Fort Lauderdale logistics (coming from West Coast)

[cruisehopeful]

Is anyone traveling across the country to cruise out of fort Lauderdale or Miami? I'm trying to figure out logistics and since I don't enjoy travel days, I'm not sure if I can make it work.

The best I can find for flying is going to be 9+ hours between layover and the time difference. Another thought is that I could add WDW before or after the cruise, but it's far enough that it's going to add a travel day, which I don't enjoy.

What are other people doing? I have the same itinerary booked on 3 different ships right now. So, while it won't kill me to cancel the fort Lauderdale cruise, I really want to sail on the Destiny because of the Haunted mansion bar, the Lion King mdr and I think there's a Pirate's bar? I've been watching so many videos about the ships and ports I can't remember what it has. I'll just be clear, I have the exact same itinerary already booked so it's a matter of wanting to be on the Destiny specifically.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is anyone traveling across the country to cruise out of fort Lauderdale or Miami? I'm trying to figure out logistics and since I don't enjoy travel days, I'm not sure if I can make it work.

The best I can find for flying is going to be 9+ hours between layover and the time difference. Another thought is that I could add WDW before or after the cruise, but it's far enough that it's going to add a travel day, which I don't enjoy.

What are other people doing? I have the same itinerary booked on 3 different ships right now. So, while it won't kill me to cancel the fort Lauderdale cruise, I really want to sail on the Destiny because of the Haunted mansion bar, the Lion King mdr and I think there's a Pirate's bar? I've been watching so many videos about the ships and ports I can't remember what it has. I'll just be clear, I have the exact same itinerary already booked so it's a matter of wanting to be on the Destiny specifically.

We've cruised out of Ft Lauderdale in the past. And we have another one coming up. Ft Lauderdale airport is fairly close to the port.

That said, flights from the west coast (LAX) direct are problematic. We've taken the red-eye before, and it works pretty well. There are lots of hotels in the Ft Lauderdale port area. You could fly in a day (night) early and take that day to just relax at the hotel.

Our upcoming cruise, we're flying direct on Jet Blue (never flown with them before), so I can't really comment on how it is. We're coming in a day early, staying at an airport area hotel and then taxi to port the next day.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Juat depends on your personality, preferences and how you make the most off your time.

I’ve done it both ways. On one cruise this year, I worked a full work day and took a redeye flight from Los Angeles into Fort Lauderdale. The flight left around 9:30PM and was scheduled in at 5:30AM, but ended up being early. By 5AM we had our bags and since our port arrival time wasn’t until 12:30PM, we napped at the airport. Wifey packed a light breakfast and set aside toiletries so we could frehen up before taking the 10 minute Uber ride to the port.

Another cruise was planned on a partially busy day. I could reasonably only take an extra day off work, but that didn’t provide much relief on the airfare — and hotel pricing was way up there as well, even for dumps in seedy areas. I set-up a fare alert and scored a great deal on a redeye flight leaving Los Angeles to Orlando. I also scored a great deal on a Brigtline ticket from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale.

I worked a full day then took the redeye into Orlando. We rented a car for a day and drove to Disney Springs. We checked into our room - a quality low-cost room near Disney - and took a short nap. We had an early dinner at Sebastian’s and rode the Skyliner everywhere, eventually enjoying the fireworks from near Boardwalk. Had a great night’s sleep, enjoyed breakfast the next morning, took the train to Fort Laudersal and were on the ship by 1PM (5PM departure). Flying into Orlando — considering the airfare, car rental, hotel, train and ride share — saved our family nearly $2K vs. flying into FLL/MIA and staying nearby. Disney was a bonus.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Our upcoming cruise, we're flying direct on Jet Blue (never flown with them before), so I can't really comment on how it is. We're coming in a day early, staying at an airport area hotel and then taxi to port the next day.

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. My cruise isn't until March 2026 if I keep it.

worked a full day then took the redeye into Orlando. We rented a car for a day and drove to Disney Springs. We checked into our room - a quality low-cost room near Disney - and took a short nap. We had an early dinner at Sebastian’s and rode the Skyliner everywhere, eventually enjoying the fireworks from near Boardwalk. Had a great night’s sleep, enjoyed breakfast the next morning, took the train to Fort Laudersal and were on the ship by 1PM (5PM departure). Flying into Orlando — considering the airfare, car rental, hotel, train and ride share — saved our family nearly $2K vs. flying into FLL/MIA and staying nearby. Disney was a bonus.

This is genius. I'll have to look at the train from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Did you fly back from Fort Lauderdale or did you take the train to Orlando again?

 

[dina444444]

I went on the WBPC last October out of Miami. I flew in the day before on a 10am non stop direct flight from LAX. It was no different from my usual flying to WDW. I’m fortunate enough to live close to LAX. When I sail out of Ft. Lauderdale in January 2026 on the destiny I’m planning to go to WDW for a week before so I’ll fly into MCO.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. My cruise isn't until March 2026 if I keep it.

