hllwdcruiser

Pam, do you know if the Island will have the IC (International Cafe) as well after dry dock?

We are planning on doing a cruise tour in 2015 as well. I've been on the Ruby twice and the Crown once. I have my fingers and toes crossed that Coral and Island will be sailing Alaska next year. I've been researching and scouring this site like crazy and the reviews and opinions of those ships expressed by the veterans on this board have been glowing.

Keep in mind, however, that my DH and I are in our mid fifties and love the Princess vibe - we've never cruised with children -we have six between us + two grandchildren - cruising is our chance for alone time!

Like for so many others, this trip will be a once in a lifetime for us and I would book the Coral or the Island (which will be updated in 2014) in a heartbeat. This is just my opinion having never been on either, but I hope it helps.

Shopping on Black Friday and trying to get to the port in FLL is not recommeneded

Ahh - I didn't realize it was Black Friday - I ABSOLUTELY agree. Stay as far away from any mall as you possibly can!

As an afterthought - you most likely would want to store your luggage with the hotel and return there to pick it up prior to heading to the port....

The Dolphin Mall is an Outlet Mall in Miami/Doral. You can shop there prior to heading to the port on your first day. The shops and prices are exactly the same as Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall except the sales tax is 1% higher.

I just called the hotel for you and they have a shuttle that picks up daily at 9:45 AM and drops you at the mall for the 10 AM opening. Sundays it picks up at 10:45. You could then get a taxi from the mall directly to the port.

There is also a regional full price mall (not an outlet mall) directly across the street from the Dolphin mall with over 140 stores called Miami International Mall. It opens at 10 AM as well.

I think you will have plenty of time to shop at either one and still make it to the port with time to spare. Have a wonderful trip!