Background on us: early 30 somethings who have cruised before on Carnival, but never on NCL
We drove from Tampa to Miami and stayed the night at the La Quinta East, by the airport. Used an online code (they did ask for id, but I said I didn't have any and they let me keep anyway). I paid about $65 for the room, which includes free parking and free shuttle to the port. It was a little crazy getting on the shuttle, but as long as you reserve the shuttle as soon as you check-in, it should be okay. They have several times, but they do fill up fast. We did an 11 a.m. departure and made it to the port by noon.
Took about 30 minutes to get through security and check-in. We were on the boat by 12:30. Since we couldn't go to our room we ate lunch at Summer Palace, the sit down dining room. Most people were being directed to the Garden Cafe (buffet style), but I didn't want to deal with a large crowd. Food was fine, service was fine. There was hardly anyone there.