My hubby and I were on NCL Pearl's 11/7-11/14 cruise from Miami going to Roatan, Belize City, Costa Maya, and Key West. With our youngest now in college, this was the first time we cruised by ourselves. We were looking for a relaxing vacation and we got that and more!
PRE-EMBARKATION - we stayed overnight at Hyatt Place Miami Airport West where they provided a convenient airport pick up and offered a shuttle van to take us to the Miami port the following morning for a nominal fee of $12pp. The room was very spacious, clean and comfortable (thought the bathroom was bit on the small size.) We were able to pick up some drinks from the nearby gas station to take with us on the ship. Boston Market and Burger King were right next to the hotel. It was all very convenient.
EMBARKATION - there were several cruise ships docked at the port, but it was very well organized. We were processed very quickly and were eating lunch at the Summer Palace by 12:30 PM. Our room was available at 2:00 PM.
The balcony stateroom was adequate for two people. The bathroom was bit small but adequate. The balcony has two chairs and a small table. We had privacy from our neighbors with tall walls on both sides (although you can still hear them.) The room has safe, mini fridge, and a hair dryer.