Post Cruise stay?

[mnovak61]

We are on Oasis of the Seas this coming Oct and our flight home isn't until 4pm the following day (Sun). We seem to have a couple of problems here to solve. We have to be off of the boat by 10am. Most hotels don't let you check in until at least the afternoon. The following morning we will need to check out of the hotel by 11am but don't need to be at the airport until 3pm. I was thinking of heading to the airport after the cruise to pick up a rental car but this will be another problem because we will need to keep it for 3 hrs or so longer than the 24hr rental period and for that they want to charge you for an extra day. Any suggestions?

[NorthTXRanchers]

We had the same (exact!) dilemma when we returned from our cruise to Fort Lauderdale.

 

We ended up staying at the Atlantic Hotel where they were more than happy to put our bags in a locked storage area near the front desk until we could check in. They encouraged us to use the showers and bathrooms in the spa area near the pool to change into our beachwear and walk across the street to the beach. We did that and they were polite even though we were into and out of the storage area (they had to lock and unlock it for us and shift the bags around) because we were not certain where our suits were in the various post-cruise packed bags! The next day, they allowed us to do the same (bags stayed in the cabinet until we were ready to leave and they allowed us to use the pool and spa showers and restrooms) so we could enjoy the beach all day before our flight out.

 

The room was beautiful and though the price was higher than we wished, it was well worth the costs because they were so accommodating and we were able to feel like we got two more days of vacation out of the situation.

 

Just be sure to talk to someone at the front desk to let them know what your situation is and get their name. That's what we did and it worked perfect!

 

Good luck!

[mnovak61]

Thanks for the quick response. I will definitely call and check this out!

 

More suggestions, Please!

[Puffinater]

You can always ask for early check in. Most hotels will allow it if rooms are avaialable. If there are no rooms most hotels will check your bags for you.

[royalcruz]

I've never had a hotel refuse to hold a bag for me when I arrive early, and if there is a room available early they will usually let you in right away. They will also hold bags after checkout until you are ready to leave. Some will even give you a late checkout. I assume you are staying for a night so that you can enjoy Fort Lauderdale. You really don't need a car if you stay in the middle of things, like at the beach or downtown at Riverside Hotel. You can also stay near the water taxi and get around that way.

[eandj]

Totally agree with royalcruz. You don't have to stay at the Atlantic to check your bags if your room isn't ready. We even had one hotel in Miami Beach not only hold our bags when arriving early from the ship, they offered for us to enjoy their brunch for no fee.

If the room is available you will get it. (You'll be off the ship before 10, by the way. ) If not the desk can call your cell phone when it is and you can go exploring if you' d like.

 

Too they will lock up your bags when you check out until ready to head to the airport. Late check out isn't necessary to hold you bags. There isn't any need for a car if you're staying in the city. You don't have that much time before heading to the airport. Just get a water taxi ticket and enjoy the views of the mansions, waterways, stop somewhere and have a late lunch before heading out. Las Olas Blvd. has a nice selection of restaurants or choose one right on the water ways.

 

Have a great time.

[mnovak61]

Thanks everyone for all your great tips!