Expert: Linda - 2/7/2010

Question
Hi,

I am taking a Carnival cruise in March 2010. I've read many a posting that say you can bring water and soda on board. I am flying into Ft. Lauderdale on the day of the cruise. Where is the best place to purchase water and soda to put in a carry-on before we get to the dock? Am I stuck with purchasing from the airport gift shops?

Thanks! Jody W.

Answer
Jody,

good question, think this is the first time this one was ever asked!  OK, the least expensive place to buy water and soda is the Publix on 17th street in Ft Lauderdale.  You didn't say if you were driving or flying, but think you may be flying since you mentioned the airport gift shop.  The Publix is only about2-3 miles from the Port so is really convenient, but don't know whether  by the time you pay the taxi both ways if you're saving any money over buying at the airport gift shop.

You may consider going to cruisecritic.com.  Join the community, it's free. then go to "boards", then to Carnival....then Meet and Mingle.  choose your cruise ship, then navigate to the date you are sailing.  This will give you a whole thread on people sailing on your cruise.  You can post a question asking if anyone will pick up soda and water for you, and bring to the ship.  You can then meet that person, exchange soda and water and go on board.  We lived in ft Laud and we did this for people, no problem for us cause we had a car.

Otherwise Jody, you may be better off buying in the airport rather than take a cab.  If your luggage is under weight, pack your water and bring it with you. It really depends on how badly you need your water and soda and what you need to do to bring it with you.  Remember, you can bring these things on board from the ports you visit; but again, they also tend to be more expensive than buying in the US.

Have a wonderful trip Jody

Linda