Best time to arrive at the Port of Miami?

[RuxieGirl]

Our family of 9, ranging in age from 3 - 65, is flying into Ft. Lauderdale this Friday. We have a shuttle coming to pick us up at our Ft. Lauderdale hotel and taking us to the CCL port in Miami.

 

The thing is, we can't figure out how Saturday should go. We can either have a relaxing morning at the hotel, have breakfast and maybe even lunch in Ft. Lauderdale, and then head down to the ship between 2-3 so it won't be so crowded.

 

Or, we can do breakfast at our hotel (included) and then have the van pick us up to arrive at the port by 10:30am. We may have to wait a while - what's your experience with this? - but then we will be on the ship for lunch, swimming, and getting acquainted with our new home for the week!

 

What is your choice when it comes to boarding your cruise ship? When do you like to arrive? And how long do you normally have to wait once you arrive before you can board?

 

Thanks for your feedback!

[AdrenalineRush]

My preference would be to arrive around 11-12 and get the cruise part of the vacation started.

[RuxieGirl]

My preference would be to arrive around 11-12 and get the cruise part of the vacation started.

 

Thanks for answering!

 

OK, I might be totally overthinking this, but if we arrive at 12 noon and have to wait 1.5 hours to board because of crowds, wouldn't it make more sense to arrive at 2 and not wait long at all?

 

Or is a 1.5 hour wait an overestimation?

[golfb4cruzing]

defintitely before the ship leaves.:D

[AdrenalineRush]

Thanks for answering!

 

OK, I might be totally overthinking this, but if we arrive at 12 noon and have to wait 1.5 hours to board because of crowds, wouldn't it make more sense to arrive at 2 and not wait long at all?

 

Or is a 1.5 hour wait an overestimation?

 

If you arrive at 11-noon, you shouldnt have to wait long at all..

Most people arrive 1-3ish, that is when it gets crowded.

[RuxieGirl]

defintitely before the ship leaves.:D

 

Har har, thanks for that. :p

[golfb4cruzing]

you're welcome. when we cruise, we get there before 11. we like to get on a soon as possible and start the good times.

[RuxieGirl]

If you arrive at 11-noon, you shouldnt have to wait long at all..

Most people arrive 1-3ish, that is when it gets crowded.

 

Excellent, thanks for this information!!

[xplor97]

I'd want to get on the ship ASAP...start that cruise right away.:D