This is a long review, but tried to be informative.

Embarkation and onboard: This went pretty smoothly. I had researched this trip, excursions, etc. quite extensively for months before selecting anything. As it was a holiday weekend, and peak season for both cruise and air, we paid premium prices, and thus didn't want to leave too much to chance. We did decide a "redeye" flight would probably work, as we didn't want to also deal with hotels, shuttles, rental cars, etc. We arrived in Miami at 7am...unfortunately, our luggage did not. We still had plenty of time though, and were reunited with our suitcases by 8:30am. Had a light breakfast at airport cafe, then easily hailed a taxi van to carry the four of us (me, DH, 18 yo DS, 13 yo DD) and our mountain of luggage to the Port of Miami (flat rate of $21 plus tip for driver). Porters were waiting at curbside to collect our bags and take them to the ship. Our tipping philosophy is simple—if someone provides a service for a task we would rather not have to perform, especially with a pleasant attitude, we are quite happy to tip appropriately, and did so.

We waited for about an hour in the terminal, the boarding process was painless, and we were having a buffet lunch in the Windjammer by 11:30. This was the ship's first trip after drydock, so no passengers leaving and cabins were ready upon boarding. The buffet wasn't crowded at that time, but does get quite congested by noon, and is VERY crowded every morning between 9 & 11:00. We are early risers and beat the rush most days. The dining room breakfast and lunch are less harried. Room service is another good option if you aren't a morning person, and actually want to sit and eat your meal while it is still warm. Read more