Expert: Linda - 9/10/2006

Question
i will be flying in to miami for a cruise.  I wanted to stay in miami 1 day before the cruise. where is a good place to stay and how will i get to the port from the hotel?
What are transfers? will i need these? how do i get from the port back to the hotel? i was given a trip from my boss and have never been on a cruise before. need all the help that I can get.
Thank you

Answer
First, I want to go to work for YOUR boss!.  You're in for a great time!  Coming the day ahead of time is the only way to go, no worries about late flights etc.  That being said, you can stay near the port, or you can stay in South Beach, staying near the port is more affordable than South Beach.  If you want to stay near the port, the best way to get a great deal is to go to hotels.com and take a look at the properties near the port, there is a Radisson, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, many others, look at the prices for the dates you want to stay, but do NOT book thru them, this is just to give you an idea of the prices.  Next go to Priceline.com, that's where you will purchase your hotel room.  You put in Miami and they will give you options to choose from, you will choose "downtown miami", that's the area closest to the port.  Do some reading on the site before you do this because you cannot cancel, change etc once booked.  If when you see $120 on hotels.com, then put in $60 for priceline.com.  You will also choose a catagory of hotel, you want to put in 4 or 5 stars the first time.  If you don't get your price, you can add 3 stars, or you can wait 72 hours and try again and up your price by $5.00  You asked about getting from port to hotel, I think you mean airport to hotel and hotel to port.  MOST hotels offer pick up at the airport and take you to thehotel.  From the hotel to the pier/port, take a cab, it's only $10/$15 as downtown miami is right across from the port.  Now, when you check into the hotel, smile nice and ask if there is ANY way you could have a port view.  You 'd like that cause you'll be able to see your ship pull in very early in the morning on the day of your cruise.  Now, getting back to the airport, you want to buy a transfer.  It'll cost you $15-$20, but for one person, it's less expensive than a cab.  That transfer will take you from the port to the airport.  There are plenty of places at Bayside, which is next to the port for you to eat, (not shop, too expensive) and drink.  

You didn't say how old you were, but a lot of young people like to go to South Beach, but, if you do go, the cab fare is expensive, the clubs all charge a cover charge and you will pay $10 for a drink.  To me, not worth it, but then again, I'm not in my 20's either :).

Now, when you're in Miami, you can go on a sightseeing cruise that will show you all the rich and famous homes, "in" bars, or you can get on a "duck", which goes on land, then into the water. There are also city tours, museum tours, all can be arranged by seeing the concierge at your hotel.  Remember, do NOT bring anything liquid in your carry on bag, it will be confiscated.  I had some friends loose very expensive perfume that was in their purse.  Lipstick is OK, chap stick is NOT.  The day of the cruise, if you're a person wanting to get some sun, pack your bathing suit, cover up and flip flops in your carry on bag to the ship.  This way you can go to your cabin, change clothes and go to the pool without waiting for your luggage to arrive.  Pick up the little map on the desk in your cabin and start at the top of the ship and work your way down so you know where you are.

Enjoy yourself, you'll have a great time, ask away if you have more questions.

Linda