We cruised November, 17 2016 from Port Miami.

Being loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers we were looking to burn up some vacation time from work before the end of the year. When we found a great getaway deal for two on the Empress it seemed like a great opportunity. We flew into Miami and stayed for a few days in South Beach before the cruise hoping to relax a little for sailing.

South Beach: We were totally immersed in another culture, you may as well leave the country because English was the second language. It was difficult finding a restaurant that didn't spice their food to please the local palate. At one point we walked 16 blocks to find dinner that wasn't spiced up and covered with onions and peppers. As for prices, meals were sometimes triple the price of what we pay even in Connecticut. Breakfast could easily cost you $60.00 while lunch and dinner always hit over the $100.00 mark. The locals certainly feed off of the tourists and every "Special deal" comes with a sign-up fee equal to the original price. As the saying goes, when your outdoor furniture used to be your indoor furniture...enough said about that.The homeless are everywhere, I won't be returning to Miami anytime soon. Read more