A little bit about the group. We had a group of 34...ages 10 to 78. We were the National Fallen Firefighters Survivor group...Josh mentioned us at the Valor Idol...we have lost a loved one in the line of duty and brought along family and friends.

PRE STAY......I traveled with my sons, ages 17 and 13 and my parents (70s). on Friday 7/22 We flew from LGA to FLL reason...cheaper. We prebooked a limo with Larry;s Limo Service $102 tip included to the Holiday Inn Port of Miami. We have stayed there twice before and the location is perfect. The rest of the group arrived either that day or Saturday. We enjoyed Bayside Marketplace.......ate at Hooters and Bubba Gumps and Le Cafe for breakfast. We also did the Island Queen boat ride......you can get $3 coupons off their website.

SAILING DAY...We prebooked a bus from Larry's Limo to take us from the hotel to the port. He picked us up at 10:30....Traffic at the port was tough...ya have to go down past the Victory then deal with the Victory traffic before you get to the Valor. Dropped the luggage off. There was a big hold up in the lobby of the terminal as immigration would not let them open the doors till 11:30. We got a wheelchair for my Dad and we were processed and on board by 12:15 I believe. My sons and I were in a oceanview on Riviera deck. Cabin Steward was Kevin and he took care of us..Most everyone else in the group was on Deck 8 in inside cabins or Deck 9...balcony...they received beautiful upgrades. Up to Rosies for lunch yum yum.......Muster Drill was OK...Sail away was a lot of fun....... Read more