I'm Coming To Florida

Can anyone give me tips? I am getting on a cruise that departs Feb 11th 2007. Should I fly into Miami or Ft Lauderdale? We are gonna come in on Friday morning and will need a hotel for 2 nights. We would like to stay near the port and on the beach. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks Nadine

Which port are you going out of? If it is Ft. Lauderdale then by all means fly into and stay in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Many times you can get much better airfare by flying into Ft. Lauderdale. I am sure some local people will respond with better and more detailed information than what I have, but many of the hotels in the area offer free shuttles to/from the airport and to/from the port. You might want to check out some of the properties on this list from the Port Everglades website. http://porteverglades.org/miles-to-hotels.htm Red

Are you going out of Ft Lauderdale, or Port of Miami? If it's Port of Miami, definitely fly into MIA and try and get a hotel on Miami Beach. Enjoy!!!

I am porting from Port of Miami. How far is Ft Lauderdale from Miami? From what I would be saving in flight money, would I be spending it on travel to get to Miami? Nadine

Yes, exactly what Barbara said - very good advice. Ft Lauderdale is a good 40 miles from Miami, and the traffic can be bad down here, so we're talking 2 hours! I'd definitely stay near the port and enjoy everything that is just near there like Bayside. Have fun!

Nadine if you're cruising out of the port of miami - I would suggest the holiday inn on biscayne blvd - it's right across from the port - clean and reasonably priced. Right across the street is Bayfront - an open air mall - with free concerts etc. You can rent a car and the hotel has secure parking - drive over to SOBE - South beach for dinner @ Larios/Bongo's on the beach (owned by Gloria Estefan) or you can stay near the port and catch a concert @ American Airline arena and have dinner @ BONGO's there - go dancing afterward on sat..... It's all good! Barbi

Thanks for the great input. I will definately check that out. Nadine

I'm jealous...I haven't went on a cruise in years. I prefer Ft. Lauderdale than Miami, but it does depend on which port. Have fun kid. renee

Nadine.....a cruise is so exciting. Have you cruised before? I have been on two cruises this year and hope I can talk DH into going again in early February. Living in Miami, I'm most familiar with the Miami port but Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is good, too. You will have so much fun. luvitsunnyv

Hey Nadine!!! I agree with the others ft lauderdale is like John Wayne is to LAX. The closest one would be the best but knowing flights these days Miami might be your best bet and be bussed to the port. I cannot believe you will be soo close yet so far from lakeland. If you had of picked Cape Canaveral I would have picked you up! I hope you enjoy the "other sunshine state" while you are here Take Care ET formally of Ladera ranch.CA