Having read an insane amount of reviews before sailing, I won't lie, I was becoming quite nervous. However, Carnival Valor not only met my expectations, it exceeded them. I had a fantastic cruise and was sad to come home!
Here are some notes:
If doing a shuttle from the airport to the port, or arriving the day of sailing, check in at Miami Airport! By the Delta baggage claim, they have a Carnival desk. We arrived the day before (from Wisconsin), but had to take a free shuttle from the hotel back to the airport to catch the port shuttle. At first I was annoyed by this, however, they checked us in at the airport, took our pics, gave us our cards, everything. At port, we tipped the porters, went into the VIP line, walked through a metal detector and went onto the boat. No waiting! Highly suggest the airport check in if available!
Great location! Just bring ear plugs to muffle the breakfast carts rolling out at 4 a.m. Nothing major tho! Lots of space!