Our last cruise out of Miami we stayed overnight at a hotel. We had the first shuttle of the morning booked. It never came. We waited forever before giving up and calling an Uber XL. Shockingly, all of us (5 adults with luggage) fit in one and we got to the port...during general boarding. I'm not leaving it up to chance. I need to see what hotel I'm staying at but it's basically walking distance.
We did this trip on the cheap side. I had a place holder, and we booked opening day and scored connecting SPH rooms. We've toyed with upgrading, but I don't think it's an absolute necessity. Since we'll be at sea most days, it's not like we "need" a view. (We needed a view in Norway). I thought, with all the at sea days, this would be a perfect cruise for CL, but I just won't pay for it anymore. Since hitting platinum, I get pretty much what I want anyway. I love the CL hosts, but not enough to pay the $13,000(ish) for the room. I'd say I'm happy just to be going and won't complain whether I get an upgrade or not.
I saw the canvas and cocktail class on a TR. I don't think any of my friends would go though.
