If you’d like to see the video version of this post, click below:
This post will cover my pre cruise travel, the hotel, and boarding. Future posts will cover the rest.
We had a nasty little ice storm in southern Michigan on Wednesday the Wednesday before my cruise. I never lost power, though many other Michiganders weren’t so lucky. Here’s how bad things got at its peak on Thursday:
We got a glancing blow where I live. This is what it looked like at its worst:
Things were better by the time I left on Friday morning, but you can see why I wanted to get away.
I had a Southwest flight (insert scary noises) to Miami through Nashville. Thankfully, all legs were eventless – though one of the gate agents at Metro noted that she was still without power.
Nashville seemed like a nice smaller airport. I wouldn’t mind stopping there again sometime.
After arrival at MIA I searched for the hotel. Miami International Hotel was right inside the airport, which was the convenience I wanted on this trip. It was a bit of a hike from where we landed. Unlike last time I was here, there were only a couple of people in line and my wait at the desk was only a few minutes. They gave me my key and told me about the breakfast voucher my booking earned me. I’d have to pick it up at the desk the next morning. I’ll tell you about that meal a little later.
My room on the 5th floor was small by modern hotel standards with only a twin bed. I could lie in bed and almost change the channels on the TV with my feet. The bathroom was surprisingly roomy and well stocked with toiletries and towels. Overall I thought it was a good room and met my needs. It cost $190 for the night, which surprisingly was one of the lower rates I saw for the Miami area for this date.
The breakfast was at Air Margaritaville, which was across from the check in desk from the hotel. I had eggs, hash browns, bacon, toast, butter, and water. It was good, well worth what I paid for it (just the tip). Thanks guys.
After cleaning up I left the hotel and took a Lyft to the port. I was a little worried that I didn’t pick to the right terminal to go to, but I picked exactly the right one. And the Summit was already there. Rideshares are expensive these days; I paid $36 for this one. Ouch.
Another ouchie was the considerable line I found myself in to enter the terminal. The COVID-19 test and vaccine checks were done outside by StarVista Live staff. My passport, ID, and boarding pass were checked at various places as I wound my way to the ship. I didn’t have any particular issues, though again I wish I had printed out my boarding pass.
After I got onboard I went to the casino for my brief briefing (I had watched the video back at the hotel) and they checked me in.
Then I dropped off my bags at the room. I briefly met my cabin steward who gave me some instructions. I hoped he didn’t think too ill of me; I’m never at my best on embarkation day.
By 11:30 I made it to my secret hiding place and started working on this post, among other things. This was the earliest I had ever been onboard any ship. I wasn’t even hungry yet.
Next I’ll cover the rest of day 1 and possibly a bit of day 2.