We drove in to Vero Beach, FL the day before the cruise and stayed at the Country Inn & Suites. We drove to the Port Everglades the next morning which was about an hour and a half drive. We chose a Vero Beach hotel due to the high rates charged at the Ft. Lauderdale hotels. We were able to stay the night for only $70 and had free breakfast the next morning before setting off for the port.

This was our 7th Carnival cruise and the first time out of Port Everglades. We got to the port around 11am. Check in was quick and painless. However, we had to wait in large hot room for about 40 minutes to begin boarding. There were large fans going in the room and it was hard to hear the announcements for boarding.

We finally got on the ship about 11:45 and proceeded to the Lido deck for lunch and a drink. I was extremely disappointed to see that Carnival no longer has a "Drink of the Day". The have featured drinks instead, such as margaritas and pina coladas. Come on Carnival, I can have those at home for less than you charge! Read more