This is genius. I'll have to look at the train from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Did you fly back from Fort Lauderdale or did you take the train to Orlando again?

We were able to get a great airfare from Miami for our return. Fort Laudersale has limited direct flights (to Los Angeles) compared to Miami. Very easy to get to — we took an Uber to the Fort Lauderdale SubRail station, then took the train directly to Miami airport.

 

[tlovesdis]

I always do a direct red eye from SFO to Florida. Last year when we cruised out of Miami we flew SFO to FLL overnight and just ubered to our hotel in Miami. This year we are doing a direct red eye from SFO to Orlando and doing the same, but going to WDW a few days before.

We did WDW after last year and it took us 4 hours to drive from Miami to Orlando, which was not so fun. You can also fly from Miami to Orlando if you really want to go to WDW.

 

[cruisehopeful]

SFO to Florida.

I'll look at SFO. I'm in San Diego and looked at San Diego and LAX and was discouraged. I have a daughter in the bay area and it would work for us to fly there and spend a day or so visiting my daughter in lieu of going to WDW.

These responses are very helpful. I was disappointed and thought I was going to need to cancel the Destiny, but I am getting more hopeful for finding a pleasant travel experience.

 

[RoseColored97]

We are flying from the midwest, more west than mid (lol) and are doing a stop in Charlotte prior to getting to FLL. We did first class on the way there and then American Main Premium (I think that is what it's called?) on the way back, with a stop at DFW.

Most of my traveling party has not been on a plane for longer than 2.5 hours, so we thought a stop wouldn't be so bad. I've taken a flight (middle seat between two strangers) over to London but would rather not repeat feeling trapped for a long period if I can avoid it!

We're going to stay in Fort Lauderdale for 2 nights prior to the trip. Is it possible for you to add on a day or two so you can rest up before the cruise?

We thought about flying into Orlando, it would have been cheaper but more hassle overall with the Brightline train.

 

[cruisehopeful]

We're going to stay in Fort Lauderdale for 2 nights prior to the trip. Is it possible for you to add on a day or two so you can rest up before the cruise?

It's definitely a consideration. I've been looking at what there is to do in the area and haven't seen anything that I would want to do so far. I should search trip reports and get some ideas.

 

[LeiaOfAlderaan]

I am taking my first cruise out of Fort Lauderdale next summer and planning to take a direct flight from SFO->FLL 2 days before embarkation. I get nervous flying cross country the day before a cruise because there isn’t much wiggle room if a flight is delayed or cancelled. Cruised out of Miami once and flight was so delayed we didn’t get to our hotel until almost 4 am—if I had to cruise that day I would have been miserable! Also the time change going east is brutal so it gives us a day to acclimate. There aren’t many nonstop options so we will likely fly JetBlue (haven’t flown them in years and I’ve heard they have gone downhill so we’ll see).

ETA: I appreciate seeing everyone’s strategies for this. I don’t know how you all can do red eyes. I get so out of sorts if I don’t get a good night’s sleep, which I don’t on a plane. Hats off to those of you who can do it!

 

[Carohs]

We fly from SAN and we were able to score cheap red-eye flights connecting thru CLT to FLL. Decided to fly the day before and because of the connection we wilk be in FLL at a reasonable morning hour. The plan is to hopefully store luggage at the hotel and take a leisure day exploring and and maybe napping. Unlike Orlando, the port really is near the airport. We considered doing a red eye into the morning of but decided a day earlier would be worth it for peace of mind and to recharge. Don't wanna be exhausted before getting on the ship. Jet Blue has direct flights to FLL, and my coworker said she's had really good experiences with them. I looked up their on time % tho and it was pretty bad.

 

[auntlynne]

Agree to look into MIA in addition to FLL for flights.

The travel time between Miami and Fort Lauderdale can be less than going from MCO to Port Canaveral (and even more so than from WDW to PC).

I’m guessing you are not juggling children, that can change how you travel. But more mature adults, perhaps?

Either way, I think the fewer steps, changes of conveyance, town, etc., to get to your destination makes for a smoother experience.

I don’t hold to that if there is something that adds to my experience, but getting to a cruise seems stressful for many. Something about missing the boat.

…Travel time is going to be what it is. You can shorten it if you find a non-stop. But it’s 9 hours with significant time change - not 9 hours flying. And a 9 pm arrival is not going to feel like 9 pm to you. You don’t have to arrive exhausted.

I just looked at Southwest for a quick idea. They have routes from San Diego to FLL with a stop (not excessive) in TX at various airports (Austin, Houston - Hobby, and Dallas). Trip time is 6-7.5 hours.



I didn’t look at returns. Just a sample of what could be available to get to the cruise. They release flight bookings 6 months out.

They are planning on changing to pre-selection of seats, if that matters to you.

And you don’t have to use the same carrier or airport for going and return. Those days are gone. You no longer have to book roundtrip + Sat night stay on the majority of carriers for domestic flights.

