Arriving in Miami: I always stay downtown in one of the nicer hotels.....this time it was the Epic! I loved this new hotel which is so highly rated! I would recommend it to anybody who loves contemporary, clean lines, and well-trained staff that enjoys accommodating your every whim! There are more moderately-priced hotels available in the area; but, I happen to love what this hotel offers!

Check-in at NCL: I'm in a suite....so we were swished away into the VIP section....a small line so we sat down, had some soft drinks and snacks, and then they sent a butler to escort us aboard. I've always loved this service...one of the reasons I travel in owners' suites.

Room: I've been on many ships and was thinking that this one might not be up to par in that it is one of NCL's older ships (although it is one of the newest ones of all the lines touring the Bahamas). My suite was a 1 bedroom that also included a pull-down murphy bed in the living salon. The salon was spacious and included a dining room table, 2 couches, expresso maker, hot tub on deck, 2 televisions, 1-1/2 baths. Very accommodating! Read more