merprincess Posted September 7, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 7, 2013 We will be returning from a transatlantic cruise next month to the port of Miami. We need transportation from the port to Ft. Lauderdale airport. I believe ship transfers run about $30.00pp, whereas the SAS service is $15.00pp. We are a group of 4 with significant luggage. If the Celebrity transfer is easier, I don't mind paying. However, if we will be sitting there until a large bus fills up, it may be better to go with SAS which would be a van. Has anyone had experience - pros or cons? Thanks:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohninDC Posted September 7, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Why wait on the bus and pay double? :confused: Just let SAS (or QLS or MJS or Go Airport Shuttle) that you will have lots of bags when you make a reservation. Your other option, for a few bucks more, is to book a private car/limo service for about $70-75+tip. Larry's Limos has been suggested often for Miami service. Good luck! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallie5446 Posted September 7, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Any of the 'shuttle' services will wait for the entire van/bus to fill, so the only way to avoid this is the private car route. We are in the same boat! Fly into FLL, cruise from Miami, then back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C 2 C Posted September 7, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 7, 2013 We like SAS. We would rather wait to fill a small van than a whole bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave85 Posted September 8, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I used SAS for my last cruise (also POM to FLL) and we were very pleased. So long as you understand that it's a shared ride van and everything that goes along with that, it's a great option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bighairtexan Posted September 8, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Another vote for SAS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare keesar Posted September 8, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Note that most of the shuttle services will drive around until the van is full. This may mean that you will circle around a couple of times waiting for cruisers to clear customs from other ships in Miami. This has happened to us but we were in no rush to get back to FLL. Also, most van services will not be there waiting for you. They are making the trips back and forth from the port to FLL. We have had to wait 45 minutes for one to pick us up even though we had a reservation. So if you are in a rush and don't want to wait, then do the private car/limo service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerseyGem Posted September 8, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 8, 2013 If you're in a hurry, use a taxi or private limo (with four, that might not be too expensive). SAS will be more convenient than X's shuttle, since a 15 passenger van will fill more quickly than a large bus, plus it's cheaper. We have used SAS a few times and would probably use them again. But as others mentioned, you might find yourselves driven all over the port and then all over Miami (to assorted hotels) before you actually reach the airport. Another concern with SAS- they really fill those vans, to the point that there will be more people than seatbelts. On one occasion, a woman had to sit on her husband's lap. On another trip, a young couple with a baby were upset because they weren't allowed to use their car seat for the baby (took up too much space which was needed for an adult body). In NJ, that might not have been legal, but apparently it is OK in FL (at least in vans?). As for luggage- should be no problem, their vans have a large space in the back for luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algebralovr Posted September 8, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 8, 2013 If you're in a hurry, use a taxi or private limo (with four, that might not be too expensive). SAS will be more convenient than X's shuttle, since a 15 passenger van will fill more quickly than a large bus, plus it's cheaper. We have used SAS a few times and would probably use them again. But as others mentioned, you might find yourselves driven all over the port and then all over Miami (to assorted hotels) before you actually reach the airport. Another concern with SAS- they really fill those vans, to the point that there will be more people than seatbelts. On one occasion, a woman had to sit on her husband's lap. On another trip, a young couple with a baby were upset because they weren't allowed to use their car seat for the baby (took up too much space which was needed for an adult body). In NJ, that might not have been legal, but apparently it is OK in FL (at least in vans?). As for luggage- should be no problem, their vans have a large space in the back for luggage. I've used SAS twice, and while all the seats were filled, they only loaded as many as they had seat belts. If they do try to cram more than there are actually belts, a quick call to Steve should send another van your direction. It probably meant more people than he planned for. As for the infant seat, you have to make the reservation to include the infant, not expect to get the infant for free. A number of people I've heard of think that just because the infant is present, they will be free. Lap babies are still allowed under the law in many places in hire-cars, even though they are not recommended. If a child requires a car seat, it is a matter of making the reservation to include the child, with a note that the car seat will be present and time will need to be allowed for installation. With a group of 4, I would be tempted to just hire a private car anyway, and discuss with the car service how much luggage you expect to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare keesar Posted September 8, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Another factor with a shuttle van is the excitement of sitting either next to the driver or in the first row. Those Miami highways are something else. Talk about road rage and crazy drivers. Brings you back to reality rather quickly. On our last trip with SAS, we drove around and around waiting for these people from Carnival. Driver was entertaining but when you have a flight coming up and you know there will be long lines at FLL and a possibility of a back-up on the highway... SAS is great if you have time on your side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoncom Posted September 8, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 8, 2013 A few mos. ago on late flite into FLL. Took 9 stops to get to SoBe. 1 1/2 hours, got in 1 AM.But this is the usual way when doing shared shuttle. SAS told me they do not run after 6PM. Dont know if that is only Miami. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demodawn Posted September 8, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 8, 2013 Are you coming into Miami or FLL? You didn't say in your first post. We have used Steve and agree with above had to pick a few people up but not the long wait on the cruise line shuttle we had on our first cruise. Two couples missed their flight waiting for the cruise line shuttle. If you are coming into FLL then just grab a cab. They are about $20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendon427 Posted September 10, 2013 #13 Share Posted September 10, 2013 If SAS is Steve (and I cannot find his card), they were wonderful. Right at the airport and again at the pier when they were supposed to. Polite, clean vans, etc., Would use him again without a second thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_G Posted September 10, 2013 #14 Share Posted September 10, 2013 SAS was great. We were supposed to call them but the driver called us as we were pulling our bags off the conveyor. Waited 5 minutes outside the terminal and off we went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merprincess Posted September 10, 2013 Author #15 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Thanks to everyone for their input. I did get a quote from Larry's Limos which was $138.00 including a 20% tip. I decided to book SAS and hope all will go smoothly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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