Flight Arrangements, Airport Greeting and Embarkation

I arranged flights using ChoiceAir on American, and the non-stop flight from Reagan National in DC to Miami went without a hitch. Upon landing, I followed directions on my transfer voucher to the luggage carousel, and after alighting from the descending escalator, I greeted by a nice RCI rep who checked off my name and confirmed w/me that my luggage could be found on Carousel #26. The blue suitcase was there, alright, and I took back to Carousel 24, where I was checked in and directed to the seats for waiting for the airport bus to take me and my fellow Majesty guests to the pier. The bus driver hefted everybody's luggage into the cargo area and the rep took our vouchers before boarding the bus. The driver gave a talk about the various sights on our way to the pier. I've been to Miami many times, whether cruising from there and visiting relatives who lived there, and the city always managed to impress me with new buildings.

Upon arriving at the terminal, another rep boarded the bus, and told the passengers where to go after exiting the vehicle. We were also told that to ensure all cruise docs were in-hand before entering the queues. Of course, I was well-prepared w/my SeaPass, credit card and passport ready to be inspected by the folks at the head of the line. After passing through this checkpoint, I board the ascending escalator for the queue lines to be checked in. Check-in almost always amazes me: Why can't other guests do the online check-in at home and be prepared as I was? But no, you have to complete those forms while in line. Anyway, I got signaled to go to the numbered check-in desk, handed over my docs and credit card, and the rep got my SeaPass card from another location. I completed the health form, and gave it back to the agent. Then I was directed to the ascending escalator to board the ship. But I had to pass through the security line to do so. Then I went to get my mug shot taken--I didn't bother to buy it because I had many of these embarkation mug shots at home. I also had my security mug shot taken for the SeaPass card, went up the ramp, and emerged at the end aboard the ship. Because the cabins weren't ready yet, I headed to the Windjammer Cafe for lunch. I searched for a vacant table to put my carry-on luggage someplace, and got my lunch. I had previously bought a soda package for my cruise, but because the cup that came w/the package was in my unready cabin, I decided to go w/iced tea instead. The food was good, considering it was a buffet line. After lunch, I went to the pool area on Lido Deck to relax and be ready for the announcement that our cabins were ready. I took a seat by the Pool Bar at the forward pool, and had a Coke Zero. But I couldn't hear the cabins were ready announcement on the PA system, and decided to go there anyway. Elevators were in full use, even by able-bodied folks like me and kids. Read more