baggage pickup. They helped get us and our bags onto a charter bus that took us to a Westin hotel. Very nice place. Wasn't anything close to walk to get wine for the ship, so we took a cab to a Publix (couple of miles away). Good wine selection and they give you a free bottle tote that carries four bottles. Walked right on the ship carrying that...no problem. Back at the hotel, a couple of HAL reps were there in the lobby to prepare us for next day boarding.

Saturday -- Embarkation -- We packed a charter bus with Eurodam guests from the Westin and headed to the port. After verifying our checked baggage was there for the porters, we headed to check-in. Smooth process and we had our room cards and headed onto the ship. Our balcony room on deck 6 was ready and we were pleased to see the pre-ordered beverage cards and drink packages were there waiting for us. I did figure out that you should wait to order drink packages after going out to sea. It's cheaper once we were past whatever the offshore distance is. On schedule, the ship started moving...backwards. We backed to the turning basin and got going the right direction out to sea. Our room was on the starboard side, and with drink in hand we had a great view of the sunset over southern Florida. Family had early dinner set for MDR each night, but DW and I reserved 8:30 Tamarind for the first night. After some exploring, we dressed up and headed to the Crow's Nest for a pre-dinner drink. What a view and nearly deserted. Fantastic meal at the Tamarind with a bottle of wine...money well spent.

Sunday -- at Sea -- Headed up to the Lido for breakfast...our rookie timing was bad and we were in the middle of the herd...lesson learned. Good food and selection though. More ship exploring (DW found the jewelry shop) and then to the MDR for lunch. We were seated with a very nice couple from Canada and enjoyed the meal. Hung out by the Sea View pool to finish out the daylight hours. Dinner and wine with the family in the MDR...pleasant experience. Read more