This was our 3rd cruise with RCL, 5th overall so the wife and I know what to expect and how most things should work.

Driving to Miami was a snap, we live 2 1/2 hours north, near Vero Beach, FL. We are lucky to have access to 4 ports within 2 1/2 hours. Parking at Miami port terminal is now $20 a day. Easy to get into, seemed like plenty of spaces and a very short walk to RCL's terminal.

We dropped of the bags curb side, attendants were everywhere. Once inside though we hit the low point of the cruise, the embarking procedure. At Port Canaveral we were on ship in no time. This time in Miami, we arrived at noon, and didn't step onboard until after 2pm. Line after line, waiting in a room after we received our sign and sail, where we were given a number and waited until it was called to go wait in another checkpoint. Maybe the ship wasn't ready or something, I don't know. I also didn't know as Crown & anchor members we had a special area to board. Remember, I said MOST things, in my opening sentence. Read more