We have always done the prenight stay at our port and arranged it through the cruise line with transfers from airport and then from hotel to port. Are there any advantages to this arrangement or should we consider taking care of this ourselves? Is there any advantage with our checked through luggage?
The advantages are: 1. You don't have to worry about transportation, 2. You don't have to worry about what the hotel is like, 3. You don't have to worry about not making it to the ship on time, 4. You are getting a group price rate. There are many people that prefer to do it on their own. We've done it both ways, but will normally stick with the cruise line in cities we're not familiar with. In Ft. Lauderdale, we do it on our own, because that is my original home town. In Miami, we do it on our own, because I've spent a lot of time there. In Puerto Rico, we stick with the cruise line. In New Orleans, we stick with the cruise line, etc. I think it should be what you are comfortable with. Best wishes!
Thanks Penny 3333, I may pick your brains as we may book out of Ft. Lauderdale for this spring and we have stayed there in the past and on those occassions still have booked hotel and transfers through the cruise line. I guess it would be worth doing it on our own if we could save some $$$. Twice we have stayed at the Sheraton Key Biscayne and it has been pricey but very very nice with beautiful views.
