Do people stay a night *after* the cruise?

Based on some early advice CC forums, we decided to fly in a day early and leave a day later for our Getaway cruise in April. We are all set on the way in but on the way back we are not able to decide where to stay? Some folks have suggested downtown hotels are good (close to port and close to South Beach). Others have suggested staying *at* South Beach. We are in the process of making that decision and price is important too. SB hotels are very expensive for that weekend compared to downtown hotels.

We were wondering where do most people stay if they decide to fly the next day. Same day flight was too risky for us so moved it to the next day. Any suggestions or insights would be great.

We have a few times and the people we are cruising with in April intend on a few extra days I think, but normally we are ready to head home. When we did our No Atlantic crossing on the Jewel we spent a couple of days in NYC. Our repo from Canada to FT Lauderdale a few years ago we stayed in Miami a couple of days and one year a girlfriend and I stayed several days in No Miami after a cruise. We have also headed to Orlando to visit our daughter a couple of times.

Sometimes we do but most times we don't. We did last year because we did a repositioning cruise to San Juan on Carnival and it seemed a shame not to spend time in Puerto Rico :rolleyes: This year we did not and went right from the ship to the Fort Lauderdale airport. Next year we are not planning on it but I'll have to see what the airfare is. If it is cheaper flying back the next day we will.

Our decision to stay after the cruise is completely based on when we can get a flight home. If I can get a flight home at a late enough time to satisfy me that if there is a little delay of the ship coming into port, or delay getting off of the ship because of hold ups by CBP then I book a flight home.

If I think it might make it too tight then I book an overnight stay.

I hate stresses when I'm on vacation.

My location and type of accomodations depend on how long I have to stay in the port city and how much time I will actually be at the hotel. If I'm only going to be there long enough to sleep, then I look for a clean hotel that may a restaurant close not far from the airport.

South Beach may be worth spending the extra dollars if you are going to be there long enough to enjoy it. If you are just going to be there to sleep, I wouldn't put the extra money into it.

Based on some early advice CC forums, we decided to fly in a day early and leave a day later for our Getaway cruise in April. We are all set on the way in but on the way back we are not able to decide where to stay? Some folks have suggested downtown hotels are good (close to port and close to South Beach). Others have suggested staying *at* South Beach. We are in the process of making that decision and price is important too. SB hotels are very expensive for that weekend compared to downtown hotels.

 

We were wondering where do most people stay if they decide to fly the next day. Same day flight was too risky for us so moved it to the next day. Any suggestions or insights would be great.

If I were to stay after in Miami.... I would book the Holiday Inn on Biscayne Blvd across from Bayside Marketplace. Bubba Gumps is a "fun" restaurant right in the Marketplace, if you've never been. Lots of little shops, a Hard Rock Cafe' and also a marina where you could take a harbour cruise. If you want to go to South Beach it's close and you could take a cab (although I don't know how much that would cost you). Also, don't wander too far South or North of this area, especially at night. We did and were very nervous. Someone who saw us walking suggested we walk on the other side of the street (on the water side). This was North of Bayside and Holiday Inn.

Unfortunately for us, the direct flights were too close for our comfort. The flights with stop over were reaching at ungodly hours and adding on 5 hrs to the travel time. So we traded the extra time with the price of hotel plus some sight seeing. We have never been to Miami before so maybe subconsciously we were in favor of staying a night :)

When we have to travel long distance to get to a port we stay overnight the day prior. If the flight is 3 or 4 hours we usually fly back home the day we leave the ship. Longer flights, like flying to the West Coast from Boston, we will stay the day and fly out the next day anytime after 8:00 am.

We like to stay at hotels, during cruise vacations, that have something of interest close by or nice amenities at the place. Our vacation ends only when we get home.

If I were to stay after in Miami.... I would book the Holiday Inn on Biscayne Blvd across from Bayside Marketplace. Bubba Gumps is a "fun" restaurant right in the Marketplace, if you've never been. Lots of little shops, a Hard Rock Cafe' and also a marina where you could take a harbour cruise. If you want to go to South Beach it's close and you could take a cab (although I don't know how much that would cost you). Also, don't wander too far South or North of this area, especially at night. We did and were very nervous. Someone who saw us walking suggested we walk on the other side of the street (on the water side). This was North of Bayside and Holiday Inn.

