Flymia

I would just go with Uber and skip the rental car.

 

Precise price of Uber will vary based on the type of category you go with.

 

Also relook at hotels to see if there are any better options that do not include free parking. Nothing is really free.

 

Keith

Late August in Miami. It might be free. We are right in the middle of the slowest part of the year here. But yes, always good to price it out.

Like I said, it likely won't go down. At this point if you really want to wait seeing seats can be an indicator. It also does depend on the airline. If flying Spirit is has absolutely no indication. If flying JetBlue everyone picks a seat or has a standard ticket.

I recently did this with a flight to Las Vegas during a not that popular holiday weekend. All the websites were telling me to buy at $434.00 a ticket. AA showed the flight mostly empty (and this route did not have basic economy yet) Tickets went down to $370.00 r/t 3-months from departure.

Its not an end all be all suggestion, its just a better way to guess and nothing else. That time of the year it will be hard to see tickets go down.

If its just two of them their easiest option is to just take an Uber/Lyft from FLL to their hotel. I would suggest staying at a hotel in Downtown Miami or Brickell area, which allows them to have a nice evening out with lots of near by places to eat and grab a drink.

Any hotel in that area is close to the port and they can head to the port using an Uber or Taxi. Uber will be cheaper and nicer.

Way back, depends on when their flight is. Early in the morning, maybe stay in Ft. Lauderdale. Later the next day, Miami Beach would be nice. Unless they want a cheaper beach alternative than maybe Ft. Lauderdale or Hollywood Beach is a better option.

Can you clarify? Are you on a one-way transatlantic cruise TO Barcelona in May, and are you talking about flying BACK?

 

If you're flying from the US to Spain, you wouldn't be clearing customs in Dublin at all. It's a sterile transit at DUB; Ireland isn't in Schengen, so nothing will happen except a security check between flights. You'll go through passport control and customs at BCN.

 

Coming back, US pre clearance in DUB is factored into the timing on any connecting flights as long as they're on the same ticket. It's nothing to worry about, and it really speeds things up when you land back in the US.

Because DUB is not Schengen I believe (come correct me if I am wrong) you would need to clear immigration (passport control) on the flight from BCN and then because of the pre-clearance issue would need to collect the luggage and then go through U.S. immigration and custom.

It seems like the OP just needs one-way back from BCN-DUB-USA. But without picking up the bags how does the OP clear customs to go to the U.S.?

I think your best bet for the 744 is LAS but BA has no immediate plans to start sending the 744 out of the fleet. Aircraft swaps happen often and its hard to know their plans more than a few months out though.

I see a problem with the 90mins time. But if Aer Lingus is giving it to you then so be it, its their problem to put you on another flight back home.

The issue here is that you will need to clear immigration and customs in Dublin and then need to clear United States Immigration and Customs in Dublin as well. Dublin is a pre-clearance airport, so you will do all your United States immigration process in Dublin. This takes time too. So you have to get off the plane, pick up your bags and go through immigration and customs twice.

As for Aer Lingus, they are tending to have good fares and be very competitive with some of the low cost airlines.

From pictures it looks like their Business Class product is good, but sometimes it is dependent on the type of airplane you are flying as well. Business class will be good back to the U.S. intra-european business class is usually noting like domestic business or first class here in the states.

Are you an experienced boater?

I've been out there plenty and on the weekends it gets busy. There are also areas you need to steer clear of when ships are in port. Also be mindful that some times of the year long stretches of the channels are no wake/low speed zones due to manatee zones.

Great, I am not sure if you are very budget conseus or not, but if you want to enjoy a three court meal at some of the best places in town check out ilovemiamispice.com. For example you can go to the Forge, a long time Miami staple and have a nice three course meal for $39.00 (not including tax and tip) http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/monthly-deals/miami-spice-month/miami-spice-menu?program=spice&id=101083&type=dinner

 

Typically the steak itself would be $39.00.

 

Just make sure to make reservations. Or just go there anyway and enjoy anything off the set menu too. I would highly recommend the Forge, you will just need to take a uber/taxi there.

