We have been looking forward to another cruise this year more than I can ever say. Last year we seemed to travel more and so this year looks like the year of hard work and little playtime. On Friday we had our bags packed and we headed to the airport courtesy of our prearranged ride. I had purchased a Bloomspot coupon (think Groupon), but when I called they conveniently were unable to make reservations during the time of our trip. We opted instead for a taxi, which still ends up being less expensive than parking at the airport. What was strange is that we planned on leaving far earlier than we normally would have and after checking in and waiting in the security line, we basically walked up to our gate when it was time to board.
American Airlines has nonstop flights to Miami, which is why we chose them. After squeezing everyone onto the plane on this fully booked flight, complete with screaming babies and children, we were off. Without fail, there were children seated behind me who thoroughly enjoyed kicking my seat back and a man in front of my husband who as soon as the plane took off, put his seat back into the fully reclined position. Oh joy!
Once we landed and were off the plane, we made our way to baggage claim and after only a few bags landed on the belt, it suddenly stopped. After several minutes of waiting and listening to impatient people around us, our bags appeared and we took the elevator up to the second floor to grab the hotel van to our hotel. Previously we stayed at the Marriott Miami Airport hotel and so it was a great choice for this trip. They have a special package that includes breakfast and transportation to the cruise port for two so it was a no brainer. Checking in at the hotel was quick and we even received 1,000 bonus points as Marriott Elite members. This hotel has a Starbuck’s in the lobby and a fantastic hotel bar. Marriott also lets us reserve a feather-free room and so we had a Pure room, which included an air purification system. Believe me – I did notice the difference.
The morning of our cruise we had breakfast in the hotel restaurant, which is better than most hotel buffets. They had made to order omelets, waffles, and even Eggs Florentine. If you didn’t want the buffet, you could order off their regular menu. After breakfast, we finished packing up our bags and went to the lobby to wait for our shuttle to the port. We had to pay $11 for our son as our hotel rate only included the transportation for two. As there were four ships in port, the shuttle was going to stop for the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Destiny, Celebrity Millennium, and the Norwegian Epic. Our shuttle was packed full of people and two of the seats were wet from the air conditioning system so some people ended up on other people’s laps.
I can’t imagine trying to get to the port the same day as my cruise unless I lived in the port city. If you are flying to get to your cruise, please consider flying in the night before your cruise. Pick a hotel that offers a package that includes airport transportation as well as transportation to the cruise port. You’ll get the chance to relax, kick of your shoes, and enjoy time away from home and all of your worries and you won’t have to worry about missing your cruise. I can’t wait to share with you all that I have discovered about the world’s third largest cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line and the Norwegian Epic!