It's been years since my DH and I were able to get away alone (i.e. without our 3 kids) for a trip that was not work related. Decided in Sept. to book a cruise. Found a great deal on Carnival out of Jacksonville and decided to add a few days "pre-cruise" on Amelia Island just north of Jacksonville at the Georgia border. Stayed 2 nights at the Residence Inn. Great hotel, free shuttle service to Fernandina Beach, great breakfast, spacious suites.

Got to the port area about 10:30, parked off port at Cruise Parking Jacksonville, right on the corner. Only $8 p/day. Took a shuttle with a bunch of other people to the port. Got in line for security - the older woman there took out our bottles of Sprite Zero to make sure they weren't alcohol and shook them all up - couldn't open one on the cruise without a fountain! :) We were in line for probably close to 1 1/2 hours as there were a ton of people traveling together in groups - and yes - line cutting... Happy to get onto the ship and headed over to the back of the lido deck - behind Coconut Grove - got some pizza and a drink and settled in to wait for our room.

After lunch we headed up to the spa to do the spa tour. Got a couple of chair massages and then went through to see what options were available. They are a little pushy - but took "not right now" ok as well. After that we got to our rooms and unpacked, our suitecases were there by 1:30 or so. Walked around the ship to find the Passage to India Lounge, where we had a meet and greet at 5:30 with our CC friend. Great sunshine for the sail away. Read more