I don't claim to be a long-time cruiser. Took one "many" years ago; can't remember the name; sailed on Norwegian Star in 2005, and now on Carnival Valor 2-25-07.

6 of us flew from California to Ft. Lauderdale the day before the cruise; rented two cars (meeting 2 more who had arrived the day before). Spent some time checking out the South Beach area; drove to our motel; Quality Inn to the west of Miami. The price was right. (Turned out to be next to a small shopping center which included a Nail Salon, so my daughter got the pedicure that she hadn't had time to get.)

Embarkation went smoothly, (although on Norwegian, we went to the counter; presented our identification/passport; our credit card; they took our picture; handed us our Ship & Sail card.....ALL DONE!!) Read more