Is it weird that I don't want to sail from Miami??

[SUSANITA]

I have absolutely no desire to sail from the port of Miami! I suppose if I could get 1/2 way decent air, I might consider it, but air to Miami is always at least 30-40% more for me!!

I was considering sailing on the Valor next year, but since she's sailing from Miami, and Conquest class, I'm reconsidering. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

For those of you who've sailed from this port, how is it? Why is airfare so much more to Miami?

Does anyone know where Liberty will sail from??

Suep366394@aol.com
http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/woodstock-28.gif
NEXT UP~SENSATION 5/6/04!
MARINER~ 9/19! MIRACLE~FEB 13,2005!
http://www.bigotis.com/Sensation.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/Miracle.gif
http://community.webshots.com/user/upstatedon OUR CRUISE PICS!

[MichelleP]

I don't know about airfare since we drive, but I've found the Miami port to be much easier than Fort Lauderdale. We've had a couple of bad experiences with the port of Fort Lauderdale and much prefer Miami.

Have you considered flying into Fort Lauderdale and renting a car or taking a shuttle to Miami?

Cheers, Michelle P.

Jubilee 5/9/02
Fantasy 9/5/02
Millennium 12/15/02
Imagination 5/8/03
Millennium 12/14/03

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0033&cdt=2004;05;07;21;59;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/7/04

[eerbeek]

Port of Miami is VERY chaotic, with several huge ships boarding/debarking all at the same time. No one knows where to go, and everyone is in a hurry, dragging luggage, hot, cranky, etc.

I liked Port Canaveral WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better.

I'm doing San Juan this time around, but I've only been there at night as a Port of Call. Didn't seem too awful at the time, but it was different because I didn't have to go through the whole check in thing at that time.

Lido Deck Linda



http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/dudes.gif

http://skins.hotbar.com/skins/mailskins/em/062802/062802jumpie_prv.gif http://skins.hotbar.com/skins/mailskins/em/033102/033102food_1_prv.gif http://skins.hotbar.com/skins/mailskins/em/062802/062802drink_prv.gif http://skins.hotbar.com/skins/mailskins/em/082502/082502cheers_prv.gif

Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[L2J]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by doulasue:
For those of you who've sailed from this port, how is it? Why is airfare so much more to Miami?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Had the same problem with air - it was too expensive to Miami, so we flew into Ft. Lauderdale and saved about $100 per ticket and took the shuttle to port.

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
http://heathersanimations.com/military/newparach.gif


http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

NCL Sky 2/02

[tef43]

Personally I love the Port of Miami. When there are three or four ships all departing in a row, it can be quite festive. Even from a distance. I was sitting outdoors at Bayside on a Saturday afternoon around 4 pm, watching the RCCL passengers on the Behemoth of the Seas mustering for their drill. All the little people lining up on deck in their bright orange vests, it was so CUTE!

As to airfare $, it probably depends where you're flying from. Air to Miami (from DTW) can be inexpensive or ridiculously exhorbitant. It all depends on when you want to fly, and more imporantly, when you are looking for quotes. I swear it changes minute by minute. Look at flying to FLL as a possible alternative.

Another drawback to sailing out of South Florida is that you are severely limited to the ports that a ship can visit on a 7-day cruise. It is one of the reasons that, all else being equal, I prefer sailing from SJU.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

http://www.curlingzone.com/forums/images/imgcommentary_hackstone.jpg

http://sympatico.animfactory.com/animations/music/misc/bagpiper_piping_md_wht.gif

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[cruisingator2]

Sue, Miami is my all time favorite port to sail out of. The port can sometimes be busy depending on how many ships are in port but they are also doing major construction at this time to take care of that. Sailing down Government Cut is a sight that you will not forget. Cars stop along McArthur parkway and blow their horns and wave as you sail towards the open sea. As Tom stated in his post, it has a festive feel to it like no other port. All those ships leaving one behind the other is an awesome sight. Spending a day in Miami for precruise is also great. Nothing like a day at Bayside Marketplace, taking a boat ride around the Miami area gets those cruise juices flowing. I have been out of FLL, Tampa, Pt. Carnaveral and Miami and IMHO Miami takes it hands down. To me sailing out of Pt. Canaveral is just downright ugly. It is easier because it is not as congested but again I love the feel of Miami for a pre-cruise.

