Howdy, So we're renting a car BEFORE the cruise and using Enterprise. They said they have a free shuttle to get me to the ship after we return our car. However, I'm wondering about the reverse scenario. I'm assuming there will be hundreds or thousands of people all getting off the ship and wanting to get to the airport. Are there just going to be dozens of taxis sitting there waiting for people? Are there shuttles that just go back and forth that might be cheaper? Just curious what everyone does to get to the airport after the cruise drops you off.
I just did this on Saturday. To be honest it's a mess! Everything goes smooth and easy until you leave the building. Then it's just tons of people standing around all with lots of luggage of course waiting for their shuttles/taxis/ride. There is no rhyme or reason to the shuttles pulling in and out. There are no lines. Everyone stands around waiting, then runs to where their ride is parked. Make sure you have you rental agreement printed out or at least able to pull up on your phone. The driver will ask to see it and you will be denied entry if you don't have it.
The Port of Miami can be chaotic, depending on the number of ships in port. I've seen six ships there at one time. There will be a regular flow of taxis, especially as departing guests are being dropped off. Woody
I'm sure the answer to the OP's question depends heavily on the day of the week. No doubt weekends are a zoo with so many ships at once. What about during the week?
When we cruised in 2011 out of Miami we had a hertz rental car and even though the pier was less than 2 miles from rental car drop off it took nearly an hour to get a shuttle to the port. On the return we had enough with the vacation from H so we hopped a taxi to Fl it did cost us nearly $85 with tip but we did get on an early flight home. Well worth it. We are planning to do this again we will do the drop off with hertz and if not a shuttle in 15 min we will take a taxi on the return we will take a taxi to hertz.
Getting from the ship back to the airport? (Miami) from OP's question I believe he's specificly refering to back to the Miami Airport in which case your best bet - and lowest cost is a taxi. There will be PLENTY of them there - they sit in a holding area until the ships begin to unload. The fare is a flat rate - $24 per taxi ... there will be shuttles but their rate is PER PERSON and for a party of two is typically more than $24 and if 3 of you: forget about it .. no question. Most of the time in Miami they have a queue for the taxi and there is a dispatcher. It is the various shuttles and rent a car pickups that becomes the real mess . . . better on a weekday? check the POM webcam - 5 ships today (Monday)! http://portmiamiwebcam.com/
You can also check the port schedule at the below link to see how many ships will be in port on a given day. http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/United_States_Of_America/426-Miami_Florida/February_2013/
We got off the Wonder in December, headed in the direction of the taxi line, a lady asked if we wanted a cab and directed us to the next available one. Easy.
we will need a shuttle for 9 people (4 adult and 5 kids). Anyone have a suggestion for a van service? or large taxi? don't want to split up into 2 or 3 taxis