We have liked FLL airport enough to use it for cruises out of Miami. FLL is a smaller airport. We have to go through ATL, so appreciate the short distances between gate and baggage or between gates.

And Fort Lauderdale, the town itself, is just easier to use. Having the airport and port or hotel to port within 15 minutes of each other is more relaxing for me.

Since it’s a long way to travel for a 4- or 5-N cruise, did you want to go to WDW or down to Key West in combination with the cruise?

There are so many options for your adventure. I’d like to think the flight is just a method of transportation to get you to the fun.

I am of the camp that you should arrive at least the day before the cruise. Even more emphatic if you are traveling during the Winter or near a holiday or school breaks.

 

[Girl of the South]

I did a trip to Key West before a cruise on the Fantasy in December 2022. To be honest, the drive from MCO to Key West wasn't very scenic. Even when you get to the Keys . . . there's one big bridge you drive over but the rest is mostly restaurants, gas stations and trees you can't see past. My friend did see quite a few iguanas though!

Key West was quiet. We timed it right. No ships in port. Easy to walk everywhere or the is a free trolly. The Hemingway Museum and Cats was great, as was the Butterfly place. Christmas lights were up and food was great. But the drive each way, not so much.

 

[jwalk03]

It's definitely a consideration. I've been looking at what there is to do in the area and haven't seen anything that I would want to do so far. I should search trip reports and get some ideas.

There is a ton to do in South Florida. Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, a plethora of great beaches, golfing, boating, shopping, more restaurants than you could eat in a lifetime, etc, etc

 

[auntlynne]

I did a trip to Key West before a cruise on the Fantasy in December 2022. To be honest, the drive from MCO to Key West wasn't very scenic. Even when you get to the Keys . . . there's one big bridge you drive over but the rest is mostly restaurants, gas stations and trees you can't see past. My friend did see quite a few iguanas though!

Key West was quiet. We timed it right. No ships in port. Easy to walk everywhere or the is a free trolly. The Hemingway Museum and Cats was great, as was the Butterfly place. Christmas lights were up and food was great. But the drive each way, not so much.

We disembarked a cruise in Fort Lauderdale. I dropped off my niece for her flight. Picked up a car and dropped to Key West and then back before my night flight.

It must have been a Sat or Sun morning; there was so little traffic around Miami.

But I loved the drive through the Keys. The bits of land were nothing spectacular. But then you’d see the gorgeous blue water in both sides.

The 7-Mile Bridge can be an intimidating thought, but wasn’t the horror I remember from childhood.

Different strokes for different folks, it seems.

There is a ton to do in South Florida. Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, a plethora of great beaches, golfing, boating, shopping, more restaurants than you could eat in a lifetime, etc, etc

I really would like to check off Biscayne National Park from the “I’ve been there.” The morning boat ride has yet to fit into my cruising schedule. It may come down to adding an extra night pre- or post-cruise.

 

[jwalk03]

We disembarked a cruise in Fort Lauderdale. I dropped off my niece for her flight. Picked up a car and dropped to Key West and then back before my night flight.

It must have been a Sat or Sun morning; there was so little traffic around Miami.

But I loved the drive through the Keys. The bits of land were nothing spectacular. But then you’d see the gorgeous blue water in both sides.

The 7-Mile Bridge can be an intimidating thought, but wasn’t the horror I remember from childhood.

Different strokes for different folks, it seems.


I really would like to check off Biscayne National Park from the “I’ve been there.” The morning boat ride has yet to fit into my cruising schedule. It may come down to adding an extra night pre- or post-cruise.

We did a guided Kayak tour at Biscayne that was awesome! It was just the guide and our family of four so it was a private tour. We got to see some manatees and had a whole school of fish jump over our heads in the kayaks!! Such a memorable day!!

 

[AquaDame]

Sailing out of FLL for the first time in Nov; we had a lovely nonstop to FLL from PDX until they axed it a couple months ago. Now we're flying into Miami instead. After the cruise we're heading to WDW but if we weren't we'd fly home the same way. Instead we had MCO to PDX... until they cancelled the later flight for that too so now we have to go through SEA. Our fall/winter Alaska flights have been a mess... I hope their schedule stabilizes..!

We are coming in two days early but our only solid hope so far is to visit the Mai Kai after their grand reopening sometime this autumn... hopefully it opens before our trip! We've been to the Everglades and Biscayne on a previous trip but the national parks were on strike during our trip so I didn't get my stamp... might need to stop by again if we don't decide to do something else.

 

[Pixarfans]

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. My cruise isn't until March 2026 if I keep it.

This is genius. I'll have to look at the train from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Did you fly back from Fort Lauderdale or did you take the train to Orlando again?

We are not west coast (or the poster) but we did this just after our FLL cruise. The train was great and easy! We used a rideshare and not a rental, also super easy.

 

[holula]

I would definitely look into flying to Miami vs FLL. There are multiple direct flights from LAX to Miami.

FLL is a much calmer airport though and I would pick the layover vs MIA