Okay, background information about us: we're 40-something DINKS (for those not familiar with what a DINK is "double income, no kids", we have lots of hobbies and stay active and absolutely love cruising. Our main activity while cruising is scuba diving so all 7 of our cruises have been to the Caribbean.

We drove to Miami from northern Florida and stayed at the YVES hotel. Great boutique hotel just a few minutes away from the Port of Miami. No on-site parking but just a block away was $25 all night parking which we used while we stayed at the hotel. They offer a "free drink of the day" to all guests (1 per guest) it was a rum and coke for us. For the cruise we used the parking garage at the Port, we looked into off-site long term parking, but most seemed sketchy and you had to leave your car keys behind. Also, though they provide transportation to and from the Port, you'll have to wait for it, you just can't get in your car and drive away.

Okay, the cruise. We checked in as soon as possible around 11:30 a.m., this is the busiest time to check in as everyone, like us, wanted to get their vacation started asap. It took about 45 minutes to check in, due to the LONG line of guests, nothing against the cruise terminal. We were in a regular terminal, no "tent" and the air conditioning worked well. No snag check in, immediately boarded the ship, no waiting in a lounge. Rooms were not ready until 1 p.m., but considering that the ship disembarks the previous cruised just that morning, that is an amazing turn around time. When we did get to our room our luggage was already waiting for us...INCREDIBLE! Read more