What to do when you have a late flight out?

[zippybossrock]

We are taking a quick weekend cruise soon out of Miami, but are flying home from FLL. Once we get off the ship, I don't really want to go straight to FLL and sit in the airport for 8 hrs. Any suggestions on things to do in Miami to kill some time? Also....we are on NCL Sky...do they offer luggage express where they will get your luggage right to the airport for you? This would eliminate having to worry about what to do with luggage if we venture around Miami before heading to FLL. Thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

A little reading on the board would find suggestions on taking ship's excursions to places like the Everglades, or a place called Sawgrass Mills. Renting a car is possible. Water taxi in FLL is possible. All regularly mentioned.

[Cruiser Who Knows Nothing]

I would rent a car in Miami and just see where the day takes you. Drive yourself to the airport at FLL when done. Hang at the beach, go for lunch whatever you want and leave that pesky luggage in the car.

[kona_wahine]

We have the same issue. Our flight is at 6:40. The post cruise excursions don't last long, so we decided to rent a car, Avis POM to fll. It's costing us $60. Plan is probably to go to the everglades, but maybe miami beach for the day.

[trish1c]

Renting a car & exploring on your own may be your best option. We went to the Miami Zoo. It was nice to have someplace safe to keep the luggage.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Depends what you want to do. I like both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, but I prefer Ft. Lauderdale. Either way, I'd probably get a day pass at a nice hotel and spend the day by the pool and lunch.

 

Again, just depends what you want to do.

[Jenhem31]

We always rent a car.

[zumbaqueen1]

We fly out late from POM after our cruise and what hotel would you suggest a day pass at? The flight out it at 3:55 pm. We will have our carry ons and back pack and two older teens... taxt to hotel and the hotel taxi or shuttle to Miami Airport? How can I get this to work or what do you suggest?

[emporess]

We're in the same situation. I have been trying to find a tour company that had a longer tour than the ship without much luck. Just priced out a rental car for 3/8 and it's $95 before taxes and fees. Kinda pricey. It was with Avis.

[jb456]

Keep in mind I95 traffic between Miami and Lauderdale can be crazy at times.

 

After cruise go back to FLL, drop your bags off in storage (think they close at 5:30pm so you have to be back at airport before then to get your bags out but confirm that with them. Also you might have to walk to another terminal then your flight depending on the day your travelling. I think terminal 2 storage is open everyday) or maybe the airline can take your bags.

 

From there jump in a taxi (beach attire or at least bring beach bag) and go to what people call the "strip" (Los Olas BlVD) should be only a $20 taxi ride.

 

In short "the strip" is one side of the street is the beach and other side is restaurants, bars, shopping. Link below is a picture to give you an idea of what the strip is all about.

 

http://postimg.org/image/sbnvg3l21/

 

Can also consider taking a water taxi or tour through the intercoastal that will go by the big ritzy mansions and yachts.

 

If you like to gamble there is a Hard Rock casino in Hollywood which is around 8 miles from FLL airport... big outside area with multiple bars, restaurants, etc.

 

Someone mentioned Sawgrass mills, thats just a big outlet mall and the mall is shaped like an alligator.

 

Plenty of stuff to do in FLL area depending what you want to do.

Edited February 11, 2015 by jb456