Couldn't get an edit to work here is my post but with words that make sense :D

We will be in town Sept 30th

Great, I am not sure the price range you are willing to spend on a good meal, but if you want to enjoy a three course meal at some of the best places in town check out ilovemiamispice.com. For example you can go to the Forge, a long time Miami staple and have a nice three course meal for $39.00 (not including tax and tip) http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/monthly-deals/miami-spice-month/miami-spice-menu?program=spice&id=101083&type=dinner

Typically the steak itself would be $39.00.

Just make sure to make reservations. Or just go there anyway and enjoy anything off the set menu too. I would highly recommend the Forge, you will just need to take a uber/taxi there.

We will be in town Sept 30th

Great, I am not sure if you are very budget conseus or not, but if you want to enjoy a three court meal at some of the best places in town check out ilovemiamispice.com. For example you can go to the Forge, a long time Miami staple and have a nice three course meal for $39.00 (not including tax and tip) http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/monthly-deals/miami-spice-month/miami-spice-menu?program=spice&id=101083&type=dinner

Typically the steak itself would be $39.00.

Just make sure to make reservations. Or just go there anyway and enjoy anything off the set menu too. I would highly recommend the Forge, you will just need to take a uber/taxi there.

It's not anywhere near say business on American or British. It's a premium economy option. But yes it's a good price and it's still comfortable. Just be aware of any other fees they might charge.

It's going to depend on the cruise line, CD and Captain honestly. As an American I wasn't even sure what you were speaking of.

As for Veterans Day and Remembrance Sunday. In the U.S. Venterans say is to thank those who served and do serve. Memorial Day, which is in May, is to remember those who died. I was actually at the American cemetery, very special day that was.

Hi,

 

Thanks for your post. I live in Chicago and will be cruising aboard the Independence of the Seas from Aug. 12-20, 2017. My cruise visits ports in northern Spain and France. I'm looking forward to your future reports.

 

Chuck

Le Harve, Cherbourgh, Bilbao and Gijon?

I was on that one in May. Any questions let me know. Love Bilbao and Cherborugh. American cementary is a MUST. If you've never been to Paris and don't see yourself coming back soon, the taste of Paris tour is pretty decent. Not a bad way to see it and do lunch and a major site (wife never had been, she wants to go back of course)

Nice report so far. I was on it in May on a 7-night to France and Spain. I was also on the Indy in January for a quick 4 day trip and I found the service and food to be 100x better on the European leg.

I had a fantastic waiter most nights at table 347, have his name somewhere, anyway we went with his choices every night and he was spot on every single time. Over the year, for better or worse, I have developed let's say an expensive pallet. I enjoy high quality good meals, which many times means expensive, so mass produced food sometimes seems just eh to me. But I really did enjoy each dinner on the ship. I also went to the Italian speciality one night and it was fantastic. The Indy is a great ship.

What month are you coming in? Soon?

Science Museum is probably a great choice with the kid. As for a good meal, lot of choices.

If you like Sushi but also want some other options check out Pollo Y Jarras I really enjoy their Sushi, though it's Peruvian sushi. One of my favorite places to eat in Miami. It's a casual place a more up scale option with a very similar menu is Ceviche 105. Other sea food options. Not necessarily sushi are Miami River Oyster Bar or mignonette. In Brickell City Centre there is Pubelley Sushi which is supposed to be very good.

For steak there are the chain places like Capital Grille and Trulucks. If you've never been to a Brazilian Steakhouse Texas De Brazil is across the bay and awesome, just be prepare to eat a lot. Edge Steak is a nice place as well.

If you're here in August/September you should look into Miami Spcie menu options at the best places around town.

Coming from Australia you should be looking to stay in Miami Beach. Ft. Lauderale is great, but if you're going to be in Miami coming from 24 flying hours away, you might as well stay in Miami and really get to experience it. Up your budget slightly though. But June should be fine. I recommend Miami Beach because its on the beach, extremely walkable, and its what most people imagine as the world famous "Miami."

You could also stay in the Downtown Miami or Brickell area. If you have a rental car, you could stay in Ft. Lauderdale and check out Miami by driving down.

As for the Space Center,that is about 3.5 hours or so away drive each-way.

Yea the Delta terminal does not have many options. The only place that is halfway decent is terminal 3-4 but I assume you're flying Delta to ATL.

You are fine on the time.

You are very close to Downtown Miami and Brickell area which gives you endless options for dinning. It would be a quick Uber ride away or you can take a walk to the metromover station near by and take it towards Downtown.

