JohninDC

You can see the port from some rooms at the Doubletree - I do not belie there are any port views from the Hilton. Doubletree also offers a great pool area. Your call!

Tri-Rail is an economical option as long as you are not in a hurry.

Cash is your best option at PB or anywhere else on Coz. We usually tip 15-20% of our final bill - just like you would in the US.

Popular suggestion on this board is the Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon. There is a strip mall across the street with dining & fast-food options, as well as grocery, drug and liquor stores for your cruise supplies!

Thank! 😎

Parking at POM is covered, convenient (garages are about 100 yards from check-in) and secure. Also expensive ($25-28/night depending upon how long your ship is gone). Parking anywhere else in Miami is not suggested by any of the locals. You might look at two one-way car rentals, leave your car at home, and avoid any parking fees.

We have done Orlando to Miami the morning of a cruise without issues. Going the day before will be less stress, but also more expensive. Your call!

Correct - you will need to take a cab or Uber from the port to pick up your rental. If you drop off downtown the Avis/Budget location may offer a shuttle to the port.

Downtown location off of 2nd St? About a 5-10 minute ride. MIA airport rental car center? About a 20+ minute ride.

Should not be an issue getting an XL and only a short wait - or grab a van cab from the taxi line. Meter fare between MIA and the port is about $30+ but the van cabs charge a premium (about 30%).

OP is flying into Sanford, not MCO. Here is a list of approved shuttles from the Sanford airport website - Cocoa Beach Shuttle is the one I recognize that services PC area hotels and the port. Taxis, Shuttles, & Rides - Orlando Sanford International Airport (flysfb.com)

Where are you renting from and what port? If flying into Orlando and cruising out of PC then just pay cash (a bunch of quarters works best) for the single toll you will encounter.

There are lockers available at Paradise Beach

Car seats are required for your 1 & 2 year olds. You can bring your own - the airline will check them if you choose not to use them on the flight. I would tip the Uber/Lyft/taxi driver a bit extra to account for the time spent installing and uninstalling the seats.

OP is asking about a shuttle to get from the port/ship to the beach, not from Orlando to port.

Thanks for your review!

Need black tie - nope. With the transition of formal night to "Cruise chic" you will find most men not bothering with suits much less black tie. Bring a tux if you want, or a suit, or just a blazer or even skip the jacket and just wear a nice dress shirt - times have changed.

Bring your own car seat/booster seat - the airline will check it for free if you choose not to use it on the flight. With your own seat - that you know fits and has been properly maintained - you have the flexibility to use any cab, Uber, Lyft or shuttle you want. I would choose a hotel in the downtown/17th street area of Fort Lauderdale, with lots of nearby dining and shopping options. Embassy Suites is popular, but there are many others in the vicinity. Post cruise just grab a taxi - the ride from Port Everglades to FLL takes about 10+ minutes (and the fare shuould be under $20 on the meter). YOu might tip a little extra to account for the time spent installing and uninstalling the car seat. Welcome to the boards and have a great cruise!

I would also check with Larry's Limos.

For an 11:15 flight, even with pre-check you need to be at MIA about 10:00. The ride from PE to MIA will take about an hour, so that translates into off the ship, with bags, and clear of customs/immigration by NLT about 8:45. As Bruce said, you can make it but it will be stressful. Do you want to spend your cruise worried about making your flight home? I would find a flight leaving early afternoon but it's your call.

The drive from POM to FLL takes about 40+ minutes depending upon traffic. UberLlyft and taxi are common options. Lots of shared shuttles will also get you from FLL and nearby hotels to POM and from POM back to FLL - fares start at about $15 per person - but you may need to wait for the van to fill (not a good option if you are pressed for time). What time does your flight depart?

Nachi for uncrowded, relaxing and good/food/service. Paradise Beach or Sanchos for a livelier atmosphere (the facilities and food are better at PB than Sanchos IMHO). For a smaller facility with no beach, but pool, snorkeling and good food/drinks that is walking distance from most ships check out Del Mar Latino.

Most of those excursions drop off at the airport about 1:00-2:00 and the OP's flight is not until 9:00. Resortpass.com is an idea - hotel/resort passes that allow you to use their beach/pool/spa facilities. Tip them to store bags while you swim, relax and grab lunch drinks.

Hop on/off bus tours are a good way to see Maimi and Miami Beach on a port stop - get off when you see something interesting or a good food option and then get back on. The south beach area is relatively close to the port ($20+ in a taxi) with dining, beaches, museums, etc. Miami also has a nice zoo.

Cocoa Beach Shuttle, Cortrans or Uber/Lyft