Ashland

Loved the Icon but I personally didn't care for having the SL area combined with CK.

Be sure to look on their website for the exact location and shuttle description (as their are a lot of shuttles that will say "Blue Lagoon") to get their shuttle from MIA to their hotel.

Have your cabin steward remove anything you won't need. For us it was the RCI robes and we also put out on the balcony the round ottoman and small table. We also opted to NOT have the bed in the small area returned to a sofa each day but just left as a bed.

We did two SurfSide Suites with extended family this past May. The perks were great with this category including the reserved area seating for the shows. Luckily we had two adults and one child in each cabin. That extra little sleeping area was great however the lack of storage was a bit difficult. However I must say that we're used to larger suites but on the Icon it worked out good enough.

Thanks but with the two of us we prefer to pick our seats (together) and so standby won't usually work out for us.

On Icon they had them often in the WJ. Also try the warm cinnamon churro's at the Surfside Bites.

No problem I can also take a 10:00am flight too. Usually the SL concierge walks us off. Just heading to ATL to visit family for a week in between cruises.

I'm considering a 9:10am flight from FLL end of March our Freedom ship arrives at 6:am and we'll do a self assist walk off and take a taxi. We have TSA and DL skymiles member and not to worried.

We've been to Puerto Plata onboard Explorer and will be there again on Explorer in March 2025. It was one of our least favorite ports and wish they would substitute something else. However enjoy Icon we were on her in May 2024 and loved this ship.

Just outside the POM terminal doors will be a company holding big signs (hard to miss) with shuttles to MIA. $10.00 pp cash. The shuttles fill up quickly and are on their way. We've used these twice this year. You can't book them ahead but no worries they are always there.

Our extended family recently had two SurfSide suites and were able to have our adjoining balcony opened.

We often use the RCI wash/fold option (for certain things) even for just a 7 night cruise but for us it's a free perk.

Their all pretty easy to return to and take their shuttle to the ship. We used Budget and booked through Costco. DH dropped us all off with our luggage and then returned the car.

I can help with after your cruise is over and you need to get back to the airport. There will be a shuttle company holding big signs with service from port to TPA. It's $10.00pp cash. These fill up quickly and are on their way. We had an easy experience using this option last October.

Yes...It's right across the street.

Both, and lot's of other seafood too both times. The Icon WJ was just amazing.

Just outside the POM terminal doors there will be a company holding up large signs (hard to miss) offering shuttles to MIA for $10.00pp (cash). Their shuttles fill up fast and are on their. We've done this option twice this year and it couldn't have been quicker and easier. You can't pre-book them but they are there !!

On Icon (this past May) there were lobster tails in the WJ boarding day lunch and also another night towards the end of our eastern caribbean 7 nighter at dinner time.

You only need to purchase the cabana under one adult's name. $749.00 is a great price point. The cabana and entrance to the water park for all 6 of you is included. Once onboard you will be given a letter in your cabin a few days prior to arrival at Coco Cay giving you instructions and your cabana number. Wrist bands will be given at the cabana check in location and you'll be walked to your cabana. Your personal attendant will check in with you once there. Just an FYI bring a bit of cash to tip your attendant when you leave to reboard the ship after your day ends. Our favorite number the last few visits was #49. We specifically requested this with our SL concierge once onboard. Enjoy the cabana as it's well worth the cost and all it includes.

We have stayed in the Blue Lagoon area twice recently but opted for the Hampton Inn Suites. Loved the location to Publix market and a few places to eat and the MIA shuttle pickup and the shuttle offered to POM from their hotel.

Some people just want to always turn things into a debate...absolutely unnecessary. Glad everything worked out for you and hopefully you enjoyed your visit.

We have in the past done the RCI excursion and it was wonderful. It not only included transportation but had a guide that stayed with us throughout the whole day and that made everything so easy. We waited in no lines at all.

Thanks for your input but I'll just continue to do what I've always done.

Who would buy this 🤣

Rent a car...that leaves so many other options of things to do like eating at Lester's Diner and going to the Saw Grass Mills Mall. The location for your rental is one we've used often and had no problems.