Background Info : We are 2 32 YO and accompanied by our 8 YO son. This was our 4th cruise, all Carnival. We have also been on the Glory, Fascination, Elation.

Precruise stay. We split the drive over 2 days to NY from Illinois. The 1st evening we stayed at the Omni William Penn. Very nice, great location and buffet breakfast (not free) 2nd evening we stayed at the Hilton homewood suites in Edgewater Nj. It is just across the Hudson. They let us keep our car there for the 8 days FOR FREE. Very nice underground lot! We then took the ferry boat across to Midtown/39th st station. Super easy and so much cheaper than parking at the Pier! The hotel had free shuttle service both to and from the ferry terminals.

Embarkation day. Very overcast and rainy. You can see the Miracle from the hotel. AS grey as it was we were still very excited! We arrived at the terminal at 10:05am and were in the 1st row for boarding! Note they have signs pointing upstairs with a waiting area sign don't go there continue straight ahead towards ship, they get on 1st from the blue chairs. The staff was very nice and making sure everyone had the proper forms filled out etc. We got to pre check in at 11:30 and were called to go thru security and on to get our security pics taken by noon. While in line I met Sandi149 and her hubby Jay. Native NY'ers we had a blast with them and the other CCer's all week. Read more