My family and I have sailed on the Carnival Cruise line two years prior on the Breeze, and were excited to be on the VISTA. Let's start with Embarkation.

This process was very smooth. Here is a tip, even if you don't purchase Faster to the Fun. You can check in at the Miami airport on Concourse D(across from baggage claim 26) or Concourse H(after baggage claim 6) where you will provide all of your security documentation and be officially booked in to your stateroom. This will allow you to go directly to the security check line at the port, and walk right onto the ship. NO WAITING OUTSIDE OR AT THE PORT! If you fly into a different airport and have a rental, you can leave your rental at the Miami airport and not pay for parking too check in. If you are coming from a hotel, have them drop you off at the Miami airport, not the port to check in! Here is another tip. Cab fare from the Miami airport to the port is a flat fee of $27! That is right, you and the entire family can get to the port for $27 plus a tip. No waiting for the Carnival bus, which is more expensive, and you arrive directly at the port quickly and practically walk right on the ship.

Now let's move to the ship. I love the fact you can now pick up your Sign and Sail card in your mailbox near your stateroom after boarding. Don't worry, it is in a sealed envelope and until you pick it up you can use your boarding pass to make purchases. Brilliant move by Carnival! Read more