We just returned from a cruise on The Carnival Triumph. This is my 12th cruise and my sister's second. I left my hubby home this time!! We arrived to Miami the day before the cruise and stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami. Location! Location!. Our room was clean and we were right across the street from the Bayside Market Place with shopping and restaurants. We felt very safe there. After shopping and eating we were back to our room by 8pm.

We left for the port by taxi the next morning around 11:30. The port is a 5 minute taxi ride. The porters took our bags efficiently without a problem. Embarkation was quick and easy. Getting there early is highly recommended! We had a Cat 11 Suite so we had VIP check-in. There was not a long line for regular check-in at that time. We were onboard by 12:15!! We were able to get a reasonable price for our cabin because it was the month of September and we booked 2 months before the cruise. We were so nervous about traveling during hurricane season, but the price was good, and we needed a vacation. I don't know that I would do it again. I was online every day reading the Hurricane Watch web pages.

We had lunch at the NY Deli. It was excellent. We toured the ship and were in our cabin by 2:00pm. Cabin could have been a bit cleaner, but it was Ok because I always bring some clorox wipes and just go over everything. I hate the thought of how quickly they turn these cabins over each week. As for the ship, beautiful! Kept in excellent condition. Casino was huge! Read more