bearwholovestotravel

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza last April and really liked it. We had previously stayed at the Westin Diplomat and we sort of expected to find the CP not as enjoyable. Not so, it is smaller and has a lovely pool area right on the Inland Waterway. There is a water taxi stop at the dock so getting to Las Olas etc. was a breeze. We did not eat there so can't comment on the food. We would have no problem stating there again. We have also used SAS and QLS and find them both fine.

Yes, I was deciding between Westin and Crowne Plaza too when I was looking around for accommodations for my pre-cruise stay...

I am using super shuttle for my shuttle to hotel and to Port of Miami as their price is reasonable...the rest said they don't service Crowne Plaza in Hollywood..

I just have the transportation for post cruise to book to Fort Lauderdale Airport...still thinking if I should go in the hop on n off before departing home...

Clara

You're welcome, the beauty of this forum to share tips! Enjoy your trip and safe travels . Just ask upon check in they will fill you in with the trolley info, water taxi and direct you to where Walmart is. Rooms are spacious and have kitchenette setups too !! Any other questions you may have about the hotel feel free to ask me[emoji4]

I certainly would...

I am looking forward to my stay after hearing about the hotel from you...

Clara

Yes, we would take the Trolley from the hotel to the boardwalk area it only cost $1.00 per person each way. We walked over to the 7-11 next door and stocked up on snacks for our room and we walked across the bridge there's a Walmart that had food too about a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Loved the pool area at the hotel . Food was on the pricey side, but we had a nice lunch by the pool. We would stay there again for sure.

Walmart? Yeh....I am waking there when I arrive...

Walmart in the states always have good stuff

Thanks for the tips...

Clara

We did this in May when we cruised the Victory from Miami. We booked a 2 night stay in Hollywood Florida post cruise. We stayed at the Crown Plaza Hollywood. It costs us via Taxi.. Approximately $80.00 and took about 35-40 mins. We did self assist disembarkation off the ship by 8:00 am and at the hotel by 8:45am.. We lucked out too because I asked the front desk what's the earliest we could check in and they complimentary upgraded us and we were checked into our room by 9:00am!! It was much easier to taxi door to door than going the whole car rental pick up/ drop off route.

Hey..that's where I will be staying...is it convenient to walk around ?

I managed to book a shuttle for $32 to the port of Miami for Dec 12...

How do you like the resort?

Clara

Just another option. We have done a one-way a rental couple of times. Makes things easy. We leave the hotel when we want, pick anything up along the way we need and drop the car off when we want. the POM has set rates from the downtown area to the port and they were very reasonable. Well under $20 to the ship. It was cheaper than a shuttle for 2. We reversed it to fly out of FLL. Had enough time to kick around the area, have lunch and drop off the car at the airport. I pretty much always book a later flight back home to be safe and not rushed. Last time we did the "checked luggage thing" on SWA and it worked great. Anyway you go, have fun.

I was thinking about car rental too. Which car rental company did you go with?

Cool...thanks...I will try....

Does anyone know what's the best way to get to the Port of Miami from a resort in Hollywood FL?

Shuttle? Recommendation?

Rental car?

Taxi will be out as it will cost a lot of $$...

Clara

I have brought my own bottle of wine on board... Pour my wine in my room then bring it to the dining table

I would just get a sample bottle and bring it with my cosmetics

I think you can if you buy from the duty free on board the ship

Both

Me too...I don't live close to a port...I have to fly to the city where the port is all the time...

Thank you for your reply. I love hearing all the good things about going on a cruise. We are going to the Eastern Caribbean on the Norwegian Escape in June!

You get to try the new ship...I am jealous....

Cruise is the best...you get food, accommodation, entertainment all in one...

You get to relax with the nice music, dance on the ship, etc...

You get the sun, and smell of fresh ocean air...

You meet people from all walks of life...

It's economical...

You get to go a few places depending on the length of the cruise you choose...

You have fun...and only fun, sun and relaxation...

Clara

That's for RC cruises only?

The only deal that I have gotten was once I got to 340 cruise points, I pay 150% of the fare vs 200%. Except for months of July and August and holiday sailings.

 

 

 

However, you do get double cruise points sailing solo which to me is fair since you are paying much more.

Double cruise points?...have not happened to me yet...they don't even give me OBC for 2 people...

I sailed my first solo in May of this year...not on RC but in CC...I had one of the best time of my life....I danced like l've not danced in years...met new people...it was just awesome....

I am going on another solo this September on NCL...

I only book cruises that is reasonably priced for one person...I would not pay too much more...because I have to consider my flight to a port...

I would encourage cruising SOLO...you will never know what to like till you yourself experience it...

Clara

No free wifi on ship...you have to buy data plan....

So....if I declare it in Singapore...can I drink it at supper time?... I keep it in my cabin and pour it in my glass before supper...

Hmmmm....I will enjoy my cruise in North America more...hahahah

I confirmed with the travel agent in Singapore and a friend who lives in Singapore and cruise on Royal Caribbean out of Singapore before.... The bad news is....no wine allowed in hand carry or check in luggage...that really sucks...they encourage everybody to get the beverage package

I learn a lot from other experienced travellers...

Thanks for the clarification ....I have also emailed Royal Caribbean to check it out...hope I will get an answer....

Okay...so my friend was right about wine while embarking in Singapore

I shall report back on my return in March 2016