Ft. Lauderdale Q&A/FAQ

[Cweber584]

I’m sure this question has been asked a thousand time…. But I need to ask again!

We (my DH & I) are planning on flying into FLL (cheaper then MIA by A LOT!!) I need advice on hotels & transportation to & from the Miami port. So my question is should we book a FLL or a MIA hotel? And, what would be the best way to get there & to the port & then back to the FLL airport. We would like a nice/clean hotel somewhere within walking distance to restaurants & grocery store that sells wine. I’m okay with a Hilton Double tree type hotel as well as the Holiday Inns & Comfort Inns etc. My DH would like to stay somewhere with a free hot breakfast. :D

I’ve read several good things about SAS transportation. I’m thinking about having them take us to a Miami hotel, but I don’t know what to do about getting to the port or back to the airport! Thanks!!

 

We're doing the same thing. Flying into FLL, staying in Miami and flying back out of FLL. I've got SAS arranged to pick us up at FLL and take us to the Miami hotel. We'll take a cab to the port. SAS is picking us up post cruise and taking us back to a hotel in the airport area by FLL, but know that they take groups from the port back to Fort Lauderdale airport. As for hotels, I've gone back and forth on that. It's only the two of us, so we are staying at the Holiday Inn Cruiseport as it's near the Bayside Marketplace. I know other people that are staying at South Beach. Whatever you choose to do, I'm pretty sure that SAS will get you to where you need to be.

[futureAG]

Thank you biffiegirl & Cweber584!!!! I'm going to check out the holiday inn cruise port since both of you suggested it! :D

 

One more question, how did you get to the cruise terminal? I know SAS can't pick up in Miami.

 

 

Oh I didn't see where you said you took a taxi to the port. How long will it take to get there?

Edited January 14, 2012 by futureAG

[Nebr.cruiser]

Thank you biffiegirl & Cweber584!!!! I'm going to check out the holiday inn cruise port since both of you suggested it! :D

 

One more question, how did you get to the cruise terminal? I know SAS can't pick up in Miami.

 

If you are near Bayside in Miami you could practically walk to the port--but we always take a taxi. Maybe $10.

 

There are some other very nice hotels in the area, esp. the Intercontinental, Hyatt and some others. We get them for great prices on Priceline or Hotwire. It's great to be close to Bayside. There is not a beach there, though.

[futureAG]

If you are near Bayside in Miami you could practically walk to the port--but we always take a taxi. Maybe $10.

 

There are some other very nice hotels in the area, esp. the Intercontinental, Hyatt and some others. We get them for great prices on Priceline or Hotwire. It's great to be close to Bayside. There is not a beach there, though.

 

Thanks!! I didn't realize how close it would be! I'm sure we will only have carry-ons so walking would be fine! I called the hotel & they told me that actually have a shuttle to take people to the port!! Awesome!!! Thanks so much for all the great tips!

[royalcruz]

Hello!

 

We will be staying one night before our Allure cruise in August. We won't be getting to the hotel until around 5. Looking for some place close to port. It will be our honeymoon so some place nice. Not looking to swim. We would really like some place that has a shuttle to the port and a good restaurant inside/right beside it. We are just looking to relax, eat dinner, and get to the port cheap and fast.

 

TIA!

Nice hotels don't have shuttles but if you stay near the port cabs are inexpensive. Hotels are inexpensive in August. I would recommend the Renaissance across from the port (I've seen August rates for $129) and take a taxi from the airport for $15 and to the terminal for $10. There is a restaurant in the hotel and 2 in the adjacent plaza. This hotel is nice and gets good reviews. Another nice honeymoon hotel is Lago Mar on the beach, about a mile or so further, so the taxi won't be expensive. Restaurant is on the premises. You will have a few hours of daylight to relax at the pool and gaze at the ocean before dinner and wake up to a beautiful day at the beach. There is no point arriving at the port before 11 or 12.

