We flew into Miami three days early and managed to take in a few highlights. We visited the Everglades which was quite enlightening. Very educational and the Park Ranger guide was fabulous.

We got to the ship a little early as there was a notice that with a car race in the downtown streets, getting to the cruise ship port may be challenging. It wasn't. With the new tunnel to Dodge Island, the race scare was not an issue.

Embarkation was a breeze, and it helped some that we were concierge class. We were able to get on the ship a little earlier than some. Our rooms were ready earlier than most so we were able to sort a few things out prior to our luggage arriving. Read more