This was my 13th cruise on Carnival and 15th cruise overall. First time on a Dream class ship with Carnival. I was impressed from the moment we arrived until the time the kicked us off 8 days later kicking and screaming because I did not want to leave. (Just kidding) We flew down a day early, like always and spent the day exploring the South Beach area, we choose to stay at Starlite Hotel on Ocean drive, a nice quaint hotel in the heart of the main strip. Nice facility and room, would stay there again if cruising out of Miami. Next three cruises booked are out of Tampa, Charleston and Port Canaveral, so may be back in 2017 for the Vista.
I prearranged Top Shuttle Miami to pick us up at 11:15 to take us to the port. They called at 10:45 to confirm pick up time and they arrived right on time for the short dive over to the port.
Priority Check in through security was quick and painless, only a small wait in the Captain's Lounge for the Platinum/Diamond/Suite guests to receive their Sign and Sail cards. Boarding had begun when we gout our cards so we were able to walk right on the ship. I would say it was less than 30 minutes total from dropping bags with the porter to getting checked in to walking on the ship.
Standard Balcony cabin, forward on Lido Deck. Close to all the action, yet quiet as well. Plenty of room for storage and suitcases could fit in the closet or under the bed out of the way. Plenty of room in the safe for I pads and phones.