Miami & Fort Lauderdale

[Karen J]

Hi!  39 days until our Caribbean cruise on the Riviera. It’s been a few years since we took a cruise (what with work & life) but we just retired and are looking forward to this cruise.  

 

We are staying in Miami Beach  before and Fort Lauderdale after the cruise. I am looking for your suggestions on sight-seeing in both cities and restaurants suggestions for Miami Beach. 

 

Thanks!  kj 

[LHT28]

I would  check out the Florida  forum also

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/386-florida-departures/

[StanandJim]

2 hours ago, Karen J said:

Hi!  39 days until our Caribbean cruise on the Riviera. It’s been a few years since we took a cruise (what with work & life) but we just retired and are looking forward to this cruise.  

 

We are staying in Miami Beach  before and Fort Lauderdale after the cruise. I am looking for your suggestions on sight-seeing in both cities and restaurants suggestions for Miami Beach. 

 

Thanks!  kj 

The Art Deco Guided Tours are heaven (even better with cocktails!)

https://www.artdecotours.com/

Vizcaya is a must:

http://www.vizcaya.org/

The Deering Estate hosts and or sponsors truly amazing events:

http://www.deeringestate.org/

The Perez is beyond your wildest expectations, think East Coast Getty:

https://www.pamm.org/

Our new  favorite restaurant in town is Seaspice

https://www.seaspicemiami.com/

If you're a foodie, Palme d'Or  is probably the best French Restaurant south of Washington DC:

https://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme_dor/

For fabulous Cuban food with a big dose of people watching Versailles is always a hit:

https://www.versaillesrestaurant.com/

For a relaxing waterfront meal without the local "buzz"

http://www.ilgabbianomia.com/

Bluewater, the pool restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami is the perfect setting for the night before you board the ship. it has a perfect view of the Oceania Terminal: 

https://www.icmiamihotel.com/bluewater

 

Enjoy!!!!

 

 

 

 

[RJB]

7 hours ago, StanandJim said:

The Art Deco Guided Tours are heaven (even better with cocktails!)

https://www.artdecotours.com/

Vizcaya is a must:

http://www.vizcaya.org/

The Deering Estate hosts and or sponsors truly amazing events:

http://www.deeringestate.org/

The Perez is beyond your wildest expectations, think East Coast Getty:

https://www.pamm.org/

Our new  favorite restaurant in town is Seaspice

https://www.seaspicemiami.com/

If you're a foodie, Palme d'Or  is probably the best French Restaurant south of Washington DC:

https://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme_dor/

For fabulous Cuban food with a big dose of people watching Versailles is always a hit:

https://www.versaillesrestaurant.com/

For a relaxing waterfront meal without the local "buzz"

http://www.ilgabbianomia.com/

Bluewater, the pool restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami is the perfect setting for the night before you board the ship. it has a perfect view of the Oceania Terminal: 

https://www.icmiamihotel.com/bluewater

 

Enjoy!!!!

 

 

 

 

All good suggestions, but not enough time to do everything.

[LB_NJ]

I think the Everglades are really interesting.  We did the Shark Valley Tram tour and loved it, reservations suggested.

 

I would at least spend an hour on the beach at Southbeach if you have the time.  March should have good weather for the beach and you may find the water temperature warm enough.  I say this even though I realize you will be traveling to the Caribbean.

 

You will have to pick and choose.  There are enough interesting things to do (including a ride to Key West and back) that a week in the area might just maybe be enough.  A few days before and after a cruise not enough.

 

Look at TripAdvisor for restaurants.  Read the actual reviews and not just the overall rating.

[ORV]

If going to Key West I'd spend at least one night there. The drive there and back eats up a bit of time. 

[RJB]

19 minutes ago, ORV said:

If going to Key West I'd spend at least one night there. The drive there and back eats up a bit of time. 

