Twoputtpar

No food courts. Explain your ride situation- I would be thinking of getting breakfast somewhere off the port. The Terminals will be jammed with people exiting the arriving ships at 7:30-8am. I wouldn't even be wanting to give my bags to the porters yet, as they could get mixed in with the bags coming off.

Our group (13 of us) being pu by 2 private shuttles in Miami around 6 am. Is it better to have them drop us off at some restaurant, then hire rides to take us to cruise port. Lots of baggage. Maybe we eat at Miami airport, have transportation pick us up a little later.

Get a taxi to Port Everglades when you are ready. I t is a very short, low cost taxi ride.

Thanks for advice. Nothing low cost for party of 13.

Are you flying into Miami that morning? If so, I would have a leisurely breakfast at the airport and have your ride pick you up about 9:30-10:00.

Our group is large --13. Do you have to collect your luggage immediately?

Our ride from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale is going to arrive at the cruise port around 7:30-8:00 am. Are there any food courts in the terminals? What time can we give our luggage to cruise porters? Thanks in advance. This is our first time cruising out of Ft. Lauderdale.

We are going on a cruise with 4 grown kids and 7 grandchildren ranging in age from 7 to 22. Many of them will rarely eat in the main dining room. In fact, some may never eat there and will instead eat as they go at the Windjammer or in their rooms or any other place they can pick up quick meals.

Are their parents expected to tip $13 per child, per day? That can get pretty expensive for a family traveling on a budget.

I know all about the services provided on cruise lines. I also know if a child is staying in the same room with their parents, that child shouldn't be charged the same rate for gratuities every day.

How do families generally handle gratuities for their kids?