Pre-Cruise: We stayed in the Hampton Inn in Miramar. It took us about 45 minutes to get the port. The price was right and the place was clean.
We dropped off our luggage (plus a case of water and soda) at the port and then drove to the Premier Parking deck. We had made arrangements directly to the owners and paid $5 per night to park. (Thank you Florida Departure board :-) Took the free shuttle back to the port.
Check-in: Hubby kept saying at every corner that the long lines were coming (from his prior cruise experience) but he was WRONG :-)
Most times was very quiet. Some noise from below was heard the first night. Perhaps dealing with the luggage and supplies. Great amount of storage space. Did not feel small or cramped.