It was a first cruise for my family. We took our 17 year old son and 8 year old daughter. We flew into Miami airport and took a cab to downtown Miami for about 25.00.

We flew in the night before and stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown. We paid a triple A rate of $215. The room was nothing special. It was clean. Our room faced the street on the third floor which was quite noisy. However, the hotel provided ear plugs for those that wished to use them. Hotel was in a decent location. Was about 5 blocks from Bayside Marketplace. We had been to Bayside a couple years ago and were looking forward to going back. It used to be a popular place, but it looks like things have changed. The entertainment ended at 6:00pm. There were very few people walking around. We had dinner at Bubba Gump's. It was very expensive and was not very good. In fact, had to order Pizza Hut once we got back to the hotel as my husband and son didn't finish their meals. Pizza Hut was delivery was very quick and was the best I have ever had! Wish we would have just stuck with that. Next cruise I think I will choose to stay at an airport hotel and order Pizza HuT (will save quite a few dollars that way!)

The next morning, we took a cab to the port. I had asked our cab driver the night before what the approx rate would be to the port and he told me $6 or $7. However, the morning we went to the pier the driver did not start his meter and when we arrived he asked for $14.00! I didn't argue, but next time I will ask the driver before I get in. Or I will ask them to start the meter. Unfortunately, you can't trust everyone! We arrived at the port at about noon and were on the boat within 45 minutes. Things went very smoothly. Read more