We flew into Miami of Sunday, January 12, bright and early to take another Carnival Cruise to warm weather. We landed at Miami International Airport with plenty of time to spare. We had chosen not to use the Carnival transfer option, and we were glad we didn't. There is a Carnival check-in counter next to luggage claim and the line was extremely long and very, very slow. The cost of the Carnival transfer would have been $16 each or $32 a couple, and the taxi was quick and easy for $25 plus tip. We were at the port in fifteen minutes! Check-in there was amazing. It was so fast, and we were some of the first on the ship even without a VIP pass. We could not go to our room, but we could enjoy the Lido, the piped in music, and the food. Guys burgers were great! They also had the buffet open and the taco bar, the Blue Iguana, open.

Rooms were open about 1:00 p.m. and our luggage arrived very late in the afternoon. That was not a problem, but be sure you have anything you need in your carry-on. We enjoyed relaxing in the warm Florida sun on the Lido and from our deck.

The ships décor is very nice. Much nicer, we thought, than the older, kind of gaudy, ships we have sailed on previously. Our balcony room was nice, but being on the 9th deck, just under the Lido, we could hear chairs thumping around and loud music on some nights. It wasn't too bad, but it may be annoying for some guests, especially if you are trying to sleep. Read more