[royalcruz]

I think I need some help, since there are so many hotels. Can anyone give me their opinion on a place to stay. We are going to be in town 2 full days before our cruise. I have three kids (11,7,2). Looking for a place thats clean, somewhat newer, and has a great pool. The kids love to swim. I would like there to be kid friendly restaurants in walking distance. It would be extra great if there was some lively shopping area nearby as well. We like to get out and about , don't want to have to stay at the hotel all day. Thanks soooo much!!

 

Marriott Courtyard across from Fort Laud beach....There is a Bubba Gumps attached to the hotel and the pool is decent enough. You can also walk to Bahia Cabana restaurant from there. The most fun pool is at Pelican Grand but it is too far to walk to anything from there (there is a restaurant at the hotel). I can't think of any other hotels that have very kid-friendly/fun pools in Fort Lauderdale...maybe someone else can think of one in a nearby city. Westin Diplomat in Hollywood has a stunning pool but it is more of an adult hotel, very sophisticated.

[Nebr.cruiser]

Thanks!! I didn't realize how close it would be! I'm sure we will only have carry-ons so walking would be fine! I called the hotel & they told me that actually have a shuttle to take people to the port!! Awesome!!! Thanks so much for all the great tips!

 

It's great that the hotel has a shuttle--I didn't know any of them in that area did.

 

I was kind of joking about walking; it could be done, but not much fun with luggage--across a pretty long causeway and I don't know what you'd hit once you get to the port.

 

I think someone on these boards did it at one time.

[futureAG]

It's great that the hotel has a shuttle--I didn't know any of them in that area did.

 

I was kind of joking about walking; it could be done, but not much fun with luggage--across a pretty long causeway and I don't know what you'd hit once you get to the port.

 

I think someone on these boards did it at one time.

 

:eek:Ha ha!!! I did not pick up on your "joke"!!! I walk a lot so I would have tried it!! Sooooo glad you stopped me!! Depending on what time the shuttles start we may just take a cab!

[Nebr.cruiser]

:eek:Ha ha!!! I did not pick up on your "joke"!!! I walk a lot so I would have tried it!! Sooooo glad you stopped me!! Depending on what time the shuttles start we may just take a cab!

 

We walk a lot too and we have actually discussed walking to the port since it is right there in your face--maybe a couple of miles, or maybe the distance is deceptive. It looks so close. And we're 66!

 

Walking it would be one thing; hauling our luggage on wheels and carry-on bags would be another. Could we do it; probably. We always walk 2-3 miles when we're in Miami pre-cruise. But not with luggage. Best $10 ever spent, for taxi, and a free shuttle is even better.

Edited January 14, 2012 by Nebr.cruiser

[beffiegirl]

Thanks Royalcruz! I was looking at gallery one, since it gets great reviews. But I was also looking at the courtyard you suggested. I also was looking at Embassy suites, since people like that one, too. Out of the three which one do you suggest. I would like a store nearby to get snacks for the kids. They'll probably swim all day.

 

Post cruise we have one day and I was looking at the Westin diplomat Hollywood, or Crown plaza Hollywood. Didn't want to spend $300+. The Hard rock looks good too. I like that the pool has a slide. Casino doesn't bother us since we go to Vegas all the time. Thanks

[royalcruz]

Thanks Royalcruz! I was looking at gallery one, since it gets great reviews. But I was also looking at the courtyard you suggested. I also was looking at Embassy suites, since people like that one, too. Out of the three which one do you suggest. I would like a store nearby to get snacks for the kids. They'll probably swim all day.

 

Post cruise we have one day and I was looking at the Westin diplomat Hollywood, or Crown plaza Hollywood. Didn't want to spend $300+. The Hard rock looks good too. I like that the pool has a slide. Casino doesn't bother us since we go to Vegas all the time. Thanks

Embassy has the best included breakfast, and there are a few family friendly restaurants nearby (Duffy's, Carlos & Pepes, Quarterdeck). Gallery One has the biggest suites of the 3. PF Changs is a block away and is family friendly (reservations are suggested). There are stores nearby both for snacks. They both have pools but I don't know what they are like. Westin Diplomat and Hard Rock have beautiful pools. I don't know anything about Crown Plaza Hollywood.

