My husband and myself both 52 left NJ for Miami two days early to stay in South Beach. We took a cab from MIA to the hotel a flat rate to South Beach area $32. We stayed at the Nassau Suite Hotel, Collins Ave one block from Ocean Drive and the Lummis Park/Beach entrance. Hotel was nice, centrally located however next time we would like to be further down and right on the beach! The beach there was absolutely beautiful surrounded by Art Deco hotels, shops and restaurants. We cannot wait to return to Miami for another cruise!

We left our hotel Monday at noon and got caught in quite a bit of traffic going to the port as there were 5 ships there and a super quick traffic light at the port entrance! Our cabbie said Mon and Tues are the worse traffic days! Our driver was very friendly so all the chit chat made the wait go faster, before we knew it we were unloaded at the pier by 1pm . The entire embarkation process went smooth and quick, staff very friendly and we were on board, up to the Lido Deck and drink in hand by 1:30! Sitting in a lounge chair under the Miami sun listening to the music! Heaven after leaving freezing temps back home!

The Carnival Destiny was a very nice ship, we were on Verandah deck 8 balcony room 8204, decent size cabin with balcony, big shower and plenty of hot water! TV, usual sitting area, hair dryer, shampoo and bath gel in bathroom. No frig but cash bar sodas and water, and ice bucket filled daily. Our balcony was a great spot to take pictures of South Beach as we were leaving! We liked the ship very much it reminded us of Victory in size and layout. Read more