Expert: Linda - 11/8/2006

Question
Hi Linda,

Is it better to go to Miami airport or the Fort Lauderdale airport? How far is each from the Miami port?

Thank you.

Be well,

Alain

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Linda,

My wife and I are going on our first cruise on Dec 17 out of Miami. We plan to come to Miami either on 12/15 or 12/16. Since it seems the the airport is 20 mns from the port, is there a hotel that would offer shuttles from the airport to their hotel (which is walking distance to port)? If so, please let me know since we would like to minimize using a taxi.  Thanks.

Alan
-----Answer-----
Wow, this is a loaded question!  Dec is our high season so you'll pay more for a hotel then you would in summer.  I'll give you some suggestions.  First, don't use the cruise line for your hotel, they're a lot more expensive.  If you're SURE you're going to do this cruise and you've booked your flight, then I'd use Priceline.com to book my hotel.  You'll want to check "downtown Miami".  I'd start this process now as if you don't get your bid on priceline you must wait 72 hours before bidding again. The money you'll save on the hotel will more than pay for your taxi from the airport to the hotel.  From the hotel to the port is around $10.00.  It's NOT walking distance...unless you're a real walker!  What seems close is not THAT close.  If Priceline is too risky, then you can look on Hotels.com and before you book, ask if they offer a shuttle.  I also suggest going to cruisecritic.com, sign in as a member, it's free, then go to MESSAGE BOARDS, then to CARNIVAL, then you'll see lots of options and one of them is hotels.  You can also post a question there and ask them as you did me.  It's a VERY active cruise board with lots of great people and great advice and tips.  I absolutely AGREE that you must come in at least a day ahead of time; we've heard too many stories about having to catch up with the ship in San Juan because flight was delayed for weather or mechanical.  You don't need to start your cruise stressed!

Please ask again if there is anything I can do to help

Linda

Answer
Since you're leaving from Miami, going to MIA is a better choice.  It's about 45 min from Ft.Laud airport to the port.
MIA to port is 20 min.  You may find a hotel in Miami that will take you to the airport; but will NOT find one in Ft.Laud that will take you to Miami.

A lot will depend on where you get the best price for your airfare and if would be less expensive to fly to Ft.Laud and take a shuttle (I think it's now $20/person) from the airport to the port, or less expensive to just fly into MIA.

Linda