Expert: Linda - 6/25/2007

Question
Hi Linda.  My husband and I will be sailing on our first cruise on July 6 from Miami to Nassau on Carnival Fascination.  We have a flight to the Miami International Airport arriving at 9:00 am.  I've read that you can not arrive at the port until an hour before embarkation, which is 1:00, I think.  Can you give us any suggestions on what we should do while we wait?  We'll have our luggage with us so I'm not sure how well we will be able to move around.

Answer
katey, it will take you about an hour to get downstairs and check your bags, then about 30 min to the port.  the closest place to "play" is Bayside which is across the bridge from the port.  Trying to schlep your bags and shop wouldn't be pleasant and there's no place at Bayside to check your bags.  To rent a car for such a short period of time doesn't make sense either.   I will tell you though, you'll be able to board before 1 PM.  Honestly, take a book, go to the port and there are places to just sit and chill out and read till they let you board.

The only other option is to book a tour thru Carnival BEFORE the cruise.  Your bags would be on the bus that way and you wouldn't need to worry about them.  Sorry I couldn't offer you more options.