Sailing from Florida has some distinct advantages for cruise travelers. Host to the three top cruise ports in the world, a variety of ships and cruise lines have itineraries that begin and end in Florida. Pre- and Post-cruise activities along with hotel stays are popular in the sunshine state too. Those flying, driving or taking a train in to Florida for a cruise want to know the answers one of three questions.
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The answers often depend on how many people one might be traveling with. In Miami, for example, a SuperShuttle ride to a pre-cruise hotel might be the best value for a multi-generational family of eight. A couple might just as well take a cab or rent a car if time permits some freestyle sight seeing in the area.
Port Miami-
Getting To The Port
While cruise line transfers make for an easy way to check ‘getting to the port’ off the list, cruise travelers often find themselves waiting for a big bus to fill up as others arrive off different flights. The fare between the Miami International Airport and PortMiami is currently a flat rate of $24. For other destinations, the cab fare is $2.40 upon entering the taxi and $2.40 per mile thereafter.
Park, Sleep, Cruise Packages
Top honors go to the Comfort Suites Miami Airport hotel, Springhill Suites and the Best Western Premiereat Miami International Airport
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Port Everglades
Getting To The Port
Just a 10 minute cab ride from Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International airport (FLL) a cab ride is the way to go here.
Cruise-Friendly Hotel With Shuttle
There are a bunch of them. Checking in with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are over 30 hotels offering a variety of services including transfer to/from the airport/cruise port, long-term parking (both included in a stay and ala carte). Dayrooms, for those with late flights out after sailing, are also offered and give travelers a place to store their luggage. (Airline regulations limit checking in luggage to 4 hours prior to flight)
Park, Sleep, Cruise Packages
Top choices include Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Best Western Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port and Comfort Suites Airport & Cruise Port
Port Canaveral
Getting To The Port
While most cruise travelers fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) to sail from Port Canaveral, other airports are also available including Melbourne International Airport (MLB), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB).
45 minutes away from Orlando, a cab is not a good idea. In this case, cruise line transfers (about $35 per person each way) can be one of the best values. A shared ride shuttle service is also a good choice. Some travelers choose to rent a car, drop it at a car rental office in Cocoa Beach, spend the night there then cruise the next day.
Park, Sleep, Cruise Packages
The Comfort Inn and Suites in Cocoa Beach is a good choice for travelers able to fly in a day or so before sailing from Port Canaveral. TheLa Quinta Inn and Suites has a package also.
This year, Florida cruise ship ports are busier than ever with more ships calling Florida home than ever before.
Host to ports in or near Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida will see 75 ships from 17 cruise lines this year. That brings a lot of travelers to Florida from all around the world, if only for a short time.
“Florida’s ports offer prime positioning and close proximity to the Caribbean and they are each served by major international airports,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association in anOrlando Sentinelreport.