On the Celebration there is a green Chanel bag (pre loved) for 2K. That same bag has been there since the inaugural sailing (I've been on the Celebration 6x). Together with its LV brothers and sisters and a VERY bored store attendant in a prime location that's such a waste of real estate.
Even an additional coffee shop there would generate more income for Carnival.
Up until last month all specialty dining reservations included gratuities.
Yesterday I went to book Bonsai Teppanyaki and gratuities were added. $38 per person became $44+.
I'm not complaining about $6 but about the fact that these charges are silently being added to more and more areas. Not informing the guests at all.
People sure love to bash travel agents on social media. I bet for for each bad experience, there are at minimum 5 success stories when agents stay on the phone for hours fixing stuff, getting the exact cabins you want next to each other, offer extra amenities, etc. But we don't get to hear those.
You need to take an Uber or Lyft to the 2nd street office of Avis/Budget. Taxi drivers will get mad about the short distance.
On turn around day, it's a mad house at that location. I'd rather just go to the airport.
There is a Sixt office in the Intercontinental hotel and Enterprise at the Doubletree Grand Biscayne Bay
If you're staying there, this would be convenient.
Booking through AA would give us a great rate plus lots of bonus AA miles. But the majority leans towards the Hampton Inn, so Brickell it is!!
Thanks everyone!
Please help this crazy family out. Which would you choose and why?
Intercontinental Miami downtown
Hampton inn Brickell
A view of the ships is not important to us. But comfort and good location.
Looking forward to your comments.
1. The agent could and should have booked the group from the get go in GoCCL. No need to call Carnival for that.
2. Once she booked everyone individually (FIT bookings), Carnival cannot transfer these into a group. They would need to be canceled and rebooked.
3. Not all promotions qualify to be berthed into a group.
4. You only get a free berth with a minimum of 8 cabins. But a minimum of 5 cabins will get you group amenities such as OBC, etc.
Sorry to say, this doesn't sound like the most qualified advisor.
I've stayed there 9 times and each time I enter the lobby I get instantly happy. The hotel smells so good. 🙂
The hotel is quiet, rooms are clean and spacious with a phenomenal bathroom.
Great food at Miranda restaurant and a very relaxing way to start off your cruise vacation.
You can grab a cab or Uber to the Walmart Superstore which isn't too far.
While EB is a fantastic hotel, there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Only a Burger King, Pollo Tropical and a store selling office supplied.
For a very late flight prior to cruise date I would do it if I was on a tight budget. The motel doesn't get many good reviews, there are better properties in that area.
There are plenty of hotels near the airport that are fine. Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn Miami Airport East, EB hotel, Wingate, Hyatt Place MIA East, Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon, Residence Inn Miami Arport . All just a short cab ride away.