This was our 13th cruise and thankfully proved to be not that unlucky.
We had sailed on the sister ship, Marina, on a transatlantic the previous year so knew what to expect regarding the layout of the ship and the facilities. Like last time we booked a concierge stateroom, this time on deck 9, which came with a few added extras.
We flew from Glasgow via Heathrow to Miami with BA on the large A380 the day before and had a trouble free flight. Meals on board were better than expected as was the room to stretch out. In flight entertainment was about average but no where near the likes of Emirates. I think the main bonus was that our luggage arrived safely because several fellow passengers were not so lucky and were still waiting on their's several days into the cruise.
High end fixtures and fittings with plenty of storage space. Loved the separate bath and shower in the marble bathroom. Bed the best at sea, and possibly land!
Located port side mid-aft and handy for either set of stairs/lifts. Concierge lounge a short walk away with computers,snacks and comfy chairs.
Stayed in Miami Beach area after cruise at a beach hotel and loved the new boardwalk and clean sandy beach.
Art deco area very interesting and the whole place comes alive at night!
Hired a car in advance and picked it up from the Airport. Drove to a coastal path we had seen on the map and walked for a while until we got to a secluded beach. Too rough to swim as myself and another guy found out when we were swept off our feet and onto the rocks! Bruises aside, was a good trip and found lots of wildlife including a tortoise!
Drove around the rest of the Island and could see the repair work going on after the hurricane damage. Not much to see in the main town except the short walk to shell beach.