We went with a group of 3 couples. First let me start by saying that if you travel with a group of people like this, walkie talkies are recommended greatly. We mulled over whether to buy them or not and finally went ahead and spend the cash and they ended up being worth every penny.
We drove down to Miami the morning of the cruise, which was the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We went down with one of the two couples we booked the cruise with. We dropped the girlfriends off at the port with the luggage and while they got in line to check in, we went and parked the car with a company called premier. They have a garage about 4 blocks from the port I recommend looking them up, I don't remember the exact price but they were cheaper than parking at the port if you're looking to save a few $$.
The check in through TSA was held up for some reason once we returned to the port, but after we got going, the rest of the process and boarding when pretty smooth. We got on board and immediately went to the the Lido Deck to eat lunch. My g/f and I had lunch at Guy's Burger Place and let me say, looks can be deceiving. The burgers look horrendous but taste amazing.
We were in room 2202...if you're a couple, steer clear of this room...it's twin beds that are on opposite sides of the room. Because of the design of the room, it's not possible to slide them together. Also, because of the design, the tv is only visible from one bed...finally, this room is at the very front of the ship, we could feel ever sway of the ship, we could feel and hear every wave that hit the front side of the ship as if it were a huge hammer slamming into the side every now and again..., and the only time they dropped anchor, it felt and sounded as if it were literally coming through our room. Again, if you're a couple run from this room if you get assigned it, if you're not and can sleep through loud noises or the shuddering of the room, then this is the room for you.