My partner (30) and I (40) flew to Miami from Chicago the night before our cruise, arriving around midnight on American Airlines. We took a cab to the Hyatt Regency downtown Miami (around $25-$30). It was a very fast trip to the hotel, probably because of the time of night. The hotel was nice and were able to sleep in, getting ready for the next day.
Embarkation We left the hotel around 11:45AM and took a quick 10 minute cab ride to the port (around $10-$15). By the time we checked our luggage with the porters, went through security and received our Sea Passes, we were on the ship by 12:30. It was quick, easy and painless, unlike others have stated about the Miami port. I would sail from Miami again.
Food Once on the ship, we headed to the Windjammer for lunch, as we had not had breakfast. The Windjammer food was ok, but lacked alot of flavor and by the third or fourth day, I just didn't want to eat there anymore. I did like Sorrento's and the Cafe Promenade, which I did frequent more for breakfast and lunch. The pizza, marinated olives, cookies and sandwiches were great. The only complaint I have about Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade is that they would close late at night and had no food (or only a couple cookies left up on the display case). This happened after the late night parties, especially after the halloween party, when asked they told us there were closed. Only room service was available, but we wanted comfort food after dancing all night and had to settle for room service that offered only cold breakfast and toasted bagels.