FLL to Everglades times

[Lighting Guy]

Apologizes as I'm sure this has been asked, but my few minutes of searching couldn't find it. It's been quite a few years since I've cruised so I couldn't remember if these arrival/departure times would work.

 

Looking at a RCI cruise where we would arrive about 11:25am to FLL. The cruise would leave that day at 4:30pm. Let's say that we have checked baggage so we'd have to wait for that. I assume a taxi would be best from there, or does RCI offer free shuttles?

 

Ship gets back into Everglades at 7am 4 days later. On the way back flight leaves FLL at 11:30am. I'm almost positive this time is OK, but do I have to use their shuttles to ensure we're off the ship on time? Or will they let us go off the ship in time regardless of if we use their shuttle?

 

So, will those air travel times work? What's the consensus on arriving same day/that close to the ship's departure? Should I buy RCI's insurance? Will that even help if our plane gets delayed, etc?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Kamloops50]

Apologizes as I'm sure this has been asked, but my few minutes of searching couldn't find it. It's been quite a few years since I've cruised so I couldn't remember if these arrival/departure times would work.

 

Looking at a RCI cruise where we would arrive about 11:25am to FLL. The cruise would leave that day at 4:30pm. Let's say that we have checked baggage so we'd have to wait for that. I assume a taxi would be best from there, or does RCI offer free shuttles?

 

Ship gets back into Everglades at 7am 4 days later. On the way back flight leaves FLL at 11:30am. I'm almost positive this time is OK, but do I have to use their shuttles to ensure we're off the ship on time? Or will they let us go off the ship in time regardless of if we use their shuttle?

 

So, will those air travel times work? What's the consensus on arriving same day/that close to the ship's departure? Should I buy RCI's insurance? Will that even help if our plane gets delayed, etc?

 

Thanks in advance!

The 11:30AM flight is a little tight. The ship arrives at 7AM you won't start to get off until 7:30AM (assuming no delays) .Depending on how many cruise ships in port FLL could be a zoo.

[BlueHerons]

Apologizes as I'm sure this has been asked, but my few minutes of searching couldn't find it. It's been quite a few years since I've cruised so I couldn't remember if these arrival/departure times would work.

 

Looking at a RCI cruise where we would arrive about 11:25am to FLL. The cruise would leave that day at 4:30pm. Let's say that we have checked baggage so we'd have to wait for that. I assume a taxi would be best from there, or does RCI offer free shuttles?

 

Ship gets back into Everglades at 7am 4 days later. On the way back flight leaves FLL at 11:30am. I'm almost positive this time is OK, but do I have to use their shuttles to ensure we're off the ship on time? Or will they let us go off the ship in time regardless of if we use their shuttle?

 

So, will those air travel times work? What's the consensus on arriving same day/that close to the ship's departure? Should I buy RCI's insurance? Will that even help if our plane gets delayed, etc?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

You need to fly in the day before for the cruise.

 

Your eleven thirty flight the day out is perfect.

[Ashland]

The 11:30AM flight is a little tight. The ship arrives at 7AM you won't start to get off until 7:30AM (assuming no delays) .Depending on how many cruise ships in port FLL could be a zoo.

Sorry to disagree but the departure flight time (11:30am) is fine when sailing into PE and flying out of FLL..The OP will even be able to use the Luggage Valet program (if available with her carrier)..11:30 am is the earliest flight you can have to participate.

 

OP your arrival time day of flight is a little tight (for some) but absolutely doable if all goes well. We have arrived for many many cruises day of but usually a bit earlier. If this is your only option I would do it as chances are you'll be fine (this is bound to and always does upset many on these boards :rolleyes:)

 

No free RCI shuttle.....You're best option is to use a taxi for the 10-15 min ride for your arrival and departure....quicker and cheaper.

 

Enjoy and have a wonderful cruise :)

[eandj]

After cruising, the 11:30 flight out of FLL is perfect. You are only 15 min from the airport. Easy to make that flight.

 

Arriving day however in my opinion is pushing it. :eek: If you only look at how much time it takes to pick up your bags and cab it to the port you skipping over the most impt factor....that of delays in the flight. You need to check in on the ship 90 min pre sailing time. So you aren't giving yourself even 3 hours for delays. THat is NOT a good idea in this day and age when flights are cancelled or delayed often on the airlines whim. Either fly in early morning or arrive the night before and avoid the stress of worry. As Ashland says if everything moves along perfectly you can do it. How much of a gambler are you? I'd rather pay for a room and be assured I was on that ship bright and early.

Edited February 22, 2014 by eandj