We traveled with a total of 18 people (4 families=8 adults and 10 kids (ranging in age from 7-12)). Most of us flew from Grand Rapids, MI to Orlando and rented a 15 passenger van to drive to Miami. We got great rates for the van through Costco Travel and the van was rented through Alamo. We did not spend any time in Miami.
The embarkation process went very smoothly. We picked a 10:30 arrival time and went through the lines rather quickly, but it slowed down as they called sections to go to the ship.
We immediately went to Deck 15 to have lunch in the Garden Café as did everybody else, but there is ample seating. The kids changed into their swim suits (make sure you pack them in your carryon). We set up camp in the same location every day so the kids would know where our stuff was. The rooms were ready by mid afternoon and our bags came a little later, but we weren't in a hurry for them.
Very large with plenty of storage.
Just spent an hour shopping. Very pushy vendors.
Thoroughly enjoyed going between the beach and the pool.