SandyFromMiami

I have a feeling it depends a great deal on which ship. My only MSC cruise was on Armonia.

Booked as a solo, but a friend joined me just before sailing. At dinner the first night we were at an 8-top with a brother and sister. After that, we got a 2-top by the window every night. If I had been alone, I would have told the hostess that I preferred the large table.

The cruise staff on Armonia is fantastic and made sure to include everyone. No doubt they would have been just as friendly if I had been alone.

My fellow guests were mostly couples and a few groups cruising together. (The matching t-shirts gave them away.)

I sailed on Armonia 2 weeks ago. We had decorations on our door every day.  A few others did.

Thank you!

Does anyone know if Crown Royal is included in the Easy Package?

Uber. I wouldn't walk across the bridge.

Thank you for the great information!

Were there any theme nights? how many formal nights?

Hi I was just seeking feedback from anyone whom has experienced these 2 places.

I have been looking at ratings etc and feedback for a while now and have a booking at the following 2 places. Both have their pros and cons but looking for if it was the choice to choose which one and maybe a little on why staying for 2 nights late November

 

1st place. Comfort suites Miami north ( next to airport) 2 nights $ 427.14 2 adults 2 kids

 

Pros. Has free shuttle from airport and to port. Breakfast included, free car parking (have car booked for 24 hours)

 

Cons. Read that area not the best not much out there noise from airport.

 

2nd place. River Park Hotel & Suites Port of Miami 2 nights $ 239.42

 

Pros. Location. Breakfast included, Cost,area better

 

Cons. No shuttle from airport. But have car. Car parking $25 taxi after dropping off car taxi to port

 

So if anybody has stayed here or can give an opinion on which one and why that would be helpful.

 

I can cancel either one with no penalty

 

Look fwd to responses

 

 

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I haven't stayed at either of these, so this is based just on the location. Stay at the River Park Hotel. You'll be in downtown Miami, with lots of options for restaurants and shopping. You're right by the Metro Mover, so you won't need a car to get around. Parking downtown is no fun.

You could take a cab from airport to hotel, and from hotel to port. Skip the rental car.

At the Comfort Suites, you'd need a car to go anywhere. It might be fine for an overnight, but I expect you'll want to have a bit of fun while you're here for 2 days.

Enjoy your trip!

Good catch! ;)

 

I was describing the Springhill Suites Medical Center.

The other Springhill Suites is in the Blue Lagoon area (NW 7 St). Unless you need to be near the hospitals, I'd prefer the Blue Lagoon location.

I was looking for May 2017. I have the Hampton Inn Brickell area that I see all over here. I saw a new Residence Inn that opens summer 2016. Anybody have reservations? Know anything about? We always like RI but I wasn't sure of area. We will probably fly into FLL day before and we leave on Escape Saturday

I can't comment on the hotel, as I have never been there. But I drive through that area weekly, so I will comment on the surroundings...

There is a large-scale highway project nearby, and some of the surface streets are also under construction. If we're lucky that will all be finished by next summer!

Crime-wise, it feels like a safe neighborhood. I don't know about restaurants in walking distance, but there are several just a short cab ride away. (Walking distance in Miami may be different than it is at home.) There is a Wal-Mart & Sam's Club nearby if you need anything.

Enjoy your time in Miami!

There is more than one Springhill Suites in Miami. Which one are you looking at?

Wish I had seen this thread before you rebooked.

That Ramada is a nice hotel. Remodeled a couple of years ago and the rooms are quite nice.

The bar/restaurant on site is a terrific neighborhood spot. I've never felt unsafe there at any hour.

There is a lot of crime along 36th Street. Unfortunately, criminals target tourists. Our local paper lists the crimes reported each week, and virtually all of the crime in our small town is in the parking lots of the hotels and restaurants along 36th Street. I can't recall any reports of personal attacks, it's all unattended vehicles and occasionally an empty hotel room.

Sorry if my tone seems sharp. I don't mean to offend, but have to speak up for my beloved home town.

Hi! We are going on our first cruise in late fall 2016 for our 10 yr anniversary. We are flying into FLL Friday afternoon, the day before we embark from the Port of Miami. Could use some recommendations for travel and where to stay for 1 night. (right now we are considering just renting a car from FLL and dropping off at MIA Saturday morning)

Questions I have;

1. Where to stay that's decent/safe but also fairly cheap?

2. Should we rent a car? Do they offer free shuttle service from the rental place near MIA to POM?

3. Should we stay near FLL for the night or travel down to MIA area to be closer?

4. Cost of shuttles from FLL to a hotel near POM or MIA?

5. How crazy is the traffic in that area on a Friday evening and Saturday morning? Should we avoid certain highways if we rent a car?

6. What time should we aim to be at the cruise port? We embark at 7pm.

 

THANKS IN ADVANCED! :)

Congratulations!

You've asked a lot of questions :)

My preference would be to stay closer to the airport if arriving in the evening. Make the longer part of the drive in daylight so you can enjoy our beautiful city!

The 'fairly cheap' part is relative, and you might be shocked at hotel rates in the area. Look in the area south of FLL: Dania, Hollywood, Hallandale, Aventura. These are low-crime and not the highest rent, and not far from FLL so you don't risk getting lost in a strange neighborhood in the dark. You might find a hotel in this area that offers shuttle service from FLL.

Check with your cruise line for shuttle service to the Port. I am not aware of any public transportation that goes to the cruise port.

Be aware -- Miami International Airport is not near the port! The port is adjacent to downtown Miami. Downtown Miami hotels are pricey, but if you get a great deal, it would be very convenient to the port.

As far as renting a car, if you are uncomfortable driving in a city, you might be better off using taxis. The traffic won't be bad while you're here, but it seems like every road is under construction. And you'd still have to get from wherever you return your car to the port.

On the other hand, you might like having a car to do a bit of sight-seeing or last-minute shopping and to have a place to keep your luggage until that 7 p.m. embarkation. If you do rent a car, please stow your belongings in the trunk (out of sight) and be careful of where you park. Unfortunately, criminals watch for tourists and break into cars to steal luggage. They particularly target restaurants near the airports.

Hope you'll enjoy your visit to our city and have a great cruise!

I'm laughing as I read this. The question is whether to spend a March day in the frozen north or in sunny Miami. Really? Come on down! If it was me, I'd try to find a way to fly down a week early. or a month.

But that's just me. I hate the cold so much I stay in Miami all year! :)

Enjoy your vacation!