We drove from Ontario Canada to Miami to get on the cruise ship - about a 26 hour drive. All of us were very excited to go cruising - my husband and I went on the NCL sky last year and loved it, first cruise for the kids.

Arrived in Miami 10:30 to park the van ($20 a day) and get checked in, we were on the ship having lunch by noon. Be sure to have your stuff ready when you get to the port, first stop is giving your luggage to the porter, then park. Kids loved the buffet so we ate there most of the time.

We also ate in Indigo (for the free lobster night, first adventure with lobster, was not my favourite, but I can say I have had it now), Summer Palace, and Blue Lagoon (get wings here 24 hours a day - dipping sauce is very hot!) We did not eat in any of the specialty restaurants, we are not fancy people, and I appreciate any meal that I do not have to cook, or clean up after. Read more