We are changing rooms today to add a third person. But as I've been searching for flights ALL night long, I'm finding that you can't get flights into Miami in the morning unless you want to pay BIG bucks. What's the latest he can arrive when our boat leaves the dock at 5:00 pm? Also, what's the cheapest website to shop, I usually use Expedia but I'm open to other ideas. Thank you.
09/07 CCL Fascination 03/07 RCI Voyager of the Seas 03/06 RCI Explorer of the Seas 10/03 CCL Carnival Legend 07/94 CCL Ecstasy
Also, if we fly him into Ft. Lauderdale because it's cheaper, is there transportation from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami that's affordable and reliable? Thanks
09/07 CCL Fascination 03/07 RCI Voyager of the Seas 03/06 RCI Explorer of the Seas 10/03 CCL Carnival Legend 07/94 CCL Ecstasy
Hi avenger! I don't know where you live so this may be a moot point. We live in Illinois and use AirTran to fly to Florida. It is inexpensive and a great airline to travel on.
In November we booked our air flights through Royal Caribbean and they had us on American. At the last minute their was a change in flight times and we had to race to Miami to catch a flight in order to make a connecting flight at O'Hare. It cost $66.50, plus tip, to take a shuttle to Miami. Because we had to get to Miami in 30 minutes to catch the flight, the driver drove faster than usual! I would expect it to take 30-45 minutes to get there, depending on traffic, construction, etc.
GREAT! Thanks Nadine. I was looking at AirTran, he is flying out of either Dayton, Cincinatti or Columbus, OH. The only thing I was worried about with using AirTran is the departure flight, the cheapest one leaves at 10:30, I'm not sure if he will make it to the airport in time after we get off the ship. Do you think he would?
09/07 CCL Fascination 03/07 RCI Voyager of the Seas 03/06 RCI Explorer of the Seas 10/03 CCL Carnival Legend 07/94 CCL Ecstasy
Flying in the day of the cruise can get dicey. People do it all the time (as you have found out with the air fare) But if the plane is delayed, you can get into trouble. I would be concerned with anything later that a 1PM landing considering that by the time he gets off the plane, goes through baggage and gets through the taxi line, it could be an hour or so. Figure another 15 to 30 mins getting to the port, and you are looking at 2:30 or so at the ship. You need to be ON BOARD by 4PM even though they say it departs at 5PM. That leaves only an hour and a half for flight delay slop.
So, if you can't find anything in the price range, consider flying into Ft Lauderdale. But take into account the cost of a taxi or shuttle from there to Miami. Maybe someone else can say for sure but I'm guessing about $75 for a taxi, but I'm sure you can get a shuttle bus for less. A taxi ride from Miami airport will run about $25 so that a difference of $50 or so.
But people fly into Ft Lauderdal all the time basically because of the reasons you mention.
CCL Fantasy 1990 CCL Celebration 1995 CCL Victory 2005 CCL Conquest 2005 CCL Spirit June 2006 NCL Dream October 2006 RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007 CCL Freedom June 2008
The problem is you are looking for a flight with out a lot of notice right during peak spring break time. I would compare what your finding to the cruise lines airfare for your third person. The cruise lines airfare would also include the transfers.
Sounds like you figured this one out. For info, I am an airline employee. You may (if possible) want to always consider flying to the cruise a day early. I have flown many flights over 20 years to MIA that have been delayed for weather or mechanical and "stressed" the cruise passengers (it's also a great excuse to "start the party" early). But another consideration is that for most car rental companies there is no drop off fee for rental cars. Most have an agency at each Florida port. You can always rent a car for about $50 and drop it off anywhere. Since we fly standby, we generally do that if we need to go to another airport (i.e. dock Miami, fly out of Ft. Lauderdale). Just food for thought.
Tx for the info Papa, unfortunately, we already booked our flight so I'll keep my fingers crossed that we'll get there on time. At least we don't have a layover. I will, however, keep that in mind for our next cruise.
09/07 CCL Fascination 03/07 RCI Voyager of the Seas 03/06 RCI Explorer of the Seas 10/03 CCL Carnival Legend 07/94 CCL Ecstasy
Consider renting a car at the Fort Lauderdale Airport and dropping it off at the Miami cruise terminal. This will take some research but it is an option worth exploring.
Thank you everyone for your advice. He was able to get a flight for pretty cheap $314 on AirTran when their price dropped, for just that day, into Miami and still get in around 10 am when we are getting in so it worked out. Thanks again all!
09/07 CCL Fascination 03/07 RCI Voyager of the Seas 03/06 RCI Explorer of the Seas 10/03 CCL Carnival Legend 07/94 CCL Ecstasy