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;12;04;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[MarBar]

That's what we did too - flew into Fort Lauderdale and took a shuttle to the port of Miami. At that time, I guess it was 3 years ago - the shuttle was about $50 - we still saved a ton of money!

I would definitely look into that option doulasue...

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;2;7;22;1;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Southern Caribbean Serenade 02/07/04

[cunarder]

doulasue,

I'm not sure what you mean? Compared to what other prices?

We lived in Rochester up to 10 days ago. We flew to Miami several times for cruises and the prices were not that bad.

We even stayed the day before our cruise left. Nice area around the Port Authority.

You should try it - you might like it.

Ed

QE2 - 12/98, 09/00, 09/01, 06/03
Explorer of the Seas - 01/02
Grand Princess - 12/02
Majesty of the Seas - 01/04

Next up:
Queen Mary 2 - 11/04

[cruisingator2]

http://community.webshots.com/photo/127098765/127127226tBDMQr

http://community.webshots.com/photo/127098765/127126753BjcPus

Here is a couple of pics that I took on the Triumph last month. Those cars on McArthur Parkway are actually closer than they look in the photos. You can not get a view like that sailing anywhere else out of Florida. Pt. Everglades is close but still not like Miami. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;12;04;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[This message was edited by cruisingator2 on 04-16-04 at 12:59 PM.]

[SUSANITA]

Ed, While prices to Miami may not seem "bad", on a comparison level it's much less expensive for me to fly into Tampa, FLL, or Orlando. No matter which dates I try for, Miami has always been more expensive than those three ports. I guess that the shuttle idea isn't so bad, it would probably be equal to driving to Port Canaveral from MCO airport, right??

You all are inspiring me to not be such a chicken! I'm totally a creature of habit, and tend to stick with the "familiar".

Suep366394@aol.com
http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/woodstock-28.gif
NEXT UP~SENSATION 5/6/04!
MARINER~ 9/19! MIRACLE~FEB 13,2005!
http://www.bigotis.com/Sensation.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/Miracle.gif
http://community.webshots.com/user/upstatedon OUR CRUISE PICS!

[MarBar]

Atta girl! You can do it, doulasue! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;2;7;22;1;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Southern Caribbean Serenade 02/07/04

[cunarder]

Sue,

You have to do what is good for you. I would hope that you don't miss any itineraries that you might like just because the ship leaves from Miami.

If you fly in to another city and "taxi" to Miami, just make sure all those costs are worth the extra to fly to Miami.

Only you know your situation. Hope you have happy sailings from wherever you depart from.

Ed

[Travel Angel]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by doulasue:
I have absolutely no desire to sail from the port of Miami! I suppose if I could get 1/2 way decent air, I might consider it, but air to Miami is always at least 30-40% more for me!!

I was considering sailing on the Valor next year, but since she's sailing from Miami, and Conquest class, I'm reconsidering. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

For those of you who've sailed from this port, how is it? Why is airfare so much more to Miami?

Does anyone know where Liberty will sail from??

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fly into Lauderdale as others have suggested if Miami is toooooo pricey for your budget !

Perhaps use a fare watcher feature that many airline websites offer i.e. travelocity, etc....

Try flying from another gateway.....

Personally I have found Miami a great port to sail from with all the ships lined up ready to sail on a weekend.....sure there will be many passengers boarding, but with so many ships there, what do you expect ???

Safe Travels.......


Curtis Thorsen
YOUR Travel "angel"
Cruise & Resort Connection, Inc.

[jimmy627]

we don't mind goig to miami at all.if we fly to fll buy the time we pay for transportaion to miami it costs about the same .lots of nice areas by the port BAYSIDE market is a nice place to visit.i'm talking about if you go a day or 2 early

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/love/lieb24.gif http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;11;27;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
11/27/2004 CARIBBEAN PRINCESS

http://www.bigotis.com/Miracle.gif
http://www.agll06.ukgateway.net/JimKDGQtransp.gif cruisemates1@aol.com http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2005;02;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500 THE MIRACLE 2-13-2005 http://boogyjive.bravepages.com/images/bobsfreegifs/smileytap.gif http://members.lycos.nl/Radio2fans/ex/jimmy.gif

[CruiseFever]

Ok here's my take on this

Ft Lauderdale, to me, is way easier if you're flying. Port Everglades is just so close to the port that it also makes catching that flight home easier too.

