This is my first review of a cruise. I went with my wife and mother in law for an 8 day cruise out of Miami. It cruised to St. Maartan, St. Kitts, San Juan and Grand Turk.
I usually like coming in the night before to avoid any trouble with boarding the cruise but this time I flew in the day of. I was able to check in and get my card key at the airport. I didn't appreciate it until I got to the Port of Miami. After handing off my bags, and walking in, the lines were huge and I got to bypass it all and walk unto the ship. Like I said, you take the chance by flying in that day but it really worked out.
We usually plan our trips by the itinerary. So we were aware that for each port, it will be either a tour of the island, the beach, some sort of water activity (i.e., snorkel, boating, etc.), or shopping. We missed out on a train and sail in St. Kitts but we were satisfied with the activities we did. You should really just book an excursion if there's something that catches your eye. Don't wait.
I loved where we were. Right in the middle of the ship. Walk up a floor and you're at the lido. Everything was either a few floors below us or in the front or back of the ship.