Cruising from Miami (post Orlando) advice

[Coconut8473]

I had originally booked a 3 night on the Wish following our Universal trip this summer (Labor Day weekend) for our family of 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 8 & 12, but after careful consideration, as much as we are dying to check it out, I couldn't justify the premium $$ for a 3 night sailing. I switched to a 3 night cruise out of Miami on the Dream for nearly $1500 less (same category, same dates), but have never cruised from Miami before. We have a 2 day buffer between our Universal check-out and our cruise departure. Does anyone have any recommendations for making our way down to Miami? Is renting a car and driving the way to go, or would a flight be better? I know it's not a super long drive, but given we have a bit of time, is there any sort of "road trip" stops or fun we could do on our way south? We're even open to taking the train - prices seemed to be pretty reasonable on Amtrak (plus we live in a city so are used to taking public transportation everywhere).

I'm also toying with cancelling the cruise altogether in favor of adding on a short WDW stay to our trip instead. We typically go to WDW annually, so doing Universal this year instead is already a big switch for us... but I've sort of been a bit turned off by all of the up-charges and price increases, frankly, so thought a cruise would be a better way to get our Disney fix in this year.

Would love any thoughts or advice on how to make this trip the most fun!

 

[randumb0]

I wouldn't fly because when you factor in the early checkin and airport security the time saved is negligible. In terms of road trips there isn't much unless you want to stop at Yeehaw Junction lol because you are driving through the middle of the state and all of the cool areas are on the coast. That's assuming you take the Turnpike.

 

[ChanaC]

I used to make the drive between Orlando and South Florida all the time. You're looking at about a four hour drive. It's pretty easy (you can take the Turnpike or I-95 up and down, and it's pretty much a straight shot once you are on the highway). When I do the drive, I usually drive straight through or maybe stop once for the bathroom. Both the Turnpike and I-95 have lots of rest stops, with the Turnpike having fairly nice indoor food courts. Renting a car is probably the easiest option if there is a drop off location by the port, especially one with shuttle serve. My thoughts are:

- Stay in Orlando a little longer and just leave on your ship boarding day. If you leave your hotel around 8:00am, you should get to the port around 11:00am, which is right about when you can board. Maybe even give yourself some wiggle room to stop for bathroom breaks or to get breakfast. If you don't want to spend another day in Universal, look at other Orlando things to do (there are plenty of suggestions in the Orlando Hotels thread - shopping, museums, outdoor activities, even stuff for the locals). Or just have a dedicated pool day. Maybe stop by Disney Springs for a Disney fix.

- Get to Miami early and do some Miami tourist things. There are lots of museums, beaches, and other things to do. Having the rental car during this period would be great. You can go a little out of the way to the west of Miami to go to the Everglades.

- If you want to do the road trip option, maybe follow I-95 and stop somewhere like Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, or Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood. You can find things to do in each town, whether it's museums, outlet malls, nature stuff, or more beaches. Just south of Orlando you get a few smaller towns, but once you get to Palm Beach County it's mostly suburbs.

Lot of options, but a multiday road trip isn't really necessary. I would focus on spending an extra day or two in either Orlando or Miami, or do some Googling and see if there is something in between that really looks interesting. Do you or the kids have any particular interests or things you would really want to do?

 

[JM_97]

Probably just me but I would stay in Miami the night before. I would feel rushed if I left the day of and my mind would automatically think about what could go wrong with a short time frame lol

You don't need a fancy hotel before a cruise anyway. A Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn would be more than enough. To me, the peace of mind would be invaluable.

I can't speak for the drive as I've never made it, but Google says its 3.5 hours. I would get a decent hotel in Miami and hit the beach or do something fun down there the day before.

 

[mousefan73]

There is plenty to see on both coasts driving down if you want to, or just do a straight shot and you are down there in a half a day.. Honestly unless you want to tour on the way down, IMO; driving straight there and staying on Miami Beach would be fun. Granted will be hot then, but i was pleasantly surprised on how nice Miami Beach is.

And I loved getting to the port of Miami much more vs Orlando to PC... sailing out of Miami is one of the best port views I have ever experiend.

 

[LadyBeBop]

I love a good road trip. Unfortunately, most of the good road trip destinations are either north or west or Orlando. The turnpike is nothing but miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles. I do have a few thoughts.

1). Go over and spend the day at the Kennedy Space Center. After that, make your way down A1A.

2). Make your way down US 27 and spend some time in the Everglades.

3). Fly down to Key West, rent a car and drive north up the Overseas Highway.

In all three cases, make sure you spend the night before your cruise in either Miami or within 30 miles of Miami. That way, it’s an easy, stress-free jaunt to the port.

 

[JM_97]

Also — I don't know your cruise history so this may not be new info but a lot of hotels in/near cruise ports will offer special deals where you can keep your car at the hotel and they will give you a ride to the port. Usually you can save some money and it's one less thing to worry about on embarkation day, which is already stressful.