The Port of Miami, though, is the king of cruise ports and I think there's just an excitement in the air there, downtown, at Bayside, and not far away at South Beach that makes an experience that's just not to be missed. I feel this so strongly that we hoteled in Miami and sailed out of Ft Lauderdale on our holiday Legend cruise last year.

Don't get me wrong, we love Fort Lauderdale too but from an out-of-towners point of view its like everything has been spring-break-proofed years ago from hotels to sidewalks.

Still I'd love to live there over Miami easy.

This probably didn't help at all but if it was me, and it is frequently, I'd fly into FLL and get whatever the current popular and cost effective ground transportation from there to downtown Miami is and take it all in.

While a lot of this is up for grabs as a personal choice thing there's no denying that The Port Of Miam IS still the busiest port in the world, you haven't seen Miami unless you take in South Beach and I don't care what anybody says Bubba Gump Shrimp Co at Bayside makes a mean Coconut Shrimp!

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

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

[imlulu]

I love Miami!!!!! The Hotel Intercontinental is incredible if cruising.

Sue, Flying from my local airport is also more expensive into Miami then to Tampa, MCO, or even FLL.I prefer the ease of flying in and being in the city I am departing from especially as we take our 2 boys. This is why I have stayed away from Port Canaveral.The idea of a 40min-1 hour ride after a lengthy plane ride with a 5yr old is not appealing.I like the ease of FLL but have been unable to sail out of there due to vacation date mishaps. We are doing Tampa for the 2nd time in Feb.. I love that port but no where as spectacular as Miami.

No longer cruiseless...donations still accepted! ;-)
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;2;20;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500

Last cruise
Sensation 2/17/03

[dosi]

Sue--I just checked SWA. Buffalo to FLL $178 r/t. That's not that high is it? Sheesh you are lucky. Our air from Oakland to FLL just jumped from $224 pp r/t to $375 pp r/t. Hmmmm I just might have to move east....think of all the money I could save taking cruises!!!

doris

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine"--Caskie Stinnett

Elation 10/20/02
Paradise 9/21/03
Star Princess 10/24/04

[Cruise Miriam]

Hi, Sue. I really like cruising out of Miami. I don't like the airport there, but it's pretty neat to cruise out of. I agree with imlulu about staying at the Intercontinental the night before. Great way to start a vacation.

I've also flown into FLL and gone to Miami from there. It's no big deal.

My suggestion would be to try it at least once. If you don't like it after that, at least you'll know for sure.

As for airfares, there are many different sites to check and you can save money if you're willing to change planes somewhere, like Atlanta.

Host Miriam
Community Supervisor
ldrscruisemir7@aol.com

[CruiseFever]

See? Even wise Host Miriam agrees!

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

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

[ackpth]

I just booked a cruise leaving from miami, and booked SouthWest into FLL (1 day before). I plan on renting a car from FLL and returning it to MIA then taking the free car rental agency shuttle to the Port of Miami. (car rental cost $55). Saves a ton of money rather than flying into Miami.

[SUSANITA]

You guys are opening up a whole new world of cruising opportunity for me!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Watch, I'll try it once, and totally love it. I don't even know which ships sail from Miami, because I just usually avoid it! Thanks

Suep366394@aol.com
http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/woodstock-28.gif
NEXT UP~SENSATION 5/6/04!
MARINER~ 9/19! MIRACLE~FEB 13,2005!
http://www.bigotis.com/Sensation.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/Miracle.gif
http://community.webshots.com/user/upstatedon OUR CRUISE PICS!

[christhree]

doulasue...

I HATE Galveston...parking/embarking was great, just HATE the place...Sorry..So I feel your pain..Also, to get the itinerary we want we HAVE to fly to MIAMI...

We go to Miami 2 days before....relax...cleanse the soul...Take a deep breath and just go early...trust me ...it is worth it....

Have a great cruise

On to VICTORY !!

