Ilovesailaway

I hear ya... Guest Services right after embarkation? No thanks. Unfortunately on my 3 Carnival cruises since the restart that's exactly what I had to do. I took last minute upsell offers so my cabin got changed. When I tried to muster they didn't have me in the system at the muster station so they said I had to go to guest services to get it corrected...ugh. For my cruise next week I turned down an upsell partly for that reason.

Well my interest is certainly peaked. I am not a casino person so forgive my ignorance but how does one get started on such a strategy? Do you have to register with the casino so they can track your play?

I have not used SAS for POM to FLL but I have used taxi and uber for FLL flights after a Miami cruise. If you carry off as soon as your ship allows debarkation then you should have no problem with a noon flight from FLL. Taxis will be lined up and Ubers are pretty quick to arrive. That would be the way I would go. Others may want to chime in if they have used a pre arranged shuttle like SAS but I like a taxi because as I said, they are lined up and ready to go.

I'm guessing the OP is referring to the Homewood Suites Miami Airport West. If that is the case no grocery stores nearby but the Chevron next to the hotel that has a mini mart. They might have 12 packs. This area also has a lot of casual places to eat within walking distance and even a liquor store in the strip mall across the street if you are looking for wine.

Thank you all for the responses. I booked 555 and I will add Emeril's to my must eat list.

I will be on Celebration in a couple weeks as a solo. I will prob avoid the MDR for the most part. That should not be a problem with all the food options. I would however like to have a nice steak dinner at some point during the week. I have done the steak house on other Carnival ships and I have had a good experience. On Celebration I see they also have a NY strip on the menu at Rudi's so that begs the question... should I have my steak at Rudi's or Fahrenheit 555? Also. for those who have sailed Celebration what other up charge meals should not be missed?

I have not used SAS to get to a FLL flight after a POM cruise. In those cases I have shared a taxi. And Btw I would have no worries making a 1:20 flight

OP ty for the review. I have a solo cruise on Celebration in a few weeks. I appreciate the info on the upcharge restaurants. I think I may be skipping the MDR this cruise as well. A quick Q if you don't mind.. I like to try and board after the rush of people trying to be on asap. Do you have any advice about what time most of the rush should be over and the terminal should be less crowded?

crap... I'm sorry, when I read boarding pass I was thinking luggage tags. You are correct. Luggage tags can be printed before check in but boarding passes are not available to print until check in is complete. Sorry for the confusion

I have never had to wait till check in to be able to print boarding passes. My next cruise is on Celebration in a few weeks and I can print my boarding passes now if I wish.

google maps

I have often flown to FLL for a cruise from POM. I have done the rail, taxi, uber, and rental options. I have also traveled to Miami as soon as I land and I have stayed near FLL. In my experience without a doubt the most straight forward, cost effective, and lease stressful way to do it is to stay at a FLL area hotel and use a company like SAS transportation to get to POM the next morning. They have a long list of hotels on their website that they pick up from. Obviously flying into MIA for a POM cruise is preferable but often times cheaper flights and cheaper hotels can be found in Fort Lauderdale.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Airport West. clean, great reviews, about a dozen restaurants within a 10 min walk, free airport shuttle, $12 shuttle to POM, suite with kitchen and living room separate from bedroom, free breakfast, and cheaper than most lol. It is an airport hotel so don't expect a lavish resort in a perfect setting but it's a good option for a basic pre cruise stay when you want convenience at a low cost.

Ironing rooms are across from the following cabins: 4320 5390 9394 14396 15393

Just did my 1st HA cruise on NS. Loved it. My first piece of advice is to check out the Dutch Cafe. So good lol.

I'm booked in an inside on deck 4 and I don't take elevators while on a cruise. It will be like climbing a mountain that week lol. But I got a great deal as a solo booking a gty interior.

That would be awesome.

C When in doubt, Charlie out

Well at least you know seats are currently available in FC. Wouldn't hurt to ask the gate agent before boarding begins. You might get lucky with a last minute low price for an upgrade.

Op thanks for the review. I have an upcoming Celebration cruise and this is very helpful. Sorry to see Carnival is still having issues with basic service in the MDR. You would think they have heard all the complaints but I guess they don't care enough to fix the problem. Not even on their newest ship. Also your review reminds me to have a plan for late night food options and to debark the ship late, after the chaos.

Another cut back 😔

Looked at the Navigator App this morning and I have been assigned a check in time. Guess all I had to do is wait one more day... lol

Thanks for the pics of the terminal. Looks like I will wait till after that initial crush when I sail Celebration in January. I like to show up after the rush, walk on with my carry on, and go straight to my cabin to unpack.

First cruise with HAL on NS in 13 days and I have not been given a check in time yet, when should I expect one?

Update: An upsell offer showed up today in my to do list. It was to move from my mid/forward interior cabin on deck 4 to a premium interior cabin at the bow of the ship on deck 11 for $168. The new room is bigger and has a couch but I don't see an improvement in location, actually maybe less convenient, and its still an interior. I declined the offer. I will update if I Carnival makes another.