Port Everglades. The best "advice" I could offer to any first time cruisers is to not overpack, especially on these Caribbean cruises. Shorts, T's, and tanks, lots of high SPF sunscreen because that Caribbean sun will eat you up no matter the time of year. Flips, sandals, "trainers" as the Brits say for sightseeing and walking, and one pair of shoes for the dining room, if you want to go that far. The formal nights range from glam to professional to business casual to that lesbian special - sports dressy or is that dress sporty? Olivia is very cool about whatever one's idea of formal is. We pack light and kind of swap about (other than the formal night), nice khakis, sundresses, nice capri's, etc. Bring two swim suits, don't worry about towels or hair dryers. Because we're locals (and because we're cheap), we'll throw in a couple of small deflated floats to take to the island excursions and avoid the cost of renting the beach mat floats. If you drink alcohol, check into the cocktail package and wine package that HAL offers, it saves about a buck or so per drink or glass. You may bring wine on board, remember your corkscrew. No hard liquor may be obviously brought aboard. One must think retro to sneaking it into school dances or games, if you wish to economize and just enjoy that pre-dinner drink in your room. Individual choices there, ladies, please no lectures, these are merely suggestions.
We find we stay in our suits or shorts and t's and usually change from our "dinner" clothes back into our more casual attire for the shows and the casinos and the dance floor. Olivia cruises are the only ones I venture into the casino because there is no smoking. I don't mind smoke, but even when I did smoke an enclosed space filled with it was too much.
Also, remember you will bring back souveniers, so an oversized or extra bag can be good idea, too. So, what other suggestions do other experienced cruisers have?