Brit family in need of help

[Bellis Belle]

Hi Everyone. My family and I are off on a weeks western carnival cruise in Oct, I know this thread is for disney cruise but didnt know where to post this. I am interested in anyones past experinces of carnival, excursions, food, embarkation etc. Also we are finishing off with 8 days in Orlando at Coranado Springs. Whats the drive like from Miami. You are all so fab and experienced, I am sure you will have some ideas for me. Thanks in anticipation.

 

[bucky1023]

I've never actually made the trip from Miami to Orlando, but I believe it's about a 3 to 3 1/2 hour drive (depending on traffic and how fast you go).

I have also been on a number of cruises (carnival included) and always found them great. If i remember correctly I went with my mom and cousin (we were both in our early twenties) on Carnival and the food was great and ship was wonderful.

Just relax and have a wonderful time. You'll be on vacation, ENJOY IT!

 

[TootyJane]

For shore excursions for the Western Caribbean, I'd suggest:

Grand Cayman -- Stingray City. You can book through Carnival but I most people rave about Captain Marvin's or Captain Bryan.

Cozumel -- I recommend either of the following. Jungle Jeep Tour. Our three boys loved this excursions. Their comment was "This is better than Indiana Jones"!! Another great excursion was Eagle Ray Divers. We did the three reef snorkel excursion and loved it. Saw more fish on this excursion than any other we've been on and the lunch was fabulous.

HTH

 

[alexandrew]

I heard carnival is jolly good!!

 

[luvalldisney]

There is a relatively straight drive from Miami to Orlando. When you leave the port head to I-95 and go north about 20 miles to I-595. Go west on I-595 for about 3 miles to the turnpike. Get on the turnpike and go north. You will go all the way to Orlando on the turnpike. The cost is about $12. Head north past Kissimmee to Osceola parkway. Exit at the Osceola parkway and you will stay on this until you reach Disney. (cost on the Osceola is about $2) The turnpike is a limited access road but does have food , bathrooms and fuel about every 35 miles or so. Fuel is a bit high so make sure you are filled up before you get on the turnpike. Food depends on the rest stop, but they have subway, burger king and nathans at most of them. Cost of food is a bit higher than off the turnpike, but definately easier than exiting, looking for someplace to eat and returning to the turnpike. It should take about 4 hours from the port to Disney property. This estimate is based on normal traffic (not during rush hours) and 1 fifteen minute bathroom stop.
The Osceola is a pay highway but is not limited access, you will think you are on a regular city street, but to my family it is the fastest way to get to Disney.
There are other ways to get to the turnpike from I-95, but the one I have given you is the easiest and does not take you on city streets with traffic lights and possible wrong turns and missed signage. Until you reach West Palm Beach on the turnpike traffic will be heavy but usually moves rapidly. Just stick close to the speed limits and you should be okay.
Have a great trip!

 

[Bellis Belle]

Thanks so much for taking the trouble, those directions sound great have copied them down and I will investigate the websites for the excursions. I knew I could count on you friendly folk.

 

[bratray]

please check out this link- it is another community board with a lot of information on carnival http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

have a wonderful trip

 

[Sox_Fan]

Check out:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

The Cruise Critic boards offer a wealth of information about Carnival cruises.

 

[Bellis Belle]

Thanks guy's, fantastic, would never have found tjose without you. Bratray you have a very cute little pirate. A smile to melt anyone