Anything in particular you are looking for? A price range? Casual? The options are endless.

How early are you getting in? Bayside Market place is a popular spot for spend some time, the new science museum is great, and museum park is a nice place to walk around if the weather is good.

A cab will be about twice the price. But the price is $6.00 for an Uber $12 for a cab. Whichever you prefer.

the one on Biscayne

Yes, very different area than the one Keith gave you answer for. Its a little bit on the outskirt of Downtown but there are plenty of things near by. You can also take a quick walk over the Metromover station to take that in the heart of Downtown and the Brickell area.

Dining options are endless.

Alone in Miami for the first time? From CT?

 

Stay in your room

Is that a sarcasm?

To the OP I would look at the Brickell area. Check out hotels such as East Miami, the W, SLS Brickell, Hampton Inn Brickell.

The only reason any of those hotel have the word "Cruiseport" in their description is because the reseller website adds it when you put "Miami Port" in the search parameters.

 

The third hotel on your list (Holiday Inn Miami West) is in a horrible traffic and crime ridden area of the city of HIaleah a good 30-40 minute drive from either the port or MIA. Absolute fraud to market this property as convenient to either.

 

The other three hotels are in Doral on the west side of MIA. The opposite direction you would be heading if driving into town for a hotel near the port.

 

Read the shuttle details very carefully. The Holiday Inn offers none; you would be looking at a pair of $45-50 cab rides. Hyatt Place and HI Express each charge $12/person to the port, back to the hotel you are again on your own ($35 or so for a taxi back to Doral). Only the Garden Inn states shuttle for first two persons included in package price, but again only one way.

 

There are hotels much closer to the port that offer stay-and-park if you book directly with the property (not listed on any reseller site). Check out the Hilton Miami Downtown, Doubletree Biscayne Bay, or Hampton Inn Brickell. They are actually in the locations they claim to be--and even if a tick pricier they are only a 5 minute cab/Uber ride from the port.

Everything above is good advice. Other than Hialeah being crime ridden.

There is a reason these places offer parking as part of the price, they are far from the port.

As long as you are ok with this, then go ahead. But read the details carefully about the shuttles, the cost, if you will get a shuttle back from the port (most times you don't) The hotels are usually in pretty bad locations for anything to do near by, but if you have car that won't be a big issue.

But don't like the deceptive titles fool you, they are no where near the port.

Well the good news is that the 5:35pm flight to Paris from ATL is the first of three that day. There are two other non-stop flights to Paris later the evening at 8:35 and 11pm.

Thanks for all the replies. However, I have a new concern.....

 

Princess EZ Air has changed our flights and the good news is that they added 10 minutes to our connection in CDG (every minute helps, right? :) ) but we now have only a 45 minute connection in Atlanta!

 

What is everyone's experience with connections in Atlanta? The "legal" minimum is 40 minutes, I'm told, but I am not comfortable with 45 minutes.

The only reason I don't like short connections when its Domestic-Domestic is if there is a delay of any kind, whether it be weather, mechanical or the gate is not ready etc.. Which would then delay all your other flights.

If all goes fine, 45mins is enough. ATL is a pretty easy airport to navigate with the concourses and the train on the lower level that takes you to all the terminals. Just make sure you know which terminal you need to go to and which side of the station to get onto the train. its simple. I have done connections in ATL with 45mins and have even been from one plane to the next in less than 20.

It helps to get a seat towards the front of the airplane.

Marriott Biscayne Bay is a decent hotel. Not sure about the views, I think some rooms have views of the bay. Its not in as walkable of an area as the Intercontinental or Holiday Inn though. But its about 5-min walk to a metromover station.

If the Intercontinental has a good price book it. You can try to ask for a port view room. Its a great location. Holiday Inn, as you know is also a great location.

Great advice. I've never toured Miami so I don't know the lay of the land. I'll look for something near the beach for my 10 year old. Thanks!

Just make sure you are looking on the actual beach and not just a shoreline. There is a lot of water in Miami but the only beach is on the barrier islands.

Best way to search IMO is checking out a site that has a satellite view with hotel prices like hotels.com then its easy to see whats on the beach.

Usually if its only for one day or an afternoon/evening most cruisers pick Downtown Miami and the Brickell Area.