How hard to get a post-cruise cab @ FLL?

[martdm]

I'm just wondering if those of you who have travelled through this port could give me some idea of what will be involved in getting a cab to the airport?

 

Is there a taxi stand?

How fast does the line move?

Are we better off booking a private car?

 

Appreciate any experiences you can share! Thanks!

[msolberg]

We were on RCCL last year out of FLL. We weren't worried about arranging a ride back to the airport because we had such a late flight.

 

When we got off the ship, we couldn't get a cab to save our you know whats. Finally, I walked up to someone with a clipboard and a radio and she was nice enough to radio another shuttle for us.

 

I don't think standing there looking dumb like we did is the way to go. ;) If I were to do it again, I would definitely arrange transportation beforehand.

 

Diane

[S.S.Oceanlover]

last summer we sailed out of FLL and after getting off the ship, we gathered our luggage and got a porter. He loaded up our bags and took them to wear the taxis are and he got us a cab. Maybe 5 minutes wait time.

 

Bill

[alhohen]

Just got off the Liberty on Saturday, 1-21-06. We wanted to get a cab but as we walked out the door someone said airport and escorted us to a van right away and we were there in about 15 minutes. Cost about 8 dollars per person. When we were there there were lots of vans looking for our business. I'm sure there were private taxis also but the van wasn't bad at all.

[martdm]

Thanks for all the info.

 

So, for purposes of clarification, the taxis/shared vans are right there when you come out of the terminal or do you have to know where to find them?

 

The reason I'm asking about all this is that we have an early flight (11:45 am) and really won't be able to wait in line for an hour for transportation. I thought if it was dicey we'd spring for a private car but, since $65 is a lot of money for a 10 minute ride, I'd rather avoid that if we can.

 

msolberg - were you late in getting off the ship when you had that experience or were you in the thick of things and there was no transport for everyone?

 

alhohen & S.S. Oceanlover - could you also give me some sense of when you hit the street?

[celticd1]

We just returned from the Legend on Feb. 5th. We were off the ship by 9:30am, found our luggage with no problem and headed outside to grab a cab/van/shuttle (whatever we could find fast). It was a mess. There was no rhyme or reason to the crowd we found waiting for cabs/vans/shuttles. I asked a Carnival employee which way to go for a cab, he pointed to the right. When that didn't seem to be working, I asked a different employee which way to go, she pointed to the left. Finally, I asked a policewoman directing traffic what I should do. She flagged down a cab for us, but I had to literally throw a piece of our luggage into the cab's trunk because another woman tried to grab the same cab. I have since read that the best thing to do is to get a porter as soon as you get your luggage (like S.S.Oceanlover did). They must have the "power"! LOL

[msolberg]

My experience was a lot like the previous poster's. It was mayhem. As this was our first cruise out of FLL maybe we were a little lost but we have cruised out of Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville, and it just didn't seem very organized. Luckily we were in no rush.

 

I would hate for you to waste your money based on our experience but I certainly wouldn't want you standing there sweating bullets trying to make your plane.

 

Hopefully someone who has grabbed a cab more than once out of this port can be of more assistance.

 

Diane

[berniez]

We just returned to this port on Feb 12. We got off the ship at 8:10 retrieved our luggage. The 4 of us grabbed a cab which was a minivan by 8:30AM. We were at the airport by 8:45AM. Cab fair was $14.00 for all 4. Metered cab. Gave the cabbie $20.00 Well worth it as some of the cabs charge by the person around $8.00 each, which would have made it $32.00 plus tip for the 4 of us. Even if you are 2, the cab fair should be no more than $15.00 depending on which airport terminal you are at. Tip as you want.

bernie

[mrdood]

We were off the boat and in the parking lot at 7:30am, we were probably the 4th group off, no cabs, no vans, nothing! DW and I headed east down the entrance road intersection and flagged a cab down.

 

On later cruises, I have heard that the cabbies were becoming aware of the self debark crowd and the times so it has changed.

[janetz]

Into a terminal we were hearded.at 9:30. :DI held up a $10 and called for a porter. He got our luggage right away, grabbed us a taxi and we were at the airport before 10 for an 11:30 flight. very easy..use the $10!

[martdm]

Wow, what differing experiences!

 

Thanks for the tip janetz - are the porters readily accessible? Can you describe their uniform or something that would help me identify them? Or, should I just use the big mouth I've been blessed with & give a good yell of "PORTER!" while I wave my cash :)

 

You guys are a tremendous help. Sorry for all the questions!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Just look for the guys sweating profusely pushing hand trucks or luggage carts then start waving, yelling, holding up $10.00. Once the porter grabs your luggage, he said follow me and he was off like a shot. Had to walk fast to keep up. He seemed to know most of the cabbies. He said something to one of them, pointed at us, and the next thing we know we were off to the airport.

 

Once out the doors to the terminal, the cabs are lined up at the curb, which is a short walk from the terminal.

 

Bill

[martdm]

Hehehehehehehe...great desciption! Gave me a good laugh!

 

Thanks again for the info...I really appreciate it!

[janetz]

The way I told you to get a porter...I found that tip on this website last year.

We always grab a taxi. We are always at the airport beofre the cruise shuttles and buses arrive with the mass of passengers. :p

[cruisetmc]

since you have an early flight, you should get early debarkation luggage tags.

 

We were the third group off the Caribbean Princess, also used a porter and he took us to a waiting van.

 

Also, the airport security backs up and they were taking the flights before noon people out of the lines and sending them thru security ahead of the others. We had an 11:30 flight and were in the gate area about 45 minutes before.