 

20 minutes ago, ORV said:

If going to Key West I'd spend at least one night there. The drive there and back eats up a bit of time. 

for sure

 

[roothy123]

We overnighted in Miami Beach before our cruise last winter.  The place we stayed at was fun and funky, and not what many cruisers would choose, otherwise I would dig out the info and post.  However, I chose it because I wanted to go up and down Miami beach (walking and by car) to see the many art deco life saving stations along the beach.  I realize this doesn't appeal to everyone, but if you're in to art and architecture, it might!  On a previous trip, I was in awe of the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach, especially when viewed at night.  I love the Everglades, but sometimes there is really not much there, at least in terms of good wading bird viewing.  But I'm thinking you'll be there maybe late February, and that could be OK.  If nothing else, it's a scenic and peaceful area.  Hopefully there will be no shutdown by then, as Everglades is a National Park under Interior, which has been closed.  Check the status first if the shutdown occurs again after 3 weeks.  I agree with the advice to spend a night in Key West if you go - long drive. It's nice, but a little too touristy for my taste these days. 

[RJB]

3 hours ago, roothy123 said:

We overnighted in Miami Beach before our cruise last winter.  The place we stayed at was fun and funky, and not what many cruisers would choose, otherwise I would dig out the info and post.  However, I chose it because I wanted to go up and down Miami beach (walking and by car) to see the many art deco life saving stations along the beach.  I realize this doesn't appeal to everyone, but if you're in to art and architecture, it might!  On a previous trip, I was in awe of the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach, especially when viewed at night.  I love the Everglades, but sometimes there is really not much there, at least in terms of good wading bird viewing.  But I'm thinking you'll be there maybe late February, and that could be OK.  If nothing else, it's a scenic and peaceful area.  Hopefully there will be no shutdown by then, as Everglades is a National Park under Interior, which has been closed.  Check the status first if the shutdown occurs again after 3 weeks.  I agree with the advice to spend a night in Key West if you go - long drive. It's nice, but a little too touristy for my taste these days. 

nice picture.  

[Karen J]

Thank oh everyone for your help.  These were just the tips I was hoping to get!  kj 

[Classiccruiser777]

Miami has a HOHO that has different routes including Miami Beach and the deco hotels:  https://www.bigbustours.com/en/miami/miami-bus-tours/

 

 

[Kingofcool1947]

things to do in Miami.

King

Edited January 30, 2019 by Kingofcool1947

[keithm]

On ‎1‎/‎25‎/‎2019 at 9:01 PM, Karen J said:

Hi!  39 days until our Caribbean cruise on the Riviera. It’s been a few years since we took a cruise (what with work & life) but we just retired and are looking forward to this cruise.  

 

We are staying in Miami Beach  before and Fort Lauderdale after the cruise. I am looking for your suggestions on sight-seeing in both cities and restaurants suggestions for Miami Beach. 

 

Thanks!  kj 

I'll have to go with mostly restaurants. In Ft. Lauderdale, We stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort. A nice place(not too fancy) We recommend GG's Bar & grill. Right near Margaritaville resort. Margaritaville also has a nice steak house. GG's used to be the "Gold Coast" We used to have the Sunday Prime Rib dinner. The place back then was a Mob joint. Nothing like a Murder Mystery dinner with a real murder! Kidding aside, the food is excellent. If you like highend Asian, Try "Monkeytail" in the Diplomat hotel. outstanding cuisine(but real pricey)Also lots of eateries along the Broad walk.

 Miami (South Beach)Has lots of nice eateries. We had an outstanding meal at "Miami Lobster Bar & Grill". Outstanding Seafood/Steaks. Another really nice restaurant is in the Betsy hotel. Also a lot of eateries on Lincoln Rd. Prices for rent are so high, that many come & go over the years.  We like the "National Hotel". Real classic Art Decco hotel. most of the larger hotels in that area all have nice restaurants. We really only spend a night in the area, as we're more about the cruise, rather than site seeing. There's really a lot more sight seeing along Collins Ave in South beach. A quick humorous note. In those areas, you'll see a lot of real high end cars. Just to let you know, yes, a few are owned by Rappers & the like, but the rest(over 75%) are really just rented by idiots who want others to think that they've "made it". That's why you'll often see at least 3-5 people in a car. Pretty easy to rent the car for a night or 2.

