Expert: Linda - 6/8/2007

Question
We're planning an August Cruise on Carnival leaving Miami port. WE're flying into Miami airport and I'm not sure how we're getting to the port.  WE've considered staying at a hotel one night just to have some beach time but I don't want to have to pay cab fair over and over again. Any suggestions on how to make a smooth vacation get from airport to hotel and hotel to port?

Answer
Yes, I have several and you can make your choices.
Stay the night before; book your hotel on priceline.com, choose "downtown Miami" you should get a nice hotel for under $80.  From any of the hotels you can catch a cab for under $10 to the port (it's right across the skyway).  Last year some were also offering free transport (Mariott).  Also check with the hotels as some DO offer transportation from the airport (always changing, so check first)  You won't have the beach, but each of the hotels is on the intercoastal and all have great pools, cabanas and bars.

Bite the bullet and book a hotel in South Beach so you'll have the beach; again use Priceline.com.  All the hotels are nice, but much further away from the port.  For this scenario, consider renting a car at the airport with drop-off at the port.  Again....all keeps changing, as of last year there were rental companies that did this.  More expensive than scenario one, but still fairly modest.

Go to cruisecritic.com, find your cruise line, then see if there is a thread started by other cruisers on your cruise and date.  Some people rent a car and don't mind another couple tagging alone.    Also some people might have already done the research for you and will save you some time.

For the trip from port to airport....save $, buy the transfer from the ship, just less hassle.

Let me know if you have any other questions