We were a group of 6. All in our early 40's. For some their second, third or more cruise and for one of us their first. They had heard nothing but glorious raves from the other cruises myself and his wife had done and was very eager to experience a 5+ star vaca like our previous others had been. WRONG! They will never do CCL again!

We started by flying down to FT L. ( cheaper usually) the day before and staying in Ft. Lauderdale and taking a shuttle from the hotel to the Miami port the next am. We have since found on a cruise after this one that renting a car, finding a cheap hotel on-line and then returning the car in Miami...taking a set fee ($24 beware they will try and charge more according to some other taxi travelers we met that paid over 30!!) taxi from the airport was MUCH more economical. FYI the Moonlite Diner has incredible frappes ( or milkshakes if you aren't from the New England area) . They are in Hollywood area about 5 miles from the airport in a huge plaza that has a K mart ect..)

Very impressed by the new Port. Embarkation was much smoother and quicker with the new building. The staff in the new building seemed to take great pride in the new building and it showed. We all checked our bags so on board we immediately got to check out the rooms even though it was barely 1 pm. ( Usually off limits until 1:30) and off to explore and eat! FYI They let you take some beverages that are non- alcoholic on board if they are not opened. We took some soda ( Pepsi products. They are Coke venders) and some water to keep in our room.....saved us about $10+ a day because of being big water and avid Pepsi drinkers. Read more