Thread: Need some input on hotels, airports and taxi's and shuttle's....

My mom and I are going on a cruise without the guys on December 1. We are sailing out of Fort Lauderdale on the Celebrity Constellation and had first thought we wanted to drive down (we live near Panama City, FL). Anyway, we have since decided to fly down and arrive two days early. The flights were cheaper and more were available on the 29th rather than the 30th.

Anyway, we can get a much cheaper flight to Miami rather than Fort Lauderdale. We can also get a non-stop flight to Miami and cannot when going to Fort Lauderdale which is also a added plus. I have been told that the Miami airport is not that far from Port Everglades and that we can get a shuttle or taxi to take us to the hotel we will stay at near the port.

My questions are this:

1. Is it relatively safe to fly into Miami and is it too far of a drive from Miami to a hotel near Port Everglades? Has anyone ever done this? Or is it too far?

2. What website or service do you use to book air flights?

3. Can anyone suggest a hotel near Port Everglades and do they have a shuttle service to and from the port and hotel?

4. Can anyone recommend a shuttle or taxi service that will take us from Miami to Port Everglades and then do the same but in reverse after the cruise?

5. Finally, can anyone recommend any good restaurants near the port?

All input would be greatly appreciated.

Tanya
PS-Does anyone know if Delta and American Airlines charge baggage fee's and what they are?

Hi Tanya. If you fly into Lauderdale a taxi to Miami will cost you around $100 each way plus tip, if you get stuck in traffic on the return it will cost more and you could miss your flight if it is an early flight.

I stay at Laquinta in Hollywood La Quinta Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Hotel - Airport

free breakfast, free shuttle from airport to hotel and free shuttle to the port.

I book flights direct.

Hi Tanya. Sue is right. Most of what you saved by flying to Miami would be eaten up by getting back to Fort Lauderdale. As for hotels, we've stayed at the Hampton Inn near the airport, which provides shuttles to and from the airport, to the port, and back again if you're staying there after the cruise.

Tanya,

I flew into FLL to go to Miami and took Tri-rail. You can get it at the Miami airport and take it to the Fort Lauderdale airport and get a cab/shuttle from there. The fare from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is $3. Of course, you have to schlep your luggage, but I had no problems with that.
Keep in mind that you cannot buy your ticket onboard.
The trains run very frequently. I really liked the service.
Here is a link for more info:
South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA)

Ma Cruise

Originally Posted by Tanya1220

My mom and I are going on a cruise without the guys on December 1. We are sailing out of Fort Lauderdale on the Celebrity Constellation and had first thought we wanted to drive down (we live near Panama City, FL). Anyway, we have since decided to fly down and arrive two days early. The flights were cheaper and more were available on the 29th rather than the 30th.

Anyway, we can get a much cheaper flight to Miami rather than Fort Lauderdale. We can also get a non-stop flight to Miami and cannot when going to Fort Lauderdale which is also a added plus. I have been told that the Miami airport is not that far from Port Everglades and that we can get a shuttle or taxi to take us to the hotel we will stay at near the port.

My questions are this:

1. Is it relatively safe to fly into Miami and is it too far of a drive from Miami to a hotel near Port Everglades? Has anyone ever done this? Or is it too far?

It's not too far, about 25 miles and since you are taking a shuttle, it's safe.

2. What website or service do you use to book air flights?

I've used Cheaptickets.com, or I book directly

3. Can anyone suggest a hotel near Port Everglades and do they have a shuttle service to and from the port and hotel?

Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, Comfort Suites, they have shuttles.

4. Can anyone recommend a shuttle or taxi service that will take us from Miami to Port Everglades and then do the same but in reverse after the cruise?

I've used A Luxury Limo, about $65 each way. Super Shuttle is another option.

Tri-Rail Commuter Train is your cheapest mode of transportation, a bit more hassle. Ask where you can get the Tri Rail Shuttle bus at the airport, and take it to the train station. At the train station, make very sure you purchase your train ticket before you board the train. Tickets are not sold on board the train and if you do not have a ticket once you're aboard, you will be issued a citation.

5. Finally, can anyone recommend any good restaurants near the port?

15th Street Fisheries, Season's 52, Capital Grille, and P.F. Chang's in the Galleria Mall(about 5 miles north), Blue Martini, also at the Galleria Mall, upscale night life.

All input would be greatly appreciated.

Tanya
PS-Does anyone know if Delta and American Airlines charge baggage fee's and what they are?

Baggage info for American:
Baggage Allowance

Baggage info for Delta:

Baggage Allowance FAQs at delta.com

I prefer to book my own flights online with the airline I choose to fly with -- JMO.

In Ft Lauderdale we have stayed pre and post cruise for many years at the Embassy Suites -- on 17th Street -- free FULL breakfast every morning and a mangers FREE cocktail party each evening from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Unfortunately Embassy Suites as well as many other Ft Lauderdale hotels are no longer offering free shuttles or reduced fares to the pier. Many are now using a Shuttle service -- last April we chose to just take a taxi down to the pier.

The Harbor Shops are right behing Embassy Suites:
Publix
Angelo's Pizza & Pasta
Barnie's Coffee & Tea
Camille's Sidewalk Cafe
Carvel Ice Cream
Coco Asian Bistro & Bar
Natural Chicken Grill
Original Steakhouse
Tropical Smoothie
Blue Water Books & Charts
Boaters World
Charlie's Locker
Daja Boutique
E B Garnes
Essentials Boutique
J'Seas Clothing
Hallmark
Harbor Cove Jewelers
Harlequin Decor
Global Satellites
La Kasbah
Let's Talk Cellular
Nature's Remedy
Sprint Superstore
Total Wine & More
XTreme Yacht Products
American Home Mortage
Cavendish White Yacht Brokers
Cellular Masters & Beepers
ERA Oceanside
Harbor Breeze & Dry Cleaners
Pakmail
Washington Mutual Bank
Beauty Stuff
Curves
Great Clips
Jacques Dessange Salon & Spa
Nails Port
Payless Shoes
Firehouse Subs
Moe's Southwestern Grill
5 Guys Burgers & Fries
R J Gator's Grill & Bar

We have stayed at several Fort Lauderdale hotels that were fine, but not many have free shuttle to the pier anymore. Some hotels are Hyatt Place (it was AmeriSuites), Embassy Suites, Hyatt Pier 66, Holiday Inn Express, and we are going to try Hilton Garden Inn on our upcoming cruise.
We have used Quality Limo Service between FLL and Miami. The service was perfect and the price was pretty reasonable.
Some restaurants we like are Bimini Boat Yard, RJ Gators( i think that is the right name), mexican restaurant behind Embassy Suites, and lots on Los Olas.
Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to visit.

thanks for the info!!