Flying to Ft. Laud. instead of Miami...how much would you need to save per person

[cantwait2cruise]

for it to be worth it?

How much cost would be involved in getting from Ft. Laud. airport to the Miami pier for 3 people?

And how did you get there? Shuttle, limo company?

THANK YOU [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[Bunkie103]

We used floridalimo.com and found them to be very reliable. We did stay over in FLL on Friday and they picked us up at the hotel on Saturday morning at the exact time promised. The driver of the towncar was courteous and drove safely. I paid $55 for two of us, plus tip, but I believe they have options other than the town car. check their website. The savings and hassle of not flying into Miami was incredible. Good luck.

Mary
Triumph Eastern 10/03
Victory CTN 6/04
Sensational Cruise from the Bayou 10/04

[BigDoug]

I just did this in March. Carnival charged $32pp for a round trip transfer. Many people who do this seem to hire limos for around $80 to $100 each way. I thought the Carnival bus was just fine. It took about 40 minutes from the time we boarded until arrival at the pier. We saved about $100pp by doing this. Just make sure your arrival time in Ft. Lauderdale is early, before 1PM, if you arrive the day of departure. Before noon would be better. The check-in lines can be brutal later in the day.

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[irishgirl]

I use the shared ride van for $13 per person.

Judy

Celebration 2/96
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[tatania_starstrider]

Our tickets from Seattle to FLL where only $213 PP (inclusive) compared to $330 to Miami.
Natch our group of 5 is flying into FLL and transfering to Miami. On the way there it's no problem as we're coming in a few days ahead and renting a car which we'll drop off in Miami. Return, however we need to take a shutle or something. The shared van sounds the cheapest so far and I'd like know where we catch it and whether we book it in advance.

[irishgirl]

They have a kiosk on the sidewalk right outside baggage claim. They are called Tri-County Transportation/airport express. Phone number is 1.800.244.8252.


Judy

Celebration 2/96
Imagination 2/97
Fascination 12/97
Imagination 3/99
Spirit 11/01
Sensation 1/02
Pride 11/02
Voyager of the Seas 5/03
Conquest 10/04

[marvholly]

The difference for daughter & I this past spring break was enough to pay for 2 days pre-cruise hotel and 2 days car rental (over $170). Getting in early, no hassles embarcation day was worth it to me (mom the TA). The car gave us a chance to get around FLL and do some shopping. Also did our "own" transfers since Alamo let us pick up at FLL, return to MIA and shuttled us to the pier with no extra charges. FYI: The Carnival transfer was $16 pp each way and can be booked one way aboard the ship.

Holly

M/S Boheme 11/69
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[Bunkie103]

We took the Carnival shuttle back to the airport because we were already depressed [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] and in no real hurry because we had a 3pm flight. It was cheap and painless. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

Mary
Triumph Eastern 10/03
Victory CTN 6/04
Sensational Cruise from the Bayou 10/04

[CruiseFever]

Fifty bucks per person.

If I can't save that then it's not worth it when sailing out of Miami.

Most of the time, coming from the midwest, I'll find I save at least that much. Every once in a while it will be the same or even less flying directly into Miami.

One thing to keep in mind is timing.

If you're able to fly in a day or so early then time is not really important as far as your flight times go so you can pick whichever is the least expensive option

BUT

If you're able to come in town a day early or more I'd pick a flight that gets you in town between 1 and 2:00 so you can go directly from the airport to the hotel you've selected, check in, and go do something before the sun goes down. (The beach comes to mind)

If you can't come in a day early then time really IS important because you sure don't want to miss the ship. I really hate to see people come in the day of the show but if thats what you have to do make the best of it. Get as early a flight in as you can and have a backup plan if it runs late or you miss a connection.

Here's more on that:
[url="http://www.lifeiscruising.com/flight_reservations"]http://www.lifeiscruising.com/flight_reservations[/url]

As far as Ground Transportation goes from Ft Lauderdale to the Port of Miami it depends where you're coming from. If you're coming from the airport there are several easy and pre-priced options. If you're coming from a hotel in Fort Lauderdale because you came in town early then there are other options that might be more appropriate and cost effective.

Here's more on that too:
[url="http://www.lifeiscruising.com/ground_transportation"]http://www.lifeiscruising.com/ground_transportation[/url]

Happy Cruising

Chris

[url="http://www.LifeIsCruising.com"]www.LifeIsCruising.com[/url]

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Carnival Victory 12/19/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[tatania_starstrider]

Thanks Judy. The $13 pp is better than the $16 pp through Carnival so I'll give Tri-country a call.

[cantwait2cruise]

Thanks for all the great advice!!! We would be flying in very early that day...I think arriving in FLL before 10:00 a.m. The price difference is about $20 to $30 a person. But there are better flight times, esp. on the way back (we would be able to catch a flight back to NC at either 1:15 or 3:15 instead of the cheapest flight out of Miami being at 7:10 p.m.). And it sounds like we might want to consider FLL being an easier airport to fly into.

Thanks to all of you for your help!

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[Cyt4SoreEyes]

I should open a driving service..I would make a bundle..I would charge 10$ per person..man I wish I had stretch limo..lol! Or a stretch Armada!!!!! Nah really this is a great thread..got lots of info thanks for posting and all replying!!

Cyt

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