My husband had never been on a cruise so we decided on a 3 night starter one for our anniversary. I've cruised before but hadn't been on one in 10 years. We are both 50 years of age and flew into Orlando from Chicago the night before departure. We arrived in Orlando at 11:00 pm and took the complimentary shuttle Holiday Inn Airport location provided. Once we had our baggage, called the hotel and by the time we walked from the baggage claim to the location where all shuttles pick up the approx time frame was 13 minutes. The following morning we were picked up at the hotel by AA Access where that I found on a cruise critic review, you must call to make arrangements 407-832-1650. Pick up to port went well, however, pick up after cruise was disappointing. We were given a window of 0830 to 0930 and at 915 the shuttle had left and we had to wait until 1030 for it to come back.

We were given a window to be at the front location between 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. The shuttle arrived at 10:45. The shuttle did have other passengers picked up from other hotels, Holiday Inn was the third from the last stop. Ride to port took approx 40 minutes.

From the time of arrival to port until we walked onto ship was about 40 minutes. You will stand in line at the port terminal to go thru security and then again in another line to check in at RC. Upon entering the ship on deck 4, and if you never cruised before there will be reps pushing the beverage packages, merchandise for sale, music, lines for excursions, etc. My suggestion go to your cabin first and check out the itinerary for day along with options for excursions for the trip if not already booked or interested. The itinerary for the days are very helpful to decide how to budget your time since it is only a 3 night cruise. We did purchase the premium beverage package and jet ski excursion prior at a discount as a result of reading the offers sent via email prior to departure. If you drink alcohol I think the premium beverage package is the way to go. The ship itself is a little dated. However, unless your looking to complain, overall it was clean, personnel friendly and helpful. The food at the buffet (Windjammer) was decent, however, the first day it's very crowded for lunch so be aware you will most likely have to wait in a line, however, there is another service area in the back of the room with many of the same choices but not all food options. They do close it down at 2;30 and the only other option is Johnny Rockets (additional charge) or the pizza place which being from Chicago the pizza was not good by our standards. The evening dining food was very good and recommended. We opted for the late seating of 830 which worked out well to see the later show options. We seen a variety show one night, a singer, the second, and a comedian the last night. We opted to go to Atlantis via taxi which was a 10 cab ride and went to the casino so I really can't offer any advice on the island itself. We partied late on Friday and from the ship's view it appeared that right off the boat were many bars and gift shops. If your a gambler, Atlantis casino was very nice and drinks are comped while gambling. Coco Cay was also a great day, jet ski excursion was a blast, picnic lunch very good and overall a great day. Be aware: the gift shops on the island are very over priced. You would be better off buying t-shirts on the boat last day 2 for 20 versus 20 for one on the island. Hopefully, this helps someone and if you booked a cruise bon voyage and have a safe trip.