Obviously, the answer to this question depends a lot on personal preference. Our post bar exam cruise departs at 4 p.m. local time, which leaves a decent amount of time to get to the ship and get boarded. On my last cruise, we drove most of the distance to the port the night before the cruise and a group of us split an inexpensive hotel room. This worked out well and is probably what I'll do again. Google maps puts the drive from Montgomery to Miami at 11 hours and 11 minutes. There are some cheap flights to Miami, though, especially if you happen to be near Miami. I have seen flights as low as $159. With the 4 p.m. departure time you should not be rushed in arriving for departure.
My plan currently is to leave Friday, July 30 and drive from Montgomery to Orlando (8 hours) or farther, perhaps all the way to Fort Lauderdale (10 hours, 56 minutes), and then to drive on to Miami for departure the next day. Embarkation begins at 12:30 and Carnival states that you must check in at least one hour prior to departure. With a group to split gas and lodging expenses this should be the most economical, and for me, the most convenient way to travel.
More information on the embarkation process is below:
| Important Embarkation Arrival Advisory and Embarkation Process |
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Government regulations for U.S. departure ports require that a final departure manifest is submitted 60 minutes prior to departure. Guests must provide us with the required information prior to embarkation. The easiest and most convenient way is to complete our FunPass on line registration process (www.carnival.com/mycruise) at least (3) three days prior to departure. Guests that do not complete the registration process prior to embarkation are required to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time. Guests on Carnival's Fly-Aweigh Program and who have purchased Carnival's Transfers Guests will be led to the Baggage Claim area where he/she will claim their own luggage. The Meet & Greet Staff will lead guests (with their luggage) to the awaiting motor coaches once enough guests have arrived for the motor coach to leave at full capacity. Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: Guests Arriving at the Cruise Terminal by Private Car Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: Guests will be asked to show Proof of I.D. and Cruise Documents. Guests will drop off their luggage at the Baggage Drop-Off area and give the luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag. Guests will park their car in the designated parking area and walk back to the terminal; depending on the distance, some cruise terminals have a complimentary shuttle from the parking area to the terminal. Guest will proceed into the cruise terminal for Check-In. The Embarkation Check-In Process: Check- in All guests must activate his/her Sail & Sign Account with a credit card (Amex, Visa, Discover, JCB, Visa/ MasterCard gift cards and MasterCard ) or opt to pay with cash. The credit card must be present at embarkation and the cash is deposited on board at the Information/Purser's Desk. Each guest will be issued a Sail & Sign card, which is used to (1) charge on their Sail & Sign Account, (2) access their Stateroom Key and (3) get on/off the ship. The Sail & Sign Card is used to (1) charge to their Sail & Sign Account and (2) get on/off the ship. Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom: Holiday, Celebration, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination and Imagination: Each guest will be issued a Sail & Sign Card and Stateroom Key. Embarkation Photo The Security Personnel will take guest's Sail Sign Card and with the onboard security system, imbed a full color, digital photograph together with personal database information directly onto the Sail Sign Card. |
