Background: We are a same-sex couple, in our early to mid-40s and had never cruised before. We were on the Epic from Dec 24-31.
Pre-Cruise: We flew into Miami the day before to avoid the stress of any potential delays plus it allowed us an opportunity to explore the city. I booked our flights myself as I found the flexibility and price to be preferable to what NCL offered. We caught a cab from MIA airport to our hotel, Holiday Inn Port of Miami on Biscayne Blvd.
Transportation to the port: Cabs were readily available and lined up outside of the hotel. It was a 10 minute ride to the port.