Anyone park at the port? A few questions...

[Enna]

We're planning on leaving our vehicle at the port the next time we cruise.

How far is the parking area from the baggage drop-off? Do we unload one adult and all of the luggage, or one adult, both kids and all of the luggage, and have one person park?

Are there any safety concerns with leaving the vehicle at the port?

Is the $10/day parking a rolling 24 hour timeframe or is it for any portion of the day? (In other words, is it $40 for a 4-night cruise, or $50?)

When debarking, are the porters gracious about helping us back to our vehicle (if tipped appropriately) OR do we have someone fetch the car and meet us curbside?

Any other tips we should know? TIA!

 

[alikat99]

How far is the parking area from the baggage drop-off? Do we unload one adult and all of the luggage, or one adult, both kids and all of the luggage, and have one person park?

The parking isn't far, but we always drop off everyone with the luggage and my DH drives the car over to the parking lot and meets us inside.

Are there any safety concerns with leaving the vehicle at the port?

We have never had any concerns. It is a secure lot.

Is the $10/day parking a rolling 24 hour timeframe or is it for any portion of the day? (In other words, is it $40 for a 4-night cruise, or $50?)

It has actually gone up to $12 per night. So, if you are on a 4-night cruise, the cost is $48, paid in advance.

When debarking, are the porters gracious about helping us back to our vehicle (if tipped appropriately) OR do we have someone fetch the car and meet us curbside?

The porters will bring your bags out to your car, but of course, tip them appropriately.

 

[staceymerrill]

Parking at the port is a delight....

You can literally throw a rock and hit the terminal from the lot....it's like 100 feet!!!....unload everyone in your party and luggage at the terminal drop off, then go park....you pay in advance for the length of your cruise (7 day cruise =$70.00, but I think, but am not sure, that the rates may have recently gone up to $12.00 per day)....

no safety concerns whatsoever....lot is well guarded......

when debarking, you take escalator or elevator down to baggage area...porters will be there to assist you....they are very nice, but very quick b/c they make their $ in tips....they will and expect to lug your stuff all the way to where your car is parked.....

 

[webray]

Pull up, drop everyone and your luggage and let the driver go park the car.

When you debark, there are plenty of porters to help you to the car, no problem there..they are great.

 

[Enna]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[lbgraves]

The porters have always told us to get the kids buckled into their seats & they will load the bags in the back for us. They have been great!

 

[ricka47]

It is so easy. Don't stand in line to get off. (I didn't understand that at all.) Have an extra cup of coffee and be one of the last ones off. Your luggage will be easy to find. Get a porter or lug it yourself out to the car and your on the way home. Very good and one of the reasons that we're doing it again in September!

 

[sammidoodle]

Ricka47...I see you are from Fernandina Beach. We are planning on staying there in the Hampton Inn downtown after the cruise before we head back to Virginia. Do you think that's a great place to stay (unfortunately only one night!)? Where do you recommend for dinner with teens?