Dont Stay at the Airport Hilton: We flew from Salt Lake to Miami the night before the cruise and stayed at the Airport Hilton. We waited for a long time for the shuttle to the hotel and even longer to check in because there was only one person working at the registration desk. Our room was nothing special and much less than you would expect from a Hilton hotel. In the morning, the lobby was crowded with people waiting for shuttles to take them to various cruise lines. Like many of the other guests, we had booked a shuttle to the pier with the concierge for $10 per person. It was total chaos with people and luggage everywhere. Nobody knew where to wait. Since this Hilton caters to so many cruisers and books shuttles for them, they should have signs along the curb indicating where people should line up for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and the other cruise lines, but there was no signage and nobody directing the confused throngs. We later learned that people who stayed at the Marriott and other hotels near the airport didnt have this problem.

Check in On-Line: We had checked in on-line and printed our Sea Passes. Once we arrived at the pier, check-in went very smoothly and we were soon on-board and enjoying ourselves.

Cabins: We had a balcony stateroom and it was great. I expected it to be very small, but it was quite spacious with a large desk; mini-fridge; queen bed (two twins pushed together); sitting area with couch, chair, and coffee table; nice bathroom with good shower; and a long, private balcony. It was decorated nicely with light and bright colors. Our stateroom attendant was great and our room was always made up while we were at breakfast and turned down while we were at dinner. Read more