First time cruiser here. I searched for a cruise to a destination I have never been and one that wasn't very long...so I could get 'my feet wet'...as it were.

My cruise was from Miami to Key West to Cozumel to Miami, on Labor Day, 2007. I arrived at Miami Int'l Airport the day prior to embarkation and stayed at the La Quinta Inn / Airport East (right across the road from the airport), the hotel was very nice and reasonably priced with a free shuttle service to the Port of Miami and drop off was directly in front of the ship.

I was truly impressed with Carnival Fascination. Although I understand it is one of the older ships in the fleet...you would never know it...and I work on boats for a living. Read more