One nice thing about Miami is if you stay anywhere right in the city you can use the free people mover. We took it from the Hampton Inn at Mary Brickell Square right to Bayside. There are also lots of restaurants right around Mary Brickell and a big Publix.

if it were me i`de stay in the holiday inn bayside . you can drop your bags off early then catch the bus ( stops outside ) over to south beach . spend the day soaking up the atmosphere and people watch . catch the bus back book into your room then pop over to bubba gumps / mall / bars ect .:)

Our decision to stay after the cruise is completely based on when we can get a flight home. If I can get a flight home at a late enough time to satisfy me that if there is a little delay of the ship coming into port, or delay getting off of the ship because of hold ups by CBP then I book a flight home.

 

If I think it might make it too tight then I book an overnight stay.

 

I hate stresses when I'm on vacation.

 

My location and type of accomodations depend on how long I have to stay in the port city and how much time I will actually be at the hotel. If I'm only going to be there long enough to sleep, then I look for a clean hotel that may a restaurant close not far from the airport.

 

South Beach may be worth spending the extra dollars if you are going to be there long enough to enjoy it. If you are just going to be there to sleep, I wouldn't put the extra money into it.

Hello Che, that dog is a Cutie. I am posting this second time because I am not sure if you saw this msg in my unfortunate 7 page long DSC thread. So wanted to make sure you to tell you again :) (and I don't know how to send private msgs)

We have a Yorkie too and it absolutely breaks our heart everytime we leave him for a week or so :( But to be honest with you he feels it much before it sinks in us. The moment suit cases come out, he somehow gets it and starts showing signs of disappointment (I mean that sad face that can make a rock melt). Our son takes him everywhere except in a Cruise this is not possible :( so the day we fly is not a pretty sight in the household.

SB is not what is used to be. Personally, I would never stay there. As for staying an extra day, it really depends on the flight times. I prefer to fly in a few days early to start my vacation. For me, by the time the cruise is over, I'm ready to go home.

Unfortunately for us, the direct flights were too close for our comfort. The flights with stop over were reaching at ungodly hours and adding on 5 hrs to the travel time. So we traded the extra time with the price of hotel plus some sight seeing. We have never been to Miami before so maybe subconsciously we were in favor of staying a night :)

We are in the same situation with flights....we always find it better spending the night.

I try to get a late flight. If I couldn't I'd look for a Hampton Inn, I'm a fan of theirs. Try trip advisor dot com. They have reviews for hotels in every city, pick one that sounds good to you.

We do.

In New Orleans, we stay 3-4 nights extra. It is like getting two vacations in one.

Hello Che, that dog is a Cutie. I am posting this second time because I am not sure if you saw this msg in my unfortunate 7 page long DSC thread. So wanted to make sure you to tell you again :) (and I don't know how to send private msgs)

 

We have a Yorkie too and it absolutely breaks our heart everytime we leave him for a week or so :( But to be honest with you he feels it much before it sinks in us. The moment suit cases come out, he somehow gets it and starts showing signs of disappointment (I mean that sad face that can make a rock melt). Our son takes him everywhere except in a Cruise this is not possible :( so the day we fly is not a pretty sight in the household.

Thank you, she's a rescured Shih Poo. Full of personality and yes when we leave her to go on our cruises I miss her terribly, but always know she is good hands that will spoil her rotten, while we are gone ;)

I've had many dogs over the years that have been house pets. But busy with life and raising kids, they have never been quite as doted on, as this one now that my children are grown. She's my furbaby.

I'm sure as many loving pet owners, I'd love to be able to take her with us.

We were not going to get another dog and she just kind of fell in our laps and needed a loving home.

I prefer going home the same day after disembarking, but if the flight/train will get me home too late or after the busses stop running, I might stay over an extra night (only one, never more). I can usually priceline an airline hotel for about the same dollars as it'd take for a taxi or shuttle home.

We always have to head home after a cruise because of school and work commitments.

