Pre-cruise: We drove from Tampa to Miami and stayed overnight at The Inter-Continental Hotel Miami. Great price on priceline. Overnight parking is $36 :-0. I did know this in advance so we were not shocked. We are Miami natives and are aware of the parking in downtown. Hotel was very nice. I stayed there 10 years ago before we boarded Navigator of the Seas for our wedding. Walked over to Bayside for dinner. There is a nice playground between the hotel and Bayside that seems to be new.
Embarkation: Took the car to the parking facility we arranged prior... I think it was United Parking??? I know if was not Premier. Price was approx. $56 for the 6 nights. Shuttle to the port was quick and easy. As was the debarkation process.
We got to the ship around 10:30. Went right to the priority boarding desk, I am platinum, then to the waiting lounge. Waited around 20 minutes. There were about 40 people in the lounge. Then up to the ship! Very smooth.