Started our long awaited cruise by travelling a day early to from Wichita, Kansas to Ft Lauderdale (better connections and cheaper) then to fly directly to Miami. Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport. Got a AAA rate of 89.10 for a very nice King room. Hotel offered complimentary shuttle from airport to hotel and after getting luggage and phoning hotel, the shuttle picked us up and transported us to hotel where within minutes we were checked in and ready to rest before our 7 day cruise vacation. Before leaving home I had scheduled transportation from our hotel in Ft Lauderdale to the Port of Miami with Steve Sadowsky with SAS Transportation 1-954-600-0240, www.ridesas.com. THe cost was 15.00 per person each way and I must say was the BEST VALUE!!! Before I shuttle arrived we walked across the street for last minute champagne/wine purchase from BJ's. No need to be a member, they offer a one day pass. Kmart also carries limited selection of wine, which is also in same shopping center. McDonalds and Burger King also at intersection if wanting breakfast. Larry, our driver was right on time and delivered us to the ship as promised and gave us instruction for pickup when our 7 fabulous days of cruising was over. Embarkation went smooth and we were checked in and on the ship for lst buffet by 11:50am! As we disembarked with our luggage I phoned Larry and he picked us up within minutes for the drive back to Ft Lauderdale Airport. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIS COMPANY!!!

I believe in doing alot of research before I travel planning my upcoming vacation. I found that "prepaying" for alcohol drink tickets through Carnival was a good way to control your spending and still have cocktails or beer throughout the cruise. Monthly I would go online to Carnival and purchase 4 drink tickets for $21.25 that would be delivered to my room upon checkin. THe thoughout the cruise as we ordered a drink or beer we would pay by drink coupon instead of on sale and sign card. If you orderd a drink over the $5.25 drink coupon the additional amount would be put on your sail and sign card. This worked great and we were not surprised with that horrific alcohol bill at the end of our cruise. Just another way to "prepay" for your vacation.

I also requested our reservations to Harry's Supper CLub prior to leaving home. I was given our confirmation of date and time about 1 month before we left for our cruise. Believe me, the $30.00 per person extra fee for the Supper Club is very much worth the cost. The supper club is as close to a 5 star dining experience as I can imagine. It was very intimate and very good. Service was impeccable and food incredible and presentation unbelievable!! Do remember...dress code is inforced as my husband wore dress shorts but was turned away until he put on slacks. No biggie..went and changed and back for our fine dining experience. Great way to celebrate a special occasion! Be sure to not book on a already scheduled formal night. Read more