This was the 5th cruise for us. Husband & I both in our 50's. We flew into Fort Lauderdale on Southwest Airlines. (love those gotta get away rates) I had arranged transport to Miami with SAS Transports. It cost less than others and was very prompt and friendly. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami. Their location is perfect, right across from a bayfront marketplace. Lots of restaurants and shops. Live entertainment and just a nice place to kill time. When we checked in, we were upgraded to a bayfront suite. It was very nice and gave a great view of the port. Others have commented negatively about this hotel, but we found it to be clean, and the staff very friendly.
We took a taxi to the port and boarded the ship around noon. The cabin wasn't ready, but we found a table on the Lido deck and had lunch. It was not long before we could get into the cabin and unpack. Our steward promptly introduced himself and he took good care of us all week.
We had the safety briefing and then the sail away 'party'. I was disappointed that the actual activities did not last very long. Just a few line-dances and then everyone kinda disappeared.
Good closet space. No room in bathroom for toiletries. No hair dryer. Great location for elevators, but not too close to be noisy.