Miami Transport and hotel info

[1Winston]

Hi everyone,
We are doing a cruise out of Miami this year and have never been to miami before. In port canaveral we used happy limo based on advice from these boards but now would love some recommendations for Miami transport. We are thinking about staying in south beach for three days before the cruise. Any one have any input on hotels?
Also we don't fly out until 7pm the day we arrive back from the cruise, does anyone have suggestions on what to do for the day? We will be stuck lugging around our bags. Bad timing but it was 9:30 am or 7pm so not ideal.
We love these boards for all the helpful info and advice. Thanks again in advance.

 

[Jennifer777]

We're cruising out of Miami next March and I've never been there before either. We hired a driver to and from Port Canaveral but this time we're renting a car and will try to park right at the terminal. We are staying 4 nights prior to the cruise and are probably going to rent a condo in the Miami Beach area since the husband is taking a fishing charter out of that area during our stay. The rental car will give us the freedom to drive down to the keys one day. We have a late flight the day we get back too so we'll probably just take our rental car and check out a couple beaches before heading to the airport. I'd also love to hear some tips from those who have sailed out of Miami though!

 

[dcassetta]

What do you want to do in Miami in the days before your cruise? Is South Beach the only hotel area you would consider?

For a late flight on departure day, one thing you might want to consider is the Miami tour/airport transfers I could do the Disney offers. This can only be booked on board, and it includes several options of a hop on hop off tour bus, they store your bags during the tour time, and then provide transportation to the airport when you're ready to depart.

 

[1Winston]

What do you want to do in Miami in the days before your cruise? Is South Beach the only hotel area you would consider?

For a late flight on departure day, one thing you might want to consider is the Miami tour/airport transfers I could do the Disney offers. This can only be booked on board, and it includes several options of a hop on hop off tour bus, they store your bags during the tour time, and then provide transportation to the airport when you're ready to depart.

Thank you! I have never heard of this and it may be an option for us. We are now leaning towards renting a car because we plan to go to catch a hockey game that week and maybe head to the keys?

Does anyone have any insight into parking the car? Do you park at port?

Thanks again for all of your help