Miami Airport or POM Hotel before cruise?

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

My husband and I are cruising out of Miami next month for the first time for a belated honeymoon. We live locally in Orlando so we will have a car and drive down. We plan to park at the port. I'm not sure whether we should stay in a hotel near the airport = cheaper OR closer to POM = more expensive???
I have the Residence Inn South Beach booked currently which is around $250 for the night. We won't arrive until 5-6pm to check into the hotel ( I have to work a half day at my school) and the cruise leaves the next day. Any thoughts or suggestions? I also looked at the Hampton Inn near POM but it's going to be closer to $300 and I hear the Holiday Inn filed for chapter 11/has gone down hill, so I canceled that reservation.

I appreciate the suggestions!

 

[Wakey]

Why not just drive on the day, unless you want an add on night for the night itself. Last time I went on RCI we drove down from Indian Shores no issue and parked up and got on the cruise. Very easy. But RCI have a big multi storey car park right on the Terminal. (No need to reserve or anything). Not sure about DCL.