~C

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[Laurab23]

Sue-my daughter who also lives in Rochester flies to Miami and leaves from there every year. She loves leaving from there,even though the air is more expensive. I've driven to Miami a few times to leave from there for a cruise. You should give it a try at least once. I really thought it was cool leaving from Tampa and going under the bridge,too.
Laura

[zonemasconi]

Geez louise all you people make my heart bleed for you..
I leave from GRR (Grand Rapids, MI) and if I get airfare around 250 - 300 I am feeling like I got a deal.

You would think we would get cheaper fare since we have our airport named after a president...


<font SIZE="1">Click here for my Cruise Pics (http://www.bigotis.com/ship_links.htm)</font>

<font SIZE="1">***PROUD MEMBER O.A.T.C.***</font>
http://www.bigotis.com/Sensation.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/royalsmallwide.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/Miracle.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

<font SIZE="1">Opinions expressed by the poster are not necessarily the opinions of Cruise Critic or the Independent Traveler.
They might not even be the opinion of the poster, being he may be out of his mind at the time</font>
http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/Atom.gif (zonemasconi@yahoo.com)

[weswas]

My husband refuses to sail from Miami so that is why we always take southern Carib cruises which I do'nt mind at all as long as I am cruising!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif but after reading the boards I might convince him to try it once and then if he really still hates it we can go back to the southern side

UNTIL WE SAIL AGAIN.......
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2005;5;8;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[fsupharm77]

Personally i don't really like Miami's port. It feels like I am in a shipyard (which it is). It is a little to "industrial" for me. I really love the port in Tampa. It doesn't feel like a port. It seems a lot cleaner and I thought everything seemed so much smoother there. As for the city itself though Miami is tough to beat.

Sensation 12/16/2000(w.carib)
Victory Easter 2001 (w.carib)
Inspiration Jan 2003(w.carib)
Fascination 2/23/04 (w.carib)
Paradise 9/5/04 (panama canal) 9/5 Panama Adventure
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;9;5;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[brn2crz]

As long as there are quality ships in Galveston,and the hope of a Voyager class here,I have no intentions of spending all the extra money to go to another port.I may change my tune after 10 Western Carribean trips,but I don't think so.With a young child,it is just much easier to hop on board here.
My Dad called tonight to tell me about a 'Great" deal he found for a weekend getaway at Chain of Lakes here in Texas. 3 meals,log cabin,private candlelit dinner in your river front cabin,horse carriage ride.fri&sat night...
$500.oo......I said Dad...thats 1 person for a week on the Elation!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Cathy
NCL-Starward 1982
NCL-Seaward 1986
NCL-Norway 1992
Carnival-Celebration 1996
Carnival-Jubilee 2001
RCI-Rhapsody 1999
RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
Grand Princess or Rhapsody ?
2004


http://heathersanimations.com/Fish2/netdiver.gif

[Chudley]

Gordon, I'm like Sue but after looking at your pics I'm ready for the Miami experience! It's gonna cost me my first-born to get there tho, oh well, too bad and he was such a nice kid, too http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Chud

P.S. nice homes on Star Island, huh?

http://smileys.******************/cat/1054.gif ('http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb008')http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;10;16;20;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800 &nbsp;UNTIL SISTERS BOOZE CROOZE
SPIRIT 10/04

[the_monkey]

Sue, we're over here in Buffalo and we were able to find flights on Delta for $99 r/t flying out of Syracuse to FLL. Buffalo was about $159 r/t at the time. That $60 x 4 = we fly out of Syracuse. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Makes no sense to me for Syracuse to be cheaper, but what do I know? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Although tbh I think I probably could have gotten a flight from Buffalo to FLL the next week, but oh well. It's still a night I don't have to cook! LOL!

Namaste,
Heather

Sailing on the Triumph ~ 9/18/04 - Roll Call (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=6963067357&m=1033078477)

http://www.kalisiak.com/pleasedontstealmethanks.gif

[NikkiFer]

Staying at the InterContinental and hanging out at Bayside Marketplace makes Miami the coolest port we have been to yet!!! You can get a great deal on the InterContinental through priceline (and it is by far the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in thus far. . .) and Bayside is a just a hop and a skip away.

