Where's our room?

So, that pre-cruise night, we were done at the party and headed for our respective hotels. Tessa and Dave let us have the first cab--we didn't wait for the cabs that the Marriott called for us. The Red Roof Inn was just 3 miles away at most, and it took an agonizing 45 minutes to get back because of construction. Julie and I got something to eat at Bennigan's by the inn. Then when we checked in, the clerk says, "Good news! Your hotel night is free, but not with us." He then assigned us and several other disgruntled hotel guests to Motor Inn closer to downtown and the port. He reassured us that we would have transporation to the port.

Julie and I waited to load--I wanted our luggage on last, so we could check in first. Then there was no room on the large van that fit twelve.

So we waited another hour or so. Another couple was also waiting, and the clerk who had taken over, said that they had rooms available in Fort Lauderdale!! The woman spoke up and said, "There are no rooms in Miami?! I find that hard to believe. You mean there are no rooms available that are at your price or cheaper." After another 15-30 minutes, the clerk found us rooms at the Marriott.

So 3-4 hours after we left the party, we were back at the same location. And this time, the pre-paid taxi driver, took us there in less than 5 minutes, avoiding the construction on the freeway. We fell into our beds at 2 a.m.

The next day, we woke up around 10ish, because they didn't want us to board the ship until 1pm. The Miami marathon was over by then, and we ate brunch at the hotel restaurant.

Many people were dressed in their tacky tourist outfits. Some put on personalities as well. On the Carnival shuttle, after a 30-45 min. wait in line, we unloaded our baggage near the Carnival Victory and headed up the escalator. Julie and I recognized Steven Page, and she shook his hand. I was a little stunned, said hello, then also did the handshake.

The boarding process was much smoother this time around, because the band was not taking photos with everyone. We met up with Dave and Tessa at the cabin, and their friends, Ben and Diane were also there. The BNL cruise gift were towels this year, a muted fluorescent light green. We took our lifejackets up to the deck, and took pictures of Miami.

I couldn't believe we were finally on the cruise. So much time and preparation for the next five days.