Cruising from FLL

[wdwnuts]

This is our first time cruising out of FLL. Should we fly into Miami or FLL? Not sure which is the best option.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

Fort Lauderdale airport is super duper close to Port Everglades. There's also a whole host of different hotels within 5 to 10 minute driving time. I suppose it depends on economics in which one is easier / cheaper for you. All things being equal I would (and have) fly into fort Lauderdale airport

 

[Pixarfans]

If you can go into FLL it’s better. Smaller airport and 15-20 ride to port.
West palm beach is about 50 minutes north and also small, just not as many transport options. Miami is big but not far (maybe 30 minutes).

 

[justafigment27]

We flew into FLL. Very easy and lots of hotels in the area for the night before. After the cruise, it’s a quick transfer to the airport.

 

[starvenger]

I think FLL is the better way to go. As mentioned, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. The cluster on SE 17th street basically caters to the cruise crowd, and there's plenty of restaurants and stores to eat at/grab the things you forgot to pack/buy wine. Some of the hotels have shuttles, but uber/lyft is very convenient from there as well.

Leaving the ship, it is super quick to FLL, so you can take earlier flights (but not TOO early of course). Just walk off the ship and you'll be at the terminal within 30 minutes.

With all that said, Miami is still pretty close and I wouldn't completely dismiss flying into there if I got a really good deal.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I suppose it depends on economics in which one is easier / cheaper for you. All things being equal I would (and have) fly into fort Lauderdale airport

I'll add that direct flights to FLL can be limited from some cities.

 

[CruiseGoon]

Unless you have something in mind that you want to do in Miami, FLL is the way to go. It's a much nicer airport, calmer, less crowded, plenty of hotels nearby with plenty of dining options that are walkable. Although the shuttle pick-up area has a lot to be desired.

 

[shb5007]

FLL. Just cruised out of FLL for the first time, and it was truly a breeze.

 

[jimmymc]

FLL is much closer, 15 minute ride from port and local hotels.

MIA is about 30 miles and can be a long ride with traffic.

 

[KKKKCS]

If cost isn't a concern, definitely Ft. Lauderdale. Super close to the port, lots of decent hotels, etc.. If money is tight, or there is a huge difference in flight costs, Miami is really not that far. Maybe an additional 20 minutes to the port or hotel. We have done both and prefer FLL, but for the times that MIA is significantly cheaper, MIA here we come.

 

[RedHead0186]

Either will work, but FLL is definitely closer to Port Everglades. But if schedules work better going to Miami, it's not a super long ride.

 

[Tinropanleng]

Honestly, flying into FLL was way easier for us — shorter lines, cheaper flights, and super quick to Port Everglades. MIA’s cool but adds extra travel time unless you get a crazy cheap fare.

 

[aboveH20]

I’ve been researching my question without much luck so am piggybacking this thread.

Just booked a cruise out of Lauderdale that leaves in five weeks. Usually I have months to do the planning but now feel like I’m in scramble mode with all the details.

Leaving at the end of the cruise, what’s the best way to get to the airport (and I just learned that FLL may not be amenable to long waits there). We usually do DCL transfer but I didn’t see that as an option when doing online check in. Therefore wondering about Uber or taxis. Seems like there will be a gazillion people looking to do the same. Do you order an Uber ahead of time? Is there a line of them waiting? Help

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

I’ve been researching my question without much luck so am piggybacking this thread.

Just booked a cruise out of Lauderdale that leaves in five weeks. Usually I have months to do the planning but now feel like I’m in scramble mode with all the details.

Leaving at the end of the cruise, what’s the best way to get to the airport (and I just learned that FLL may not be amenable to long waits there). We usually do DCL transfer but I didn’t see that as an option when doing online check in. Therefore wondering about Uber or taxis. Seems like there will be a gazillion people looking to do the same. Do you order an Uber ahead of time? Is there a line of them waiting? Help

We just got back from a cruise that was out of FLL. I could see a taxi stand in the port from my verandah. When I looked it was just taxis so not sure if it allows rideshares as well. I do not recall seeing any rideshare signage.

There was also not a lot of pedestrian space around the terminals to wait around.

 

[starvenger]

Yes, everyone will be heading to the taxis. But you shouldn't have wait long for one, and it won't take long to get to the airport.

Haven't tried Uber from the port as it's always been more convenient to grab a taxi. I'd imagine that you'd get surge priced a bit though, depending on how many ships are in port that day.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Do you order an Uber ahead of time? Is there a line of them waiting?

Have done Lyft XL from Everglades twice now. Called the car once we were past customs and was assigned a driver immediately. Super quick ride to the airport, easy peasy.

I don't pre-schedule in case something goes wrong and my timing estimate is off.

 

[RedHead0186]

I’ve been researching my question without much luck so am piggybacking this thread.

Just booked a cruise out of Lauderdale that leaves in five weeks. Usually I have months to do the planning but now feel like I’m in scramble mode with all the details.

Leaving at the end of the cruise, what’s the best way to get to the airport (and I just learned that FLL may not be amenable to long waits there). We usually do DCL transfer but I didn’t see that as an option when doing online check in. Therefore wondering about Uber or taxis. Seems like there will be a gazillion people looking to do the same. Do you order an Uber ahead of time? Is there a line of them waiting? Help

They do have DCL transfers from the port to the airport, my parents just did that last weekend. $29 one way, I believe. They also have a taxi stand right there and a rideshare waiting area, so you have plenty of options. Taxis seemed plentiful when we disembarked and there may be a short wait for a rideshare, but it wasn't too bad.

Yes, FLL doesn't handle crowds super well, so I wouldn't plan on getting there too far ahead of your flight (especially if you have checked bags, as they won't let you check more than 4 hours ahead of time and there's not a lot of stuff to do pre-security).

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

Definitely FLL. We just sailed the Destiny. Flying into FLL was closest and super easy.

 

[OhhBother]

FLL is definitely closer if the finances work. But MIA isn't bad if it's significantly cheaper (be sure to factor in transportation cost when comparing, though). We've done both and had no issues with either.