flying in the day of departure

[saraschuelke]

Hello,

Could someone tell me if my flight gets in at 11:15 in orlando is that enough time to get to the port. I really don't want to have to get a hotel and pay extra money. Please let me know what you think...

thank you

 

[disny4ever]

That will get you to the port in time as long as there are no cancellations due to weather or mechanical problems. That is always my concern and we do allow an extra day ahead for our flight.
If you make your air travel through DCL they will make sure you get to the boat, if you make your own travel arrangements and are late you are responsible for all costs catching up to the boat.
You will hear people expressing opinions both ways, it's just a personal choice to make.

 

[natt]

I agree, just go by time of year, and where you'll be coming from and if weather could be an issue. Using DCL transfers would help move things along, as you would not need to get your luggage off, and can go right to the bus loading area.

 

[Gillian]

When is your cruise? If you're flying from New England in the winter, I'd maybe think of moving it up. Well, actually, I'd fly in the night before, relax at the radisson, and get to the port with the early birds. But I get anxious when things (like weather & flight delays) are out of my control!

You can get a good deal at an airport hotel using priceline. Under $50/night. Most of them have shuttles. I haven't used it myself for before a cruise, but others on this board have, and I'm sure you could get good info. Depending on the # in your party, you could shuttle to the hotel, then get a town car to the port the next morning. I know someone onced asked about DCL taking your luggage the night before, but I can't remember the answer.

If that is your only option, then go for it & don't worry, but if you can change it, I would. Unless it's booked through DCL, then, as said before, it's not a problem.

 

[lUVTOGO]

We flew in on Spirit the day of the cruise and if I had to do it again, (which I Hope to) I would fly in the day before. We were supposed to board at 7:00 a.m., didnt board until 9:45 a.m. due to something wrong with plane. So they had to bump 36 passengers off the flight because the replacement plane was smaller. It was nerve racking, we finally arrived in Orlando at 12:30 and boarded at 2 p.m. which was a lot later then we had planned. Also we had to get up at 3 a.m. to leave for airport at 4 for the flight which makes for a long day for the kids. Next time I would leave on Friday so we can be relaxed when we board.

 

[atigeg]

I'm with Gillian! We used to always fly out the morning of our cruise and had major good luck, especially since we were flying out of Chicago, where snowstorms often close down the airports. That happened once on the way home, but never on our way to Orlando. Then, after 9/11, we switched to flying out the night before. We grab a hotel on Priceline (typially $25 to $29 for a three-star with free shuttle), then get a good night's sleep and have Happy Limo get us to the port bright and early. The only thing with Priceline is that they always put us in a connecting room (although we've never heard noise from next door), and last time they stuck us in a smoking room. But for the excellent price and one night, it's worth it to us not to have to worry about flight delays in the morning. We have also used sometimes used Hotwire ($33 for the Amerisuites).
Barb
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