This was a very long drive for us to make to port of Miami. We stayed in Boca Raton the night before so we wouldn't be too tired for our 1st day on the ship. It worked out well for us. We were a group of two married couples staying in cabins next door to each other.
The embarkation went well. I think it took us about 40 minutes start to finish. We parked on a lot and had shuttle service for 4 to and from the port. This worked out well at the start of our cruise, but not so much at the end.
The 1st day out was a "Fun Day". Which depends on how you want to look at things. We certainly enjoyed ourselves. There is always as much or as little as you want to do. We liked the serenity deck, but it was too much like an outside library. quiet please shhhh...