Expert: Linda - 3/11/2010

Question
Hi Linda.  I am taking a Carnival cruise in November and am planning to fly into Fort Lauderdale so my question is: What is the latest time of day I can fly into Fort Lauderdale and have enough time to board in Miami Port?  I would also like to know what would be the earliest time of day I should plan to fly out of FLL?  The cruise is departing port at 4:00 and expected to arrive in the am.  Thanks, Carrie

Answer
Carrie, the answer really depends on your personality...sounds funny, but some people have no problem arriving at the last minute.  I'm going to base my answer on being a little lenient to account for traffic jams, accidents etc.

You will be leaving the port at 4 PM and must be on no later than 3;30 pm.  You are 45 minutes from Ft Laud airport to the port of Miami, 30 min to get your bags, 15 min to catch a cab and 20 minutes to get into the port and get checked in at Port of Miami.

If it were me, I would want a flight that gets me into Ft Laud no later than 11 AM.  that doesn't take into account where you're flying from though and whether you'll be changing planes.  Understand though, I don't want any stress when I'm starting my cruise, so your tolerance may be more than mine.

As for your flight back home, don't plan on a flight before noon.  When you get onboard, within the first 2 days or so, go to the pursers desk and show them your tickets so you'll get the appropriate ticket for disembarkation.  This is one time I WOULD take advantage of Carnival transportation from the Port to ft Laud. Must less hassle then taking a cab and you can be sure they'll get you off the ship and on that bus.

Have a wonderful cruise Carrie, ask away if you have any other questions.

Linda