We started our trip today, looking forward to getting away for a week as well as seeing some new ships and cruise lines we have never inspected or sailed on. More on that later in the week, on to Day One, Travel Day.
All I can say is be very careful with connecting flights.We made our connections but some of the air fare deals that are be being sold have some very short layovers.We had flights from Milwaukee to Memphis and then Memphis to Miami.The layover was supposed to be 30 minutes, no problem.They didn’t say that included boarding time.Out flight from Milwaukee landed in Memphis on time at 6:50. Our flight to Miami started boarding at 6:50.We had to rush, the gates were in the same terminal but had almost 40 gates between them.We made it, but we really wondered about the luggage.After all the running we ended up leaving 20 minutes late, seems they were waiting for some luggage from connecting flights to be loaded.Probably was our luggage, yes it met us in Miami, so all was well.The flights, they were ok, the first flight from Milwaukee hit some strong turbulence, there were even people throwing there arms up in the air as if they were in a roller coaster, “6 Flags, more Fun!” as the commercial says.The changes in the air industry just amaze me though.We purchased tickets on Northwest Airlines, now part of Delta, the flight from Milwaukee was operated by Compass Air, the flight between Memphis and Miami was operated by Northwest but they served us Delta cookies.Can’t complain too much though, for $74 we made it to Miami.
We arrived in Miami, picked up our luggage and were off to the HolidayInnMiamiAirport.We normally stay downtown Miami near Bayside Market but opted to try out the offer of free shuttle service as well as a better price.The HolidayInnAirport had a rate that was almost half the cost of the downtown hotels. Their check in service was awesome, very friendly and efficient. As priority Club members we also were given a welcome package of snacks and a coupon for a free drink.They have a free shuttle that runs every half hour between airport and hotel and they also offer a free shuttle to the port of Miami.The hotel lacks the activities that you have in downtown Miami although they did offer shuttle service to local restaurants.We took advantage of the shuttle and had a light night (or should I say early morning) dinner at Bennigan’s. Thank goodness Bennigan’s was open 24 hours, we were pretty hungry and the Priority Club snacks were just not what we had in mind for dinner. Goodnight.
It was sad, but we knew our trip would come to an end.We woke up to a hazy day in Miami.The haze quickly burned off and we were looking at the beautiful Miami sky line. The port was busy, all the ships were in port and as thousand of guests were getting ready to get off of each ship, there were thousands more waiting to get on and head off for their vacations.It is amazing how the crew has to work to get the ship ready in such a short time.Not only do the cabins need to be cleaned and made ready for the next cruise but all the trash from the week has to be off loaded, new provisions stocked and thousand of gallons of fresh water and fuel loaded.
For us it meant we had a few more hours to enjoy the warmth before returning back to Wisconsin.I had scheduled a final excursion for the group, a day trip to SouthBeach.Once we were off the ship our driver picked up the group and headed to the beach.While at the beach it was arranged that the driver would hold our luggage so we did not have to hassle with it.We relaxed on the beach for a few hours, people watching, napping or for some of us feeding birds.
The SouthBeach area is quite the place, you could spend hours just watching the sights and sounds.There is a wide variety of food and activities.Just enjoying that warm sun for a few more hours was all I needed.
Our driver cameback right on time and with all our luggage and we were off to the airports, we had a few people leaving out of Ft.Lauderdale but the majority from Miami International.Our driver from Florida Transtours Inc. did a great job of taking care of us as he did for each portion of the trip he was involved in.In short order our plane took off and before we knew it we had arrived back in Chicago and the cold weather.Despite some initial delays in Miami we arrived on time.We did have a short wait for our limo as the airline had reported to him that the flight would be late and it wasn’t.Wee made it back home, had a great trip and we are looking forward to doing it all over again as soon as possible!
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We woke up to a hazy day in 
The port was busy, all the ships were in port and as thousand of guests were getting ready to get off of each ship, there were thousands more waiting to get on and head off for their vacations. It is amazing how the crew has to work to get the ship ready in such a short time. Not only do the cabins need to be cleaned and made ready for the next cruise but all the trash from the week has to be off loaded, new provisions stocked and thousand of gallons of fresh water and fuel loaded. 
There is a wide variety of food and activities. 
Just enjoying that warm sun for a few more hours was all I needed. 
Our driver came back right on time and with all our luggage and we were off to the airports, we had a few people leaving out of 
