JohninDC

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

Most airline's will not allow you to check bags until 3-4 hours prior to your flight. You might check out luggage lounge ins South Beach where you can pay to store your bags until you are ready to head to MIA.

Call Hampton Inn or Homewood Suites in the Blue Lagoon area near MIA to see if you can pay for break fast there. Tip them to store your bags while you eat and run to the strip mall across the street for some and cruise supplies.

All the stops slow them down

Taxi on the same route will be about $30+ on the meter.

That's for a van cab and all 7 of you riding together. You could also split up into two standard cabs for about $12-13 for each cab.

From FLL to Port Miami a Publix grocery store would be less out of the way - shop fast as the cab meter will be running.

Tampa to Miami is about a 5+ hour drive. You could skip the hotel, be on the road by about 6:00, park at POM and be on the ship by lunchtime. You have options!

Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon is another often suggested hotel parking option, and is in a nicer area. The only port parking in Miami that is convenient, covered and secure is at POM and costs about $25/day! Since you are coming from Tampa have you looked at using 2 one-way rentals? That way there's no parking issues to deal with.

For an 11:00 flight you need to be at FLL NLT about 9:30 (earlier is better - especially if you do not have TSA pre-check). With the ride taking about 45 minutes that translates into off the ship, with bags, and clear of customs and immigration by about 8:30 - then line up and take the first cab you can. Expect the metered fare to be about $75+. Tight, but achievable.

Thanks! Nothing in SB is cheap.