Stay on ship Port Everglades

[Dennis75]

On 2th of January we do the Caribbean cruise with the Noordam. We do a double cruise of 22 nights and halfway we are back in port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. Normaly you have to leave the ship on the end of the cruise. But do we have to leave the ship also. Or can we stay on the ship (pool, lido, etc.)?

[English_in_Spain]

You will need to leave the ship for a short while to clear immigration.

You will be given instructions at the end of your first cruise but normally you all meet a member of the crew in one of the lounges and are then escorted off the ship. As soon as all passengers are off and the ship is cleared you can get back on.

This time off the ship can be anything from 30 minutes to a couple of hours although the longer times are unusual.

Last year we did a B2B2B (ie back to Ft Lauderdale twice). The first time we were allowed back very quickly but the second time they couldn't find a couple of passengers who were still on the ship.

We have done many B2B cruises and things have changed over the years. We never used to leave the ship. US immigration came aboard and you went to see them on the ship.

Also, in other ports, things can be different. For example we do not have to leave the ship in Barcelona but we do have to leave in Civitavecchia.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On the last full day of your first cruise you will get a letter giving you instructions on what to do on "InTransit" day. You will also be given and InTransit card. The letter will also tell you what time and where to meet on InTransit morning. Usually you will meet around 9:30 AM. Take with you your ID card, your InTransit card and your passport. Someone from the front office will escort all of you who are intransit off the ship and to immigration.

No one can get back onto the ship until it is down to "Zero" count. We have waited anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to get back on the ship. You will get back on before the new passengers get on.

Sometimes the Lido is open -- sometimes it has been closed.

One time on the Noordam - back in 2009 -- there were 280 of us who were InTransit. The immigration people didn't want that many of us hanging around in the cruise terminal so they had us go to the show lounge to go through immigration. This is very rare.

[adrift@sea]

We have done this a number of times--it was quite easy and painless. You also have the option of getting off the ship on your own and venturing into Ft. Lauderdale, etc. As long as you show your InTransit card returning to the terminal, you bypass all of the lines and embarking passengers and hop right back on to the ship.

[m steve]

unless there are passengers who refuse to leave the ship in a timely manner and they screw it up for everyone else as immigration requires all passenger clear before you can reboard.

[terrydtx]

We have done this a number of times--it was quite easy and painless. You also have the option of getting off the ship on your own and venturing into Ft. Lauderdale, etc. As long as you show your InTransit card returning to the terminal, you bypass all of the lines and embarking passengers and hop right back on to the ship.

This also works to make a wine run to Total Wine to restock for the next cruise segment. :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

unless there are passengers who refuse to leave the ship in a timely manner and they screw it up for everyone else as immigration requires all passenger clear before you can reboard.

And we have had that happen so many times.

[sail7seas]

We've done this many times and for the most part, it usually goes pretty fast. We always wait until they are near the end of calling color/numbers, clear Immigration and wait to reboard. We usually wait in the range of about 30 minutes.

It's a nuisance but that is what we have to do.
The 'old days' were great when we didn't have to do anything but enjoy having the 55,000 ton 'private yacht' to ourselves for several hours. :)

It's really not a big deal, usually.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just reread my one post.

OP asked about the pool.

Some times the Pools have been open -- some times the pools have been closed.

The Lido buffet will open at 11:30.

[sail7seas]

The pool are almost always closed during disembarkation. Only once, about 8 years ago, can I remember aft pool being open. They usually have the netting over it.

[Akheila]

So what is the best way to get to total wine for the restock mission? I would think that a taxi would be the most efficient, yet getting a rental car for a short time seems unlikely. Would like to hear some options, this is our first B2B.

[sail7seas]

Taxi. It's only about a 5-7 minute ride.

[adrift@sea]

So what is the best way to get to total wine for the restock mission? I would think that a taxi would be the most efficient, yet getting a rental car for a short time seems unlikely. Would like to hear some options, this is our first B2B.

Sorry, I have no idea where total wine is located--we don't bring our own beverages aboard. We have rented a car several times on a turn around day--very easy and quick. There is a Budget car rental in the Quay Shopping Center right outside the Terminal Area--we took a cab there and they drove us back when we returned vehicle. There is also a Thrifty (?) or something similar even closer--their van comes thru the terminal areas during disembarkation and will take you to their facility to pick up vehicle and bring you back when you return.

[Boytjie]

So what is the best way to get to total wine for the restock mission? I would think that a taxi would be the most efficient, yet getting a rental car for a short time seems unlikely. Would like to hear some options, this is our first B2B.

For a rental car you'd have to go past Total Wine to get to the airport to pick it up (one or two rental agencies are closer to the port too) - not worth it unless you want to go sightseeing too IMO.

[terrydtx]

So what is the best way to get to total wine for the restock mission? I would think that a taxi would be the most efficient, yet getting a rental car for a short time seems unlikely. Would like to hear some options, this is our first B2B.

Taxi will be best option Total Wine is on 17th St in shopping center with Embassy Suites. You can go online to get a map of the Total wine location, they have an extensive and good website.

[sail7seas]

For a rental car you'd have to go past Total Wine to get to the airport to pick it up (one or two rental agencies are closer to the port too) - not worth it unless you want to go sightseeing too IMO.


There is a Budget Car Rental Office right on 17th Street Causeway close to walking distance to Total Wine. You would need a taxi to get to The Quay (mentioned in a post above) to pick up the car. If you only want the car to get the wine, it would be a waste but if you want a car for other uses, it's VERY convenient and you don't have to go near the airport.

Budget Car Rental
1515 SE 17th St Causeway
Fort Lauderdale
(954) 761-7231

[Akheila]

Thanks everyone for the replies, we are familiar with total wine as we usually stay at the Embassy suites on 17th. If we plan well then perhaps we won't need to restock. :D