BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Two colleagues (ages 46 and 66) escaping the perils of a cold winter. My 40th cruise, 28th with NCL, and my colleagues third cruise with NCL.

HOTEL INFORMATION: Pre-cruise we stayed at the Viceroy in downtown Miami which was absolutely fabulous. It reminded me of being on a casually chic NCL cruise ship. Everything is exactly as the pictures show and nothing beats its spa, football length swimming pool, Eos restaurant, and Club 50 on the rooftop. Post-cruise we stayed at The Royal Palm Hotel on South Beach which I would not stay at again even though we had no issues there. We also stayed at the Bahia Mar Yacht/Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale which we liked very much.

TRAVEL TO PORT: We flew into Fort Lauderdale and used GO Transportation share a ride for 26 dollars per person to the Viceroy. From the Viceroy to the ship we took a cab for about 12 dollars (the Viceroy is within walking distance to Bayside Marketplace. At debarkation, the cab from the ship to South Beach cost about 25 dollars. From South Beach to Fort Lauderdale beach our cab was 96 dollars not including tip. I knew I could go cheaper but I did not want to plan in advance, call or wait for a limo, or rent a car and get there myself. It was worth the extra expense to jump in and have someone bring us there from door to door without getting lost. I do suggest having the addresses available for your cab driver if you do a similar venture. Read more