We had a group of 51 people cruising this trip ranging from range 12-80. The majority of us flew in from Chicago to Miami the day before. Stayed at the Red Roof Inn Miami Airport for $114 per room. Chose to stay at this airport because of the price, the offer of free breakfast and free shuttle service. Will never stay there again. The place is not very nice. A number of people in our group were sick after the stay with respiratory problems due to the large amount of mold in this hotel. The free breakfast was pretty much non-existent and they ran out of coffee before 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Only one shuttle bus was available to take us to the port and the bus fits only 15 people. The bus also had pretty much a flat tire and still decided to drive us all in 3 different groups to the port with such dangerous conditions. Complained to the general manager after our return and should be getting a refund for all the rooms booked. Not a recommended place to stay for pre-cruise.

The first shuttled group arrived at the port between 12-12:30. Major chaos at the terminal as people were still getting off the ship. I understand why they say not to arrive before 2:00. The lines were not that long for check-in, but they had to stop processing people in because they couldn't let anyone on the ship yet as all the passengers from the previous trip were not off the ship yet. They handed out numbers and we had to board the ship when they called our group number. The other members of our group that arrived later did not have this check in problem.

Rooms were ready upon our boarding and were typical cruise ship cabins. The balcony was nice to have and worked out well since we were able to open the divider doors to meet out on the balcony with other members of our group. I really wish RCI would put alarm clocks in the cabins. I remembered my travel alarm but a majority of our group did not. Read more