But, they don't do Hawaii from Miami. . . http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif That has to be our next one right????

Nikki
(O.A.T.C. & Proud of it!)

<marquee direction=right width=45%>Mariner of the Seas 09-19-04!</marquee>
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=006400&cdt=2004;9;17;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Carnival Miracle 02-13-05!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2005;2;11;11;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800

http://www.bigotis.com/royalsmallwide.gif

Triumph 09/08/01, Holiday 04/17/02, Inspiration 01/19/03, Triumph 05/10/03, Ecstacy 09/15/03, Conquest CONQUESTADORS!! 01/11/04

http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Words/New/new_14.gif Check out my pictures!
http://community.webshots.com/user/nikkifer

[cruisingator2]

quote:

Gordon, I'm like Sue but after looking at your pics I'm ready for the Miami experience! It's gonna cost me my first-born to get there tho, oh well, too bad and he was such a nice kid, too Chud

P.S. nice homes on Star Island, huh?



Chud, Miami is like one of the islands that you visit on the cruise. It has the latin feel and just gets you even more in the spirit of the cruise. Those homes on Star Island are something else. It is also a nice relaxing boat ride to see the sites of Miami. Like I said in my earlier post, Ft. Lauderdale comes in a close second if you stay around the port but it just isn't Miami.

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;12;04;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[doublebzz]

You might also want to check the fares to West Palm Beach. Its about an hour drive into Miami but sometimes the airfares are incredibly low, particularly in off-season.

As a native Miamian, I'm always amazed that cruisers travel from great distances around the country never to allot at least one day to visit Miami. Great restaurants, shopping, night life and the best beaches on the East coast. South Beach, Lincoln Road, Coconut Grove, Little Habana are unique and worthy of a few hours pre or post cruise.

[lasifguvui5uh]

Wish I never read this thread. Always wanted to cruise out of Miami for just the reasons you folks have brought up. But since I don't fly and traveling by Amtrak is a nightmare.....
We'll figure something out http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[voyagerfl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> i don't really like Miami's port. It feels like I am in a shipyard <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmmmmm, that's excactly why I like it...

In fact one of my big problems with all the Modern Super Liners.....is that they don't feel 'Ship-like' enough for me anymore.

As for the port.....heck just think of all the services & equip they have to have there to take care of the ships. warehouses for food and supplies, Maintenance shops, Fuel Service, Water, Sanatation, equipment for loading ships,parking, etc.....it is industrail.

[cruisinisforme]

I didnt read all of the posts so someone might have said this already, but being from NY myself, yes airfare is more expensive to Miami, but, all of the cruise lines arrange transfers from Ft. Lauderdale too, so you can fly in there and it is much cheaper. Personally I know what you mean, the last cruise I took left out of Orlando, and I loved it, direct flight, no stops, cheaper airfare and great ports, but not too many ships do this, that is what makes you look at the ships leaving from miami, there are more choices.

Janet

Mariner of the Seas 3/04
Enchantment of the Seas 9/03
Explorer of the Seas 7/03
Carnival Triumph 2/03
Imagination 7/02
Jubilee 4/02
Sensation 2/98
Carnivale 10/91

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;9;12;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until we sail again on the Mariner

[cruisinisforme]

By the way, I LOVE miami, I think it is definitely an underated place. My sister moved there years ago and then her and her husband bought a second home in the Keys, so I have got to experience both worlds, and think they are great, I have taken lots of friends there and they also love it.

Janet

Mariner of the Seas 3/04
Enchantment of the Seas 9/03
Explorer of the Seas 7/03
Carnival Triumph 2/03
Imagination 7/02
Jubilee 4/02
Sensation 2/98
Carnivale 10/91

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;9;12;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until we sail again on the Mariner

[lynnber]

I forget how lucky I am to live here in South Florida, and not have to worry about flying in anywhere.
I would definitely fly into FLL and rent a car to Miami. Take a drive down South Beach, see the signts, do Bayside...

NCL 1998
Disney Wonder 2000
Disney Magic 2001
Carnival Sensation 2002
Norweigan Sun 2003
Grand Princess 7/13/03
Carnival Victory 3/21/04
RCCL Voyager 11/13/04