[Bootman4U]

The Caribbean Beach Resort is in Hollywood, not Fort Lauderdale

Edited February 2, 2019 by Bootman4U

[RJB]

6 minutes ago, Bootman4U said:

The Caribbean Beach Resort is in Hollywood, not Fort Lauderdale

pretty close,  next door neighbors. 

[Kingofcool1947]

35 minutes ago, Bootman4U said:

The Caribbean Beach Resort is in Hollywood, not Fort Lauderdale

How far is it from FLL?.  

From MIA?

Does the resort have an airport shuttle?   Or take Uber/Lyft, or taxi?  

Thanks.

King

 

 

[Kingofcool1947]

On 1/30/2019 at 4:23 PM, keithm said:

Miami Lobster Bar restaurant.....

I could not find this restaurant on Google.  Are you certain the name of restaurant is correct?

Thanks.

King

[RJB]

1 hour ago, Kingofcool1947 said:

How far is it from FLL?.  

From MIA?

Does the resort have an airport shuttle?   Or take Uber/Lyft, or taxi?  

Thanks.

King

 

 

from FLL maybe 15 min.    from MIA  could be about 45 min.  

[keithm]

1 hour ago, Kingofcool1947 said:

I could not find this restaurant on Google.  Are you certain the name of restaurant is correct?

Thanks.

King

Should be called "Miami Lobster Sea Grill & Bar". I was off a bit, but GOOGLE should catch that! The address is "404 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, Fl." The Lobster at $34/lb. was outrageous for a New Englander like me. I had the Dover Sole, which was $62. Food was outstanding, but your wallet will cry at the end of the night, if you do the full "Soup to Nuts". Since I know you did Oceania as well as us, I feel you enjoy some really fine dining like us.

[Kingofcool1947]

39 minutes ago, keithm said:

Should be called "Miami Lobster Sea Grill & Bar". I was off a bit, but GOOGLE should catch that! The address is "404 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, Fl." The Lobster at $34/lb. was outrageous for a New Englander like me. I had the Dover Sole, which was $62. Food was outstanding, but your wallet will cry at the end of the night, if you do the full "Soup to Nuts". Since I know you did Oceania as well as us, I feel you enjoy some really fine dining like us.

 

Hey Keith,

Found it.  Thanks.

Next cruise is a Caribbean cruise in March.  Sailing on Celebrity out of Miami.  I’m going to try a couple of the Miami restaurants you recommended, pre and post cruise.  I know you have good taste in all things food and wine.  

Then,  I’ll be sailing on Regatta, San Francisco to Alaska/Vancouver in May.  I was pleasantly surprised Oceania is sailing out of San Francisco.    It’s good for me, since San Francisco is one of my favorite cities.  

Take care, and enjoy your cruises in 2019.

King

 

 

 

Edited February 2, 2019 by Kingofcool1947

[Kingofcool1947]

1 hour ago, RJB said:

from FLL maybe 15 min.    from MIA  could be about 45 min.  

Thanks.

I’ll check their website.

King

[RJB]

In FLL you should try Kaluz.  Good food and on the water.    Also Blue Moon Fish  Co.   Also very good   

[Kingofcool1947]

How about Don Shula’s place?’

Ever been there?

King

[StanandJim]

Shulas in Miami is an old-timey Steakhouse but without ANY old time elegance or charm.  The decor is lackluster, the lighting is awful, the service is casual to the point of sloppy. 

 

The food, if you like heavy steakhouse fare circa 1970 is passable if VERY EXPENSIVE for a Miami Restaurant which is  out of the Tourist loop. 

 

I recall that their (admittedly Flintstone sized) porterhouse steaks were $50 and $96

[Paulchili]

5 hours ago, RJB said:

In FLL you should try Kaluz.  Good food and on the water.    Also Blue Moon Fish  Co.   Also very good   

What about Chinese food in the area of Boca/FLL?