Well first of all; I'm going to try my hand at writing a full review with photos and more in depth day by day info and Fun Times postings over the next 2 to 3 weeks. If you are cruising this ship more than 2 weeks from when I write this mini-review I can tell you I will give you TONS of information. Especially if you are a first time (or first time Carnival) cruiser. I will also review Half Moon Cay here as there is not a space for it in Port reviews.

We drove down from Augusta, GA over a 2 day span. 1st night hotel was a Quality suites in Ormond Beach (Daytona). We got a great rate and the hotel was new. a decent quick stop; but I got my first taste of shoddy service here: the service team was HORRIBLE! Apparently the family that runs the broken down Econo-crap next to our hotel also ran this one. They did the hotel owner stereotype no favors. my recommendation: Stay away! The next morning we drove the rest of the way down I-95 to Miami at a relaxed pace. A warning for drivers coming to Miami for the first time: the street system numbering is very confusing if you do not study a map first! even by GPS had issues with the # system for a few streets. Once I figured it out, no problem. We arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport around 5pm or so.

I HIGHLY recommend this hotel! great service, breakfast, quality rooms, and not a bad location for dining if you are adventurous. Colleen and her staff are very knowledgeable about the area and are SUPER helpful! another plus: the do a free shuttle to the port at GOOD times of the day, not right before you are supposed to leave only! We saved $140 on port parking as well as the stress of navigating to the port ourselves. Return shuttles after our cruise was $25 for both of us with no others riding. I'm sure it would be less per person if you have others with you so inquire. Read more