First TA - Need Airport, Motel, Parking

[Preacherman46]

I have read and read but-what to do?!

 

We have cruised with a friend 3 times but this time alone and a very different situation. First time transatlantic. Ft Lauderdale (Constellation)-Rome.

Here is what we are mushing around in our heads, trying to keep it simple as possible.

We drive in to Ft. Lauderdale and could stay the night before the cruise if easier.

We fly back to Ft. Lauderdale, getting in late so it seems we will need to stay the night, heading home next day.

 

So, (1) try to park at airport and transportation to port so car is there when we fly back in and then try to find our way to the motel late at night. (2) Stay at an airport/hotel where we can park, have transportation to the port and have their transportation back from the airport when we get back. OR something else that would work easly for us?

 

Thanks for any help you can share!

[notsomadhatter]

Look into one way car rentals. Might very well be cheaper than parking and then you're not putting the miles on your own. I'd drop off people and bags and then drop the rental car. Cab or rental car co shuttle to port.

 

On the return you grab a new rental at the airport. Shop around prices vary widely. We have a membership with a warehouse that has good deals often.

Edited November 11, 2015 by notsomadhatter

[varoo]

Look into one way car rentals. Might very well be cheaper than parking and then you're not putting the miles on your own. I'd drop off people and bags and then drop the rental car. Cab or rental car co shuttle to port.

 

On the return you grab a new rental at the airport. Shop around prices vary widely. We have a membership with a warehouse that has good deals often.

Another advantage to doing it this way is that there are no concerns in case you should encounter car trouble along the way.

 

If you rent from a major rental car company and something goes wrong, you simply call their toll free 800 number; they bring you out another car; you swap cars and continue on your way.

 

But if your own car breaks down somewhere along the way, it is your problem and you can be stuck there for quite some time if the car needs a part that is not available locally.

 

 

 

Either way, there are plenty of hotels/motels in the Ft. Lauderdale area that provide shuttle service to and from the airport and cruise port, and let you park your car in their lot while you are on the cruise.

That is the way I would do it if driving my own car.

 

Even taking a taxi to or from the airport or cruise port does not cost very much, if you don't want to wait for a shuttle.

 

 

Edited November 11, 2015 by varoo

[jebbs]

Have you considered flying to Fort Lauderdale, perhaps planning for an overnight, then fly directly home from Rome? Check out the Choice Air option for decent one way European flights....not sure what airport you live close to as Ozarks is somewhat broad, but flying could be a solution. Also, if you've never been to Rome, you may want to spend a few days before heading home. Are you using a Travel Agent? They should guide you. Enjoy!

[varoo]

Here is a link to a thread that may provide some helpful info

 

Ft. Lauderdale Q&A/FAQ

 

 

from the Florida Departures forum

 

worth browsing as it also has other threads that may be of interest to you.

 

 

 

Another advantage to driving a one-way rental car to Ft. Lauderdale is that you could fly back to any US airport from Rome and would not need to return to Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Just compare the costs of driving vs. flying.

 

 

Edited November 11, 2015 by varoo

[JohninDC]

http://www.sunny.org has lots of hotel and tourist info, including info on hotels offering cruise parking deals.

[Preacherman46]

Just wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts! Appreciate y'all taking time to help.:)

[Preacherman46]

Have you considered flying to Fort Lauderdale, perhaps planning for an overnight, then fly directly home from Rome? Check out the Choice Air option for decent one way European flights....not sure what airport you live close to as Ozarks is somewhat broad, but flying could be a solution. Also, if you've never been to Rome, you may want to spend a few days before heading home. Are you using a Travel Agent? They should guide you. Enjoy!

 

Well, tonight we decided that this is the easiest way to go. Will probably book the flights tomorrow. Part of the original plan included enjoying a day or two at a friend's condo in Tampa. Just decided that will have to happen another time. Thanks:)