This was our second cruise; the first was on the Conquest to the Western Caribbean in 2005. My overall impression was that the food and service has fallen off since 2005.

Getting There

On Saturday, we flew from Austin to Ft. Lauderdale on Southwest (free flights), and took a $100 cab ride to our hotel in Miami; the Best Miami Hotel. Believe me, it was anything but the best! We chose this hotel for the inexpensive price, the free shuttle to the port, and the free breakfast. The price was fine ($70 or so), but we were booted off the 11 a.m. shuttle to the 1 p.m., and ended up taking a cab ($35). And, the breakfast was literally bread and butter, no toaster, with two types of cereal!! The only good thing about the Best Miami Hotel was that it was within walking distance of a few restaurants and a grocery store! Read more