Port/Parking: We drove into the Port of Miami. This was somewhat confusing because there was so much going on. Once we got figured it out, we gave our bags to the porters, and parked right next to the terminal. There were 5 of us to split the cost, so each person had to give $20 for the convenience of parking right next to the ship. I later found out there are other places to park that are slightly cheaper, however, it was very nice being right next to the ship.

Terminal: I had previously sailed on a Carnival cruise, and remembered that it took forever to get through the check-in line. This time, however, my group was given a number and the check-in process was quick and smooth. After a short wait, we were able to get on board the ship by 11:30. It was a little chaotic as the called your zone number because there was a massive rush to the escalators. That was the only negative.

Embarkation: The biggest complaint that we had about the embarkation process was the way the luggage was handled. We had five people in our group. By about 6pm, only two of our five suitcases had been delivered. Right before dinner(late seating), two others showed up. All of the bags were wet. I know Carnival cannot control the weather, but they should have something in place that helps to keep luggage dry. Our clothing could have been a lot wetter, as was evident by the long line of people we saw at the purser's desk complaining about ruined/wet clothing. Carnival did launder the wet clothing for people. The last person in our group FINALLY found her suitcase in the lost luggage area close to 11pm!!! All of her luggage tags were gone! We had been there several times before then, so who knows where the missing case had been hiding. I would suggest heavy duty tags, in several different locations!! Our room steward claimed they had tried a new system for the first time, which caused delays/problems. Read more