[tocruisewithfriends]

We are cruisng on March 17th . We are coming in late on the 15th. We are planning to drive to Miami on friday since we have a car. That has us covered for that day. My question is this. We do not fly out of FLL till 7:30 the night of the 24th. Is it easy to just catch cabs to do things till we go to airport? We are planning on doing the Airboat Ride in the Everglades but will still have time before we need to get to the airport. We will need something else to do for a couple hours and just wondered if taxis are easy to get around in instead of trying to rent a car for a few hours. Or would renting a car be cheaper/ we are using easycheck for our luggage so that is not a problem.

[royalcruz]

We are cruisng on March 17th . We are coming in late on the 15th. We are planning to drive to Miami on friday since we have a car. That has us covered for that day. My question is this. We do not fly out of FLL till 7:30 the night of the 24th. Is it easy to just catch cabs to do things till we go to airport? We are planning on doing the Airboat Ride in the Everglades but will still have time before we need to get to the airport. We will need something else to do for a couple hours and just wondered if taxis are easy to get around in instead of trying to rent a car for a few hours. Or would renting a car be cheaper/ we are using easycheck for our luggage so that is not a problem.

The best way to get to the everglades is by rental car or by excursion. Taxis would be expensive.

[wisteria1019]

We are cruisng on March 17th . We are coming in late on the 15th. We are planning to drive to Miami on friday since we have a car. That has us covered for that day. My question is this. We do not fly out of FLL till 7:30 the night of the 24th. Is it easy to just catch cabs to do things till we go to airport? We are planning on doing the Airboat Ride in the Everglades but will still have time before we need to get to the airport. We will need something else to do for a couple hours and just wondered if taxis are easy to get around in instead of trying to rent a car for a few hours. Or would renting a car be cheaper/ we are using easycheck for our luggage so that is not a problem.

 

Although I am not a huge fan of ship sponsored excursions, typically they will offer one that includes the airboat ride, transport your luggage and then drop you at the airport.

[efoote01]

Anyone been to a good alligator show lately? We will have a rent a car & would like an airboat ride & alligator show before our flight.

 

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Ladybug75]

Hello! We are coming in two days early for a cruise. Staying at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66We don't want to fool around with renting a car. We plan on lounging by the pool and taking the Water Taxi for the most part. Just wondering if there were some tours out there that would pick us up at the hotel if we want to schedule something. Thanks!

[tocruisewithfriends]

Thanks royalcruz , Ome more question. Would this be something we could do rent the car for march24th. Have the person who is going to be the driver take a taxi to the airport from the ship and the other 3 of us wait at the port for him to come back and pick us up after he gets the car? Is this something that can be done? What time do the ships usually start disembration ? We our on Princess Crown.

 

Thanks again.

[LynnTH]

I am so confused. I keep going to different sites to decide on hotels and the more I look the more confused I get....

 

We need 2 hotels.

 

1st one is for March 10 - Day before Cruise. Our plane doesn't land until 11:00 PM so we won't get to the hotel until midnight. So, don't need anything fancy here but want it to be decent and in a nice area. Doesn't matter if it is by the airport or cruiseport.

 

2nd Hotel is for after the cruise. March 18th - Couldn't get a flight out that day so flying home the next day. So, we have a full day and a half so would like a nicer hotel here. Have 2 kids 13 and 10 and DH. Was looking at the Hard Rock Hotel as there seems like lots to do and the pool looks awesome. Just not sure if it is appropriate with kids?? Looking for either a beach hotel or hotel with nice pool. Would also like shops and restaurants in walking distance as we will not have a car.

 

Please help. I keep racking my brain and changing my mind every other second... Going to drive myself batty.

