First of all some info about us: Family of 4 (adults are 41 and 39 and kids are 11 and 9). This was our 3rd cruise (1st with the kids). We have done the Eastern Carib on the Carnival Destiny (in 2000) and a Southern Carib on the Carnival Triumph (in 2005). On this cruise we brought my Mom and dad (65 and 60) and my sister and husband (36/35).

Drove from London to Toronto on Dec 25th - no traffic and roads were perfect. Flew from Toronto to Miami and staying at the Miami Airport Marriott.

this hotel was amazing. we got it for $139 that included a $50 room credit for their restaurant. the rooms were very nice and clean. this play looks like they did a full Reno cause everything looked new. the Gym had great equipment if your into that (which our family is). the restaurant food was amazing and our $50 credit paid for everything that night. the wings were one of the best I've had. they also had a massive platter for $34.95 that our family of 4 could not finish (onion ring stack, cheesy fries, wings, and a few other things). we definitely needed a gym after that feast. in the morning they had a buffet that cost adults $9 each and kids were free. This hotel also provided a free shuttle to/from the airport. as for a shuttle to/from the ship, there is a $11/person/one way charge. a taxi will bring a cab full for $24 one way. we had a party of 8 so we took the shuttle. if it was only 4 of us we would have taken the taxi. Read more