Miami and Embarkation
On arrival in Miami we found our way across the Brickell Key bridge to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel where the cruise company was having us stay the night before embarkation. Seeing this view from our balcony was a spectacular surprise!
Miami from Brickell Key
In the morning our bags were taken from the room and shipped directly to the ship. Once we arrived at the port we were immediately directed to a queue for COVID-19 antigen testing.
COVID Testing Queue with Insignia in Sight
A group called Eurofins performed the testing. While it appeared they had their act together, there was obvious room for improvement in their processing. But we passed as “presumptively negative” and headed to the embarkation line!
Eurofins Testing Area – the Boxes are the Test Rooms
Finally, we’re on board! World, here we come!
Now, where are we gonna hide 4 suitcases, 4 duffels, and 2 boxes of stuff in this room? (Even the trash can didn’t have a place to hide.)
Insignia Cabin 6093, Concierge Level A2
Well, the two large duffels delivered by LuggageForward each held four plastic sliding drawers filled with clothing and supplies. Six of the eight drawers went under the bed, and two in the closet over the safe. One of the boxes held a collapsible storage box with a cushioned lid to store our shoes and serve as a bench and coffee table. The sofa, nightstand, and dresser were rearranged to allow better walking space, resulting in this:
Rearranged for Flow
And a hanging shoe holder was mounted from the ceiling with magnetic hooks. And numerous Command Strip hooks were installed to hold jackets, hats, and binoculars. So now the room looks like this:
Remodeled for Function!
Amazing! Everything fits! Special thanks to Sukie and Cruise Critic for the tips that helped us!