[royalcruz]

Thanks royalcruz , Ome more question. Would this be something we could do rent the car for march24th. Have the person who is going to be the driver take a taxi to the airport from the ship and the other 3 of us wait at the port for him to come back and pick us up after he gets the car? Is this something that can be done? What time do the ships usually start disembration ? We our on Princess Crown.

 

Thanks again.

Ships start disembarkation very early. If you walk off your own luggage you could be out on the street between 7 and 8. If not, you will be out on the street between 8 and 10. Yes, you can send someone to pick up the car, or you can all go. Some companies have free pickup...I saw the Avis van last month.

[funlovingirl]

We will be flying into Fortlauderdale and need to get a shuttle to a hotel in South Beach Miami. Will there be shuttles we can get at the airport or do I have to schedule something in advance. And also how much would it cost for two people.

[royalcruz]

I am so confused. I keep going to different sites to decide on hotels and the more I look the more confused I get....

 

We need 2 hotels.

 

1st one is for March 10 - Day before Cruise. Our plane doesn't land until 11:00 PM so we won't get to the hotel until midnight. So, don't need anything fancy here but want it to be decent and in a nice area. Doesn't matter if it is by the airport or cruiseport.

 

2nd Hotel is for after the cruise. March 18th - Couldn't get a flight out that day so flying home the next day. So, we have a full day and a half so would like a nicer hotel here. Have 2 kids 13 and 10 and DH. Was looking at the Hard Rock Hotel as there seems like lots to do and the pool looks awesome. Just not sure if it is appropriate with kids?? Looking for either a beach hotel or hotel with nice pool. Would also like shops and restaurants in walking distance as we will not have a car.

 

Please help. I keep racking my brain and changing my mind every other second... Going to drive myself batty.

Fort Lauderdale is not an area that was built for families, so you won't find much in the way of playground hotels. The Hard Rock pool is really nice but it is an adult themed hotel. People do go there with families so I guess it would be fine. You should look at Hollywood Beach Marriott for your full day. For your first night, there are hotels near the airport that have suites to accomodate the family: Homewood, Fairfield, Springhill, Hampton Inn. If you want to squeeze everybody into one room in a decent safe place try Sleep Inn Dania. You could check family reviews on trip advisor or start a new thread on the south fl board here specifically regarding family friendly fort lauderdale. I haven't seen it as a major topic for a while.

[Canuck73]

Question about mall with Total Wine and More store on Cordova.

 

Will be staying at the Comfort Suites on S Federal Hwy the night before our cruise and am wondering about the mall as to whether or not it has a full grocery store in it? Since HAL allows us to bring Wine, Water and Pop on board the ship we hope to get Pop and Water close to the Wine store since it is a short walk from the Hotel.

 

Thanks for any help.

Edited January 18, 2012 by DBowman

[royalcruz]

Question about mall with Total Wine and More store on Cordova.

 

Will be staying at the Comfort Suites on S Federal Hwy the night before our cruise and am wondering about the mall as to whether or not it has a full grocery store in it? Since HAL allows us to bring Wine, Water and Pop on board the ship we hope to get Pop and Water close to the Wine store since it is a short walk from the Hotel.

 

Thanks for any help.

yes, Harbor Shops has a nice Publix store. They have a nice wine selection too. You cannot purchase alcohol anywhere before noon on Sundays.

[sdel65]

Hello

does anyone know which hotel is better: Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port or Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel?

 

How do these hotels compare?

 

thank you

Sofia

[boojimom]

We will be arriving early evening the day before our cruise and have booked the Fairfield Inn in Dania Beach. After we check in, we want to have a nice dinner but none of the nearby restaurants seem exciting to us. We are looking for locally owned (no chains please), fresh seafood and cocktails. There seem to be some fun places on 17th St but what is the best way to get there? Cab? What kind of price should we expect to pay for transportation? Can we trust the hotel to arraign this for us or should we do it on our own?