mkmom514

Thank you - I know it's a bit far out yet, but I will be on the same itinerary in Jan 2015.

We REALLY enjoyed this cruise! I would go again tomorrow if I could.

Here you go:

Last month, we left out of 18 (because we left on a Friday) and returned to 29. I believe 29 is the norm.

From the Port Everglades website:

Wait for a call. People coming to pick up returning cruise guests on weekends may park for free in our cell phone waiting lot at the Port Administration Building, 1850 Eller Drive, just past the security checkpoint at the I-595 entrance to the Port and at the lot north of Cruise Terminal 18. Paid parking is also available in the Parking Garages

I always take Bonine. I have to take it when I fly, so I keep taking it on the cruise. If the seas are calm, I don't need it. We just returned from a cruise 2 weeks ago where our first 2 sea days were very rocky. If I hadn't taken the Bonine, it would have made me sick. Because of that I continued taking it the entire cruise. I take it at night when I go to bed so drowsiness is not a problem. Two things I discovered about myself this last cruise: I'm better if I keep my stomach full; and, I felt better when I was in the cantilevered hot tub. Apparently the sloshing of the water in the hot tub counteracted the movement of the ship - go figure!

I'm pretty sure Fort Lauderdale has a cell phone waiting lot also. Not sure where.

Beef tenderloin and the honey walnut tart.

My latest bargain from the dollar store: a shallow foldable box. We put it on the desk or in a drawer. We put anything loose in there rather than on the vanity, night table, etc. We always knew where to find seapass card, watch, pen, etc. It is made of a fabric/paper type material so is very lightweight and folds all the way flat. We also take a pop-up hamper for dirty clothes, also from dollar store.

Check the large bag and carryon with the porters. Take the backpack with you. Even if you don't get your luggage until late, first night dinner attire is casual. Enjoy your trip! (Just off the Independence yesterday.)

The production shows were: "Invitation to Dance" - excellent. It was 45 minutes of non-stop dancing. "Center Stage" - singing and dancing. "Once Upon a Time" - based on fairy tales using present day music - very good. Of course, also the Welcome Aboard show and the Farewell show. Also, the ice show "Freeze Frame" was very good. Had to do with movie clips, headlines, etc. from the past.

We have a photo of my husband's business card on each memory card.

We're cruising in November and will stay overnight pre-cruise. Need Holiday Inn Express so we can use points. Any pros or cons on HIE Convention Center, HIE Airport/Cruiseport North, HIE Airport South? We're not getting in until 8:30 p.m. so just need a bed, but will need something to eat when we arrive.

57 days

I got my own upgrade. I had booked an E2 and watched prices daily. After final payment I was able to snag a suite guarantee for only $50 per person. We're now in a junior suite...Sweet!

Look on the RCI website. They're there right by the aft elevators.

Definitely 7708! Google images of the stateroom. Awesome balcony.

I have only cruised on Royal Caribbean, but have done a lot of comparison shopping. It has never been double the cost. That said, when you are looking for a cruise, just remember that you also have to include transportation to the port. If you want to go to the Caribbean, compare airfare for Texas, Florida and east coast. You can usually find a cruise price that will fit your budget from any port.

Going on Independence in November for the 1st time, and 1st time to go to San Juan, St. Kitts and Labadee.

You'll find info about these hotels on the Florida departures board:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

Loved your review and pictures. We did Oasis last year and have Allure on our list of hopes. Your pictures are fantastic. I'm the photographer on our trips and in the market for a new camera. What camera did you use?

The turnaround times depend somewhat on which office the application went to. My daughter and I got passports at the same time, mailed on the same day, and they went to different offices for processing. Hers came back quickly. It took mine 9 weeks...yikes! Got it the week before our trip. (This wasn't recently.)

Enjoying your review and looking forward to the Indy in November!

Thanks!

Staying one night pre-cruise in November. Am looking at Holiday Inn Express (airport or convention center) and Crowne Plaza. Any suggestions?

Your photos are great! We're sailing this itinerary in November. I have an older Nikon DSLR (that I love), but I will definitely will be looking into getting a filter for it.