Flying in day of Cruise.. Options??

[momtoty2001]

We are flying into FLL on Oct. 1 at 9am and our cruise leaves that same day out of port of Miami.

 

I've read recommendations about using SAS for transport from FLL to Port of Miami but we would like to stop somewhere before the cruise to get some water and soda for the ship.

 

Does anyone know of a good option of a shuttle/taxi/rent a car in order to have a quick stop at a Walgreens/Walmart or somewhere nearby to get these items?

 

Also, we get in at 9 am and figure we will be out of the airport by 9:30 or 10 am at latest. What time can we start to board the ship..

 

Thank you so much! :)

[CruiserBruce]

Shuttles won't usually stop unless you "own" the shuttle- that is, you booked it entirely for your party. So you have a taxi. That is going to cost you $85 without the stop, plus tip. So, maybe a one way rental? All of these things are discussed daily on this board.

 

What tiome you start to board depends on the cruise line.

[JohninDC]

A one-way car rental (FLL to MIA) would be easier and cheaper -- National, Alamo and Thrifty shuttle to POM for free from MIA; Hertz and Dollar shuttle from their downtown locations. Good luck! :)

[momtoty2001]

Thank you for your response..

 

We are cruising on Carnival.

 

Do you know if there are any places nearby/walking distance to buy soda/water or would we need to take a taxi to one of these places?

 

Just trying to figure out what our best option is? Sounds like renting a one way car is a bit of a hassle just for the trip from FLL to Port of Miami? Not sure though..

[CruiserBruce]

There is no place close to the Miami port.

 

There is no need to bring water on board. The water on board is about the best you can get, in both taste and purity.

[mistycruiser]

There are a few stores within a few miles of FLL. When we were there in April staying at a hotel by the airport, they had a shuttle to a shopping center that had a KMart where we picked up wine, water, and sodas. If you really want to pick up items then I would suggest you get a cab over to a store to pick up the items that you want and ask the cab to wait while you do the shopping so they can return you to the airport.. Maybe just one of you take the cab and the rest wait at the airport? Then take the SAS shuttle from FLL to POM via SAS.

[royalcruz]

There are a few stores within a few miles of FLL. When we were there in April staying at a hotel by the airport, they had a shuttle to a shopping center that had a KMart where we picked up wine, water, and sodas. If you really want to pick up items then I would suggest you get a cab over to a store to pick up the items that you want and ask the cab to wait while you do the shopping so they can return you to the airport.. Maybe just one of you take the cab and the rest wait at the airport? Then take the SAS shuttle from FLL to POM via SAS.

This is the best plan I can think of. You can get a cab to and from the CVS on the corner of US1 and SE 17th St. There might be someplace closer but this is the closest place I can think of. Taxi will cost about $25 to get you back to the airport for SAS shuttle.

[JohninDC]

Taxi will cost about $25 to get you back to the airport for SAS shuttle.

 

I personally would rather drink the ship's water and spend the $25 on DOD's, but that's just me. :o

[Ashland]

We used SAS for our family of 6 adults...No..even though we booked them as "private" transportation...they would not make any stops (although I asked about stopping for breakfast :eek::D)...Go directly to the ship..no need really to stop anywhere (but breakfast would have been nice as we arrived at 6:30am from a redeye and we hate the options at FLL :()

[Eng23]

Okay, I'll be the first to say it. This is all based on you arriving to Ft. Lauderdale on time. If your flight is delayed for any reason your main concern is to get to the ship asap so as not to miss your sailing. :cool:

[Algebralovr]

For what you will spend on transportation trying to run around to save a few $ on water and soda, you will probably pay for those drinks on board.

[skandls]

We are flying into FLL on Oct. 1 at 9am and our cruise leaves that same day out of port of Miami.

 

Also, we get in at 9 am and figure we will be out of the airport by 9:30 or 10 am at latest. What time can we start to board the ship..

 

Thank you so much! :)

 

You must have only carryon luggage and have seats near the front of the plane if you think you can get out of the airport in 30 minutes. Our last flight arrived on time and as we were toward the back of the plane it took 20 minutes just to get into the terminal. Then we had to find our way to baggage and then to ground transportation. You will need to be on the ship 90 minutes before sail away.

 

If you are lucky you will have time for a 'shopping' stop. Do allow time for gliches getting into the port as sometimes those security lines that check for passenger ids can get a little backed up.

[Keith1010]

Here is an option.

 

After you arrive to the airport, take a shuttle over to the Port of Miami. Drop off your luggage.

 

If you want to save a few dollars and you don't mind a walk, walk from the port, over the bridge to the CVS near Bayside. Walk is 30 minutes.

 

Then purchase your items. Then get a taxi from either the Holiday Inn at Bayside or the Intercontinental (both within 5 minutes of CVS) and the cab should run around $12.00 plus tip.

 

If you don't like to walk then first take a cab from the Port over to the CVS.

 

Keith

[JohninDC]

Here is an option.

 

After you arrive to the airport, take a shuttle over to the Port of Miami. Drop off your luggage.

 

If you want to save a few dollars and you don't mind a walk, walk from the port, over the bridge to the CVS near Bayside. Walk is 30 minutes.

 

Then purchase your items. Then get a taxi from either the Holiday Inn at Bayside or the Intercontinental (both within 5 minutes of CVS) and the cab should run around $12.00 plus tip.

 

If you don't like to walk then first take a cab from the Port over to the CVS.

 

Keith

Good suggestions from Keith, but a 30 minute walk and a $12 cab ride -- you would have to be deperate for that particular brand of soda/water to spend that much time and money. I would drink ship's soda (buy a soda card if you drink more than 2-3 per day) and enjoy the ship's water before I went to this much trouble. Good luck!:)

[DanJ]

I agree with the posts about wasting time and money trying to bring your own pop and water to save a few bucks on the ship. It's just not worth it. If you have a private shuttle or car, then you might be able to get them to stop at a store quickly (this is different than asking them to sit around while you eat breakfast LOL), but no guarantees, as these guys are busy on cruise days, and time is money for them.

 

But you would end up spending way more for a private ride than you would for the shared vans and again negate any savings from bringing your own drinks on board.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

You could also buy just a bottle or two of soda and water at the airport and then buy more when you get to your first port.

 

Another option would be to bring a reusable water bottle and refill it from the Lido area each day. You may also want to bring on a box of the Crystal Lite or other brand of mix-ins for your bottled water. This may hold you over until you reach your first port and can get to a store to buy more soda.

 

Lastly, have you joined a roll call ? Perhaps you could kindly ask if another r/c member, who is driving in, could pick up your soda and water and then arrange to meet them at the port before boarding. Buying them a drink or two on board would be a very nice way to say thanks. :)

 

 

Good luck to you.

 

:)