smurphy199

I would select option 2.5 - drop off my party at the terminal and then return the car. Then check when the next shuttle leaves. While waiting for the shuttle,  get on your phone and see if a Uber or lyft is faster and worth the extra cost. Then make your decision. 

If they do offer a free shuttle, they may have folded the cost into their nightly rate.

Many airports charge a service fee for the right to pick up / drop off at the terminal. Usually applies to  shuttles, taxis, Uber, etc.

Some hotel chains will only book 360 days out.

I will have a  rental car pre-cruise. Where can I park while taking the water taxi?

Last year, when I used Uber, they picked me up by the circle in front of the terminal. There is a loot of traffic there but the driver called me as he approached the terminal and I told him to flash his headlights so I could spot him. He did and I was able to talk him into where I was standing.

The BART is probably out, you will probably miss the last train.

Super Shuttle, or similar is an option to the hotel. I have used it several times from SFO to a downtown hotel but not at that hour. Better call them to verify availability, otherwise most people will recommend Uber.

For the hotel to the port, use Uber. On my last cruise, I asked the hotel doorman for a taxi and he said it would be faster, cheaper, and cleaner to use an Uber. Everybody Uber's in SF.

I have used the Fairfield Inn in Diana Beach several times. They have a shuttle service in the lobby for a separate charge but last time we just Ubered to/from the port. 

Good luck. 

Uber and Lyft are very popular.

Last time we sailed from SF, we used Super Shuttle. I had booked it on-line in advance ( had a discount, aaa or aarp?). As we exited the terminal, there was a dispatcher standing just outside the door with a computer tablet who checked us off and pointed to the shuttle. All very easy.

Depending on the size of your party,  they have both standard cabs and mini-vans, for the same price. 

Call your hotel and ask the front desk. They should know what works for their facility and let you know what your options are.

I second the above recommendation for the Fairfield Inn on Griffin Rd. I used them last month and the parking was free. Not sure when the hotel rate is because it varies by season and I used Marriott points for my stay.

They have a free airport shuttle but the port shuttle is by a contractor and is $10pp each way but we chose to Uber so that we had more flexibility in departure times. (Also, had a coupon).

I have used the FF about the last 5 cruises out of FLL.

The circles on your map is a tank farm and is probably fenced off. Go back to your map and switch it to street view and you may get your answer.  Not sure it 20th is a thru street.

On our last cruise out of SF, we used Super Shuttle for our pre-cruise airport to Fishermans W hotel and after the cruise from the port to SFO. Very efficient both ways. Our hotel was only 2-3 blocks from the pier so I don't understand why I would be out of their service area. I would call them and ask. I think I had to fiddle with their web site to recognize the port as a valid address.

We used the dedicated van since we had 6 passengers and it was less than the per-passenger rate. We reserved, paid and tiped on line so we just got into the van and went.

Every year, Oracle Corp. has a huge conference of all of its customers, with about 60,000 attending. Sells out almost every hotel in the SF area. It's usually held in Sept. or Oct., now sure what the dates are for 2019. There are a number of other high-tech conferences also held in SF. Its a big business for the city. The hotels hold aside large blocks of rooms for the conferences.

When you come down I-95 and approach FLL, take I-595 eastbound and it will take you right past the airport and into the port. No tolls necessary.

When people say 'baggage is slow', they mean slower that other airports and it might take an hour from the time you walk off the plain to the time you walk out the door with your suitcase. At 10:30am, that should not be a deal breaker. However, if your plane is delayed 4 hours, due to mechanical issues, etc. Think about a plan B.

We enjoy the harbor taxi. Get off and on at any stop or just ride around all day if the weather is good.

One year, when we had a rental car, took an air-boat ride. It's was about an hour west of FLL. Saw lot's of gators and birds.

Just because your ship arrives at 6:15, it doesn't guarantee that Customs is ready to process exiting passengers yet. They need their morning coffee and nobody gets off until they say you can get off.

Just off the Magic. Our cards came pre-punched.

When we sailed from SFO, we used SuperShuttle. It was $17/pp for their shared van or $75 for a non-stop, non-shared van. We opted for the non-stop because we were a party of 6. Reserved it on-line in advance and there is a dispatcher waiting for you outside the terminal. Look online, there are some discounts, we used AAA. The rates above were the non-discounted ones.

In Sept, I took a cruise out of SF and used SuperShuttle for my transfers to/from SFO. I went from SFO to the Marriott Fish W. and after the cruise, pier 27 to SFO. The rate was $17pp each way but since we had 6 passengers, we opted for the non-shared van at $75/trip. Booked everything and paid on-line in advance so just get in the van and go. They keep you fully informed with text messages and there is a dispatcher right outside the luggage dept. After SF, we went to Vegas and sued SS again. Same smooth service and reasonable price.

For hotel -> pier 27, used a taxi but in the future would use Uber/Lyft.

I have used SS in the past while on business between OAK and Fishermans Wharf so they used to service OAK but check their website.

I am looking for a hotel for 2 nights precruise and these look like my best options. What do you think? BTW, visited SF years ago and stayed at the Palace Hotel. I actually want the Fisherman's Wharf area now for the precruise tourist experience :D. Thanks in advance.

Stayed 2 weeks ago at the Marriott Fishermans Wharf (used points). Good location, short taxi/uber to port.

I plan to use Super Shuttle to/from the airport and a taxi between my hotel and the ship.

Although you said you could do the trip in 2 days, I would recommend you do it in 3. For the same reason we fly into the port the day before, the same should apply when driving that far. What would happen if you had a flat tire, had to have it replaced, and lost about 4-5 hours? Would you still arrive in time to make the sailing? Plan for 2 days of driving and 1 day of free time either in Miami or with 1-2 hours from there.