Fort Lauderdale

[Disneycruisers]

We are looking at a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale that returns on a Sunday,the question is would we be able to make a 10:30 flight that morning? How far is it from the port to the airport?

 

Thanks

[Irishlinny]

If all goes well during disembark (and nothing holds the ship up from docking and clearing customs), you can make that flight, especially if you do the self-disembark and carry your own luggage. We just came back from the Freedom on Sunday and we were at the airport before 9:00. But there could be a delay which would make it risky. The airport is 10-15 mins away...

[Upandadam]

You can see the ships from the airport it's so close.

 

Assuming there are no delays and you take all your luggage off yourself, you should be able to make it. You're cutting it pretty close though.

 

If you don't make the flight, you spend one more day in paradise.

[BeccaBecca1713]

It's do-able, especially if you do self assist. If you can't do self-assist (carrying all your own luggage off the ship), then the night before, go to guest services and show them that you have an early flight and they'll get you an early Zone number so you can be in one of the first groups off the ship.

 

Good Luck!

[Ykgorbie]

We did self-assist in Fort Lauderdale disembarking from the Miracle and were at the airport by 8am. Our flight was an international flight and was scheduled for 11:50am but we were there in plenty of time. And like the other posters said, there can always be delays due to the port authority or weather but that's the chance you take with early flights. Just make sure you do self-assist and are able to get all of your luggage off the ship by yourselves.

[golfadj]

If everything goes well and you do self assist you could make it but cutting it too close imho.

[finsupcruiser]

Too close for me!! But I am a chicken about early flights:D

[bythehex]

We are looking at a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale that returns on a Sunday,the question is would we be able to make a 10:30 flight that morning? How far is it from the port to the airport?

 

Thanks

 

IF the ship docks on time, is cleared by customs, and debarks passengers when they're supposed to. And IF there's no traffic getting to the airport. Plus, it may also depend how many other ships are docking that day. And if there's any delays in the airport, such as long slow lines waiting to check luggage, check in for the flight, and to get through security.

 

My opinion is that's cutting it a bit too close for comfort, and it wouldn't be my personal choice. Other people may have had luck getting there early, and if could be do-able, but the stress and worry could be huge. And after your relaxing cruise, would you really want to be stressed for the trip home??

[Gayle V]

I think that you are cutting it way too close. Actually Carnival thinks that too. This is a cut and paste from the Carnival web site stating their recommendations.

 

"Earliest Flight Departures:

Earliest departures out of the Ft. Lauderdale Airport: 11:30am"

 

We have more than once, still been on the ship, waiting for customs or what ever the hold up was, as late as 10:00am. Really, if your flight is at 10:30 you should be at the airport by 8:30am. Even with all things falling perfectly into place, that's not likely. And just how often does everything fall perfectly into place for you? (If your that lucky of a person, be sure to spend some time in the casino.)

[CruzVinnieCruz]

It's very doable in Ft. Lauderdale. We always do self debarkation and the last several times we early enough to switch to 0930 flights. The upside is we were among the first passengers off the ship and literally beat the crowds even if there are other ships in port. Also it's Sunday morning so traffic should not be a problem.

 

I would do it!!

[Cinderose]

Fort Lauderdale pier to Fort Lauderdale airport is quite close but how about disembarking in Miami and flight out of Ft Lauderdale - on a Thursday - what would traffic be like?

[Swampbaby]

We were on the Freedom, arriving back on a Sunday. Did NOT do self-embark AND had an electric mobility scooter to load yet we were on the road by 9 AM. As someone said, be sure to let Guest Services know you have an early flight and as long as the ship isn't delayed arriving at the Port you should make your flight.

[serene56]

are you sailing with kids?

 

can you handle all your luggage yourself with no help? there are no porters available.

 

Self assist can be a nightmare since MANY people use it.

 

What time is the next available flight?

 

 

We have taken a 11:30 flight many times. We put our luggage out the night before- eat breakfast in the dining room- its more relaxing then finding a seat at the lido buffet with everyone else--- get off with the first wave of passengers after the self assist people. and at the airport and sitting for about an hour.

 

For 10:30 your luggage MUST be checked in before 9:30

[apdchief]

We are on a cruise in March that comes back on Sunday. Flight times were not good so instead of rushing or waiting hours at the airport we will stay in FLL sunday and are flying out Monday morning. Mondays flights were also cheaper, so instead of worrying we will enjoy the day in FLL.

[nwcruiselover]

I agree with those who say you'd be cutting it very close. I personally wouldn't book a flight that early. If something goes wrong and you don't make that flight, the rest of the flights are likely to be too full for you to re-book, and you might be looking at an overnight near FLL. If you do decide to book the early flight, I would recommend travel insurance that would cover expenses involved in missing your flight. Just my opinion. Nancy