Logistics for a bunch of first timers

[FirstRodeo]

Hi guys and gals. I surprised my mom with a 3-day Bahamas cruise (this upcoming January!) for her birthday. Neither of us have been before - on a cruise, to the Bahamas, or to Florida. I have a few first timer questions regarding logistics and what not... Thank you all in advance for being of help to us.

 

We are flying in to Fort Lauderdale, FL because it was much cheaper. Our cruise leaves from the port in Miami. We are hoping to get a hotel the night before to avoid any stress or rushing. Have any of you guys done this before? What is your suggested means of transportation to get from Ft. Laud airport to Miami?

 

Any recommendations of hotels to stay in Miami that are close/in downtown that allow you to walk around and explore?

 

It seems that a lot of the hotels may offer a free shuttle to the port in Miami? Not sure if this is true!

 

Thanks again guys. We are so excited to spend this time together!

[SeaThruU]

Our family stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Downtown Brickell pre-cruise last summer. They have Stay-and-Cruise packages that provide transportation to the cruise port. It is in a great area with lots of restaurants and a nice place to walk around. It is also one of the nicest Hampton Inns we had ever seen.

[CruiserBruce]

A little reading down the board would see many recommendations to stay in Ft Lauderdale, because it is generally cheaper. Then shuttle to the Port of Miami the next day.

 

Additionally, the later in the day you arrive in Ft Lauderdale, the less available shuttles are. Another reason to stay in Ft Lauderdale.

 

Lastly Uber is gaining popularity in the area, and on this board.

[Lido_Deck]

A little reading down the board would see many recommendations to stay in Ft Lauderdale, because it is generally cheaper. Then shuttle to the Port of Miami the next day.

 

Additionally, the later in the day you arrive in Ft Lauderdale, the less available shuttles are. Another reason to stay in Ft Lauderdale.

 

Lastly Uber is gaining popularity in the area, and on this board.

 

Bruce is a Cruiser so listen to his advice. :cool:

 

This question is asked every week, sometimes daily so read down the board and you will get plenty of opinions, but bottom line, Bruce is correct.

 

It will be much easier and less expensive to get a hotel in Ft Lauderdale, preferably one with a free airport shuttle. If you have the time and want to stay near the beach then that would be a different story.

 

A new player in the transportation market is Prestige Transportation. I don't have any experience with them other than meeting Jack the other day who was well dressed, well spoken, very polite and had a nice, shiny, clean, new van waiting for his passengers.

 

Jack - 954- 652-9571

http://airportshuttledavie.com

[easyboy]

Since this is your first time in Florida, maybe you can identify what comes to mind that you have heard from friends, or read, that will interest you, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Book a hotel in the place you wish to explore. If no preference, you may consider booking a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale where it is cheaper, your consideration in choosing a flight.

 

 

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[negn]

Staying in FLL is cheaper, just make sure you find a hotel that one of the shuttles will service. For example, SAS and Jiffy only service certain hotels due to traffic and trying to get over the bridge

We'll be staying in one of the Holiday Inns as free shuttle from airport and transportation to Miami only $15pp Not much to see though.

May want to consider Uber also