After our Epic cruise in January we stayed two additional nights. We stayed at the Hotel Urbano on Brickell. We enjoyed the hotel and they do not charge any more for four in a room than they do for two. A stop for the free trolley stop is directly across the street which is good because there's not much in the immediate area.

The first night we took the trolley and went to Vapiano for dinner. We used a Miami groupon for 4 and it was very reasonable. We loved the menu and the ambiance. Wish we had one in Oregon. Took a taxi back for minimal cost - think the trolley had quit running by then.

The second afternoon we took the trolley and then walked a little way to Bayside Marketplace. Took the water taxi from Bayside across to the boat harbor section of South Beach and then walked to the beach itself. We watched the ships (including the Sun, Pearl and Sky) sail out while we had a delicious and expensive dinner outside at Smith & Wollensky. Could have just sat on benches or the rocks and watched the ships but I was a loser in the Epic casino and figured Larry deserved a good dinner since he was nice about it. After dinner we walked through many of the streets in South Beach and people watched. It was late evening when we finally got tired so we caught a taxi to get back to the hotel. It was a great day and we loved "doing South Beach" this way.

We always stay at least one night, usually more, kind of depends on the port city. Seattle, we usually stay 5-8 nights, NY, 3-4 nights, Port Canaveral, 1 - 8 nights in Orlando. Going straight from the cruise to the airport to home, is just too abrupt of a change. We like to ease into home and work mode.

We couldn't get a late enough flight out of Miami without spending a lot more $. The hotel question was a big one for me too! We are staying near the airport the night before our flight at Comfort. Suites because we won't get in until around midnight and they offered free airport shuttle, breakfast and port shuttle for $114. We will arrive back in Miami at 0900 after our cruise and leave the next day so we have a whole day to spend. I didn't want to be stuck out at the airport and really wanted to be on the beach if we are in Miami because it's still freezing cold and snowy at home. First, I booked a cheaper hotel near the port (not really cheap, around $270), then I decided I really wanted to be on the beach so I booked a room at the Marriott Stanton South Beach. It sounds pretty nice and it has a nice pool with poolside bar and is right on the beach. It cost $348. More than I really wanted to spend but we are on vacation so I just went ahead and bit the bullet! Only 6 days until we leave for our cruise! So excited!

If I were to stay after in Miami.... I would book the Holiday Inn on Biscayne Blvd across from Bayside Marketplace. Bubba Gumps is a "fun" restaurant right in the Marketplace, if you've never been. Lots of little shops, a Hard Rock Cafe' and also a marina where you could take a harbour cruise. If you want to go to South Beach it's close and you could take a cab (although I don't know how much that would cost you). Also, don't wander too far South or North of this area, especially at night. We did and were very nervous. Someone who saw us walking suggested we walk on the other side of the street (on the water side). This was North of Bayside and Holiday Inn.

We love the marketplace; we had our granddaughters pre wedding meal there over 8 years ago, but we were not crazy over the hotel. In fact we didn't like it at all. That being said, and we have stayed there twice, it is convenient and we survived.

We don't fly But we stay 5 nights in the Florida keys after our repo cruise dropped us of in Tampa . :D

Found a great deal at the Cheeca Lodge on Jetsetter " 1/2 price " .:D

The one week one way car rental I found worked great for the 1700 miles trip back to Boston. Two Tampa hotels within walking distance from the port had car's .

I feel splitting the car cost between two vacations stretched my vacation dollar .

This year we stayed an extra day in Miami. With the winter we are experiencing this year in Michigan, for next year we are flying into Tampa 5 days early and staying on Clearwater beach. We will also be staying for two days after. I'm only going home when the money runs out. LOL

We always fly down a day early and then stay over night when we disembark. It allows us to be do embarkation and disembarkation at a leisurely pace - without worry that we are either going to miss the ship or our plane. We love the Intercontinental Miami and now stay there exclusively whenever we are in the Miami area. It is close to Bayside Marketplace, but also close to other fabulous restaurants. In fact, we are counting the days until our next visit! :)

Another shout for Holiday inn at bay side stayed before and after cruise ! Got 2 nights their Christmas time. Shopping and eating good very chilled out place to hang out. Beer lovers try sharkeys bar. Jungle island also a great day out.

Stu K