We're long time RCI cruisers but we cruised on Celebrity Summit this past March and loved the ship. It's been completely upgraded and beautiful and the OceanView Cafe is one of the best buffets we've seen. I would absolutely sail on Summit again.
With that late flight arrival you should absolutely stay in Orlando. You might consider the hotel at the airport and then take a shared shuttle from there to Port Canaveral cruise day morning.
Try Cruise Control or Cortrans among many that are highly recommended on this board.
Also book it as a return as well.
There is a shuttle company right outside the POM terminal door that has shuttles to MIA for $10.00pp. Easy to spot they are carrying big signs. We just used this in March. Couldn't have been easier they fill up quick and are on their way.
The shuttle from FLL to the hotel has never been free. It used to be $2.00 per room reservation then it was $5.00 per room reservation. Things change so best to call the hotel directly to get some current info.
We stay at this hotel often as recently as this past March...great location and good rates booking it with ValueTrips.
Easy to get a taxi from FLL to the hotel should be approx $12.00 but make sure you use the meter never a flat rate.
We actually have it booked for another stay this month...$119.00 per night with VT.
We did the Panama Canal July 2022 from San Pedro to Tampa on Serenade and it was great.
For those of you waiting, book as soon as it becomes available. Ours sold out so fast. Best of luck !!
If you decide to stay in Miami we like the Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon. Close to POM and they offer a shuttle to the port. We just stayed there this past March and will be staying there again this month.
If you decide to stay in Fort Lauderdale try Hyatt Place they have a shuttle to their hotel from FLL or a taxi is easy and quick.. Depending on your date of travel you can check booking the hotel with ValueTrips.
Our Icon cruise for May 18th entertainment opened for booking on April 3rd. I luckily booked everything that day for our extended family of 6 and I can tell you things booked up fast. I only have two show times that I'll need the SL concierge to change for me when I get their email a week before we sail. That showed me how fast things went.