Help with FLL airport departure time

[pixiedustdawn]

I am cruising out of Miami, but chose to fly in and out of Fort Lauderdale Airport, because I prefer Jet Blue and they don't fly into Miami.

 

Can anyone tell me what is a good time to schedule for a departure flight? Is 11:00 a.m. too early?

 

Sailing on the EPIC in July.

 

Thanks

Dawn

[coka]

Hi Dawn,

An 11:00am flight has worked for many yet you know sometimes a glitch occurs with immigration/customs. For me, I usually book noon or later. If I end up with later, I just get off the ship later. If you get noon or earlier, try to be first off. Keep in mind that on a Saturday or Sunday there are cruise ships debarking in Fort Lauderdale as well. If you can stay over and fly out on a Monday...even better...no competition with the ship passengers in security.

FWIW, Fort Lauderdale airport is soooooo much nicer than Miami!

Also, if you take the NCL bus transfer, it is one of the early calls to debark the ship.

 

coka

[pixiedustdawn]

Thanks Coka!

 

I am going to book the 12:35 flight from FLL back home. Sounds like this one will work.

 

How do I get the NCL transfers, can I use them for FLL?

 

I am so out of my element when I don't cruise NCL from Manhattan. lol

[swedish weave]

Thanks Coka!

 

I am going to book the 12:35 flight from FLL back home. Sounds like this one will work.

 

How do I get the NCL transfers, can I use them for FLL?

 

I am so out of my element when I don't cruise NCL from Manhattan. lol

 

If NCL transfers don't work for you, check with SAS. They seem to be pretty dependable. I am pretty sure they charge 15 per person from Port of Miami to Ft Lauderdale airport. http://www.ridesas.com

[Giorgi-one]

Thanks Coka!

 

I am going to book the 12:35 flight from FLL back home. Sounds like this one will work.

 

How do I get the NCL transfers, can I use them for FLL?

 

I am so out of my element when I don't cruise NCL from Manhattan. lol

 

Call NCl to book transfers from ship to FLL airport or have your TA do it. NCL will want your flight info and will tell you if the flight is too early. I believe they also have transfers from FLL airport to the ship if you arrive on embarkation day. I would never fly on embarkation day. If anything goes wrong, like a cancelled flight or lost baggage, your vacation will be ruined, but that is your choice.

 

FLL airport is much better than Miami particuarly in the summer when there are less cruise ships in the Caribbean.

[pixiedustdawn]

If NCL transfers don't work for you, check with SAS. They seem to be pretty dependable. I am pretty sure they charge 15 per person from Port of Miami to Ft Lauderdale airport. http://www.ridesas.com

 

Thanks, I am on the phone right now with NCL checking on the transfers. If I don't use them, I will check out the info you gave me.

[coka]

Hi Dawn,

You can order the NCL transfer from the reception desk too. Do this early in the week. Two days before debarkation, you get the information in the Daily. I think you will debark early (between 8 and 9am). The last time I used NCL transfer from ship to FLL it was 20 dollars per person. It might be more now. The bus drops off certain airlines first so it will make a few stops in the airport. If you take a cab, it will cost about 75 dollars (more or less) minus tip depending on traffic.

Not sure about SAS, but GO Transportation (what I use to get from FLL to Miami ship or Miami hotel) does not do return trips. They only operate from Fort Lauderdale area and not licensed to pick up in Miami and bring back to FLL. Again, never did SAS, so I am not sure if they will do a pick up from the ship. Maybe someone else has more information about that.

 

Oh...Your 12:30 ish flight sounds perfect.

 

coka

[pixiedustdawn]

Call NCl to book transfers from ship to FLL airport or have your TA do it. NCL will want your flight info and will tell you if the flight is too early. I believe they also have transfers from FLL airport to the ship if you arrive on embarkation day. I would never fly on embarkation day. If anything goes wrong, like a cancelled flight or lost baggage, your vacation will be ruined, but that is your choice.

 

FLL airport is much better than Miami particuarly in the summer when there are less cruise ships in the Caribbean.

 

I will be arriving Wednesday and my cruise isn't until Saturday. I understand about not booking a flight the same day. I would be too nervous to do that. Thanks for your help.

 

I am on hold and hopefully will find out shortly if they have one way transfers.

[coka]

Isn't this part of the planning FUN? hehehe

 

Dawn, not sure where you are staying in Miami...but check out the Viceroy if you can. Their summer rates are really good. If you like the suite life at sea...you will enjoy this hotel in the middle of the Miaim Skyscrapers.

 

coka

[bethaniesmom]

we found that checking in curbside worked best at FLL....the lines inside with several ships arriving that day were terrible!

Have a great trip!

 

Beverly

[pixiedustdawn]

Isn't this part of the planning FUN? hehehe

 

Dawn, not sure where you are staying in Miami...but check out the Viceroy if you can. Their summer rates are really good. If you like the suite life at sea...you will enjoy this hotel in the middle of the Miaim Skyscrapers.

 

coka

 

I will check it out. Thanks Coka. Yes, planning is always part of the fun!

 

Thanks to everyone. My flights are booked. I also got my one way departure transfer through NCL.

 

I think it all went smoothly, thanks to everyone here on Cruise Critic that responded so quickly to my question.

 

Dawn

[flowerchild]

I'm originally from Miami and refuse to fly into MIA, it is awful! FLL is a great little airport.

 

I have come across HUGE lines at FLL for security during peak hours after cruises (Saturdays and Sundays) so BEWARE! Leaving the ship early can be stressful and crowded, too. I hate ending a wonderful vacation with stress and hassles! Usually, we stay in our cabin until the all clear and are among the last people to leave the ship. No crowds, luggage is easily and quickly found, and the whole experience is just that much more pleasant. Ditto with the airport.

 

I would check out a local NCL excursion and take a later flight. Just me.

[pixiedustdawn]

I'm originally from Miami and refuse to fly into MIA, it is awful! FLL is a great little airport.

 

I have come across HUGE lines at FLL for security during peak hours after cruises (Saturdays and Sundays) so BEWARE! Leaving the ship early can be stressful and crowded, too. I hate ending a wonderful vacation with stress and hassles! Usually, we stay in our cabin until the all clear and are among the last people to leave the ship. No crowds, luggage is easily and quickly found, and the whole experience is just that much more pleasant. Ditto with the airport.

 

I would check out a local NCL excursion and take a later flight. Just me.

 

Well, it looks like I am stuck leaving at 12:35.

 

We will probably disembark the ship as soon as we can. I am staying in a suite and hope they will do early escort off the ship prior to everyone else. If not, my second hope is getting the transfers, and early disembark. At least I won't have luggage to worry about.

 

Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated.

 

Dawn

[CemeteryLadyofNV]

If NCL transfers don't work for you, check with SAS. They seem to be pretty dependable. I am pretty sure they charge 15 per person from Port of Miami to Ft Lauderdale airport. www.ridesas.com

 

Thank you for the info on ridesas, I sent them an email, and they quoted me $13 per person, because there are four of us, much better price then NCL at $25 per person. Will be sending them the email to confirm the reservation. Thanks again.