sijid

The water taxi in Ft. Lauderdale is a great way to fill the time if you fly in the day before the cruise, too. The hop-on, hop-off feature makes it a great way to see the city without a car.

Thank you. I promise that no one pays me or even gives me any perks so all of my advice is for real. I agree with Trip Advisor. While I haven't been in the rooms, the common areas of the hotel are nice. It was built about 10 yrs ago as a Hampton Inn. I would not walk around the hotel after dark and would be careful in the daytime, especially on weekends. During the week there are a lot of business people around in the daytime. Nights and weekends it's a bit isolated, in an area where I know people have been victimized. It is about 4 blocks to the water taxi at Las Olas Riverfront/Briney Pub. One of the only restaurants left at Riverfront is the Briney, and it is waterfront and has a good atmosphere. Himmershee Grill on SE 2nd St is also very popular. Las Olas downtown is less than a mile away and there are dozens of good restaurants to choose from. A cab from the airport should cost about $20-25 including tip. If you do decide to rent a car, check with the Hampton Inn to see if they charge for parking, as I can't remember if they do but I do know that they have a garage in the bldg. There are also 2 Hampton Inns close to the airport.

Thanks so much!

they should be! Here's my question:

We're staying at the Hampton Inn City Center for two nights pre-cruise (got it with points). Trip Advisor indicates that it's a pretty good hotel in a bad part of town. True or not? Is it a far walk to the water taxi? And are there any restaurants close by? We weren't planning on getting a car, but could if it looks like we'd spend the same money on cabs. Speaking of which, about how much should we expect to pay for a cab from the airport?

You totally rock--thanks!

Wildwoods,

No we don't miss excursions. They arrange the lectures on sea days, and before/after port times. And, you're right--while we're having poolside stuff, the casino is pretty empty.

RnD,

Our group is on the 11/14 Nieuw Amsterdam.

Wildwoods,

Well, some of us are party animals and some aren't. It's inevitable that a group that large will have an impact. There are a couple of nights when we're having a private party pool-side, and some late night events. My previous experience is that most of the stuff we do will be in the Theater during the day.