transportation in Miami

[cnrinmichigan]

Hello everyone,

 

We just found out the other day that our price does not include transportation from Miami airport to the Carnival Valor. What is the best way to get from the airport to the ship?? We are a group of 6, with 4 adults and 2 kids. Are there vans outside who will drive us to the ship or is it best to contact a company. Also, we would like to stop by a store to purchase some refreshments to take on board.

 

Please let us know what you think would be our best options

 

Thanks

[Guest YesitDonna]

You are better off with a taxi then the shuttle anyway. It would probably cost about the same but you will get to port quicker.. not have an entire bus unloading into line at the same time and can have the driver stop at a store along the way.

[cnrinmichigan]

Can I assume that there are Van style taxis that can accomadate 6 people?

[yst347]

Yes there will be van and suv cabs, but if you have alot of luggage you might still need two vehicles. The flat rate to the port from MIA is $21 plus tip.

[Scoutcat]

Just to clarify things.....the fare is per cab---not per person.

 

When we flew into Miami with our two teens---and about a dozen pieces of luggage if you include the carry-ons---we pretty much maxed out the minivan taxis. We had an SUV taxi on the way back out to the airport at the end of the cruise, and we barely got everything and everyone in there. It would be well worth the money--not to mention your sanity---to just plan on snagging two taxis. At the airport, you can get a redcap/porter to help you get your luggage out to the curb--I think that they also have priority in flagging down the taxis, so it would be worth the tip to use him.

 

While we didn't do the stop at the store routine since we were coming in a day early and heading to a hotel, I have read elsewhere on these boards that there are Walgreen's, etc., on the way to pier from the airport and that most taxi drivers don't mind stopping briefly so you can pick up a few goodies. I would check to make sure that they are charging you the flat rate into town, not running the meter, or that stop could run up the bill.

 

Hope the helps some.

 

"Scout" aka Carol

Dayton, OH

 

Carnival Valor~December 2005

[Bequia]

The flat rate to the port from MIA is $21 plus tip.

 

The flat rate increased to $24 last year. There is also a $1 per person fuel surcharge now. ;)

[Sarahlou]

Can anyone recommend a hotel near the pier? I'm arriving into Miami on the 31st Aug. for a mini cruise on the 1st Sept. As I'm travelling alone I need to find a safe hotel/area within (if possible) walking distance of the ship.

[Bequia]

Can anyone recommend a hotel near the pier? I'm arriving into Miami on the 31st Aug. for a mini cruise on the 1st Sept. As I'm travelling alone I need to find a safe hotel/area within (if possible) walking distance of the ship.

 

There are no hotels within "walking" distance of Port of Miami. Traveling alone, I wholeheartedly recommend one of the "better" hotels in downtown Miami. They may cost a little more but for the single traveler it's worth it. Cab fare from any one of these hotels to the Port is less then $10. Your safety and security will not be an issue at one of these:

Miami ...

JW Marriott... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/miajw

 

Intercontinental... http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic.../miaha?irs=null

 

Hyatt Regency Miami... http://miamiregency.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

 

Biscayne Bay Marriott... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/miabb

Conrad Miami... http://conradhotels.hilton.com/en/c...ctyhocn=MIACICI

 

Four Seasons... http://www.fourseasons.com/miami/index.html

 

Mandarin Oriental... http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/526000001.asp

[Sarahlou]

Thanks a million - I've booked a night in the Intercontinental for $180.

 

Now my only problem is containing my excitement for another 8 weeks!