I was cruise shopping based on price and spotted this run- excellent ship and ports and $249 Ocean View cabins. We we already in Florida for a trip on the Connie so this was an easy decision. I really really like Key West as a port, and wanted to return to Nassau.

The idea was to rent a car at the Tampa port and drive down. Avis, normally reliable, was 15 cars short due to late returns. Hertz used to file police reports on these - I get why. I had and fortunately discarded a crazy idea to try a same day side to side voyage from different ports- one needs a Plan B- say Uber.

Anyhow we made it, as we had a full 24 hours, and stayed at the lovely and hip Hotel Indigo Miami. Dinner was yummy - hand made pizza (note the correct in Rome or Naples lack of a uniform 1/2 inch layer of cheese) and appetizers from Venezuela. The chef was so surprised to get an order he came out to see us. Indigo Hotels are required to serve up to date locally inspired food but people assume it is 1977 hotel cuisine. Read more