This was my 10th cruise on carnival which made this trip that much more special becoming a platinum member. I have cruised once with royal caribbean and after that will stick with carnvial forever.

My brother and I flew out the day before the cruise out of Chicago to Miami on American (firt class). a good thing we did since our flight was a bit delayed due to an aircraft change and the printer in the flight deck not working. we made it to miami around 1230pm and took the shuttle to the la quinta airport north. I have stayed there before, it was ok..they must have cleaned it up cause it was much better this time. would stay there again for the price.

We were going to take the shuttle the hotel provides to the port ($10/per person) but the first shuttle was at 11am. we wanted to leave a bit earlier so we booked a cab (costed about $30) not too bad. Read more