Very early arrival into Mia

[Coloradomama]

I am arriving in Miami at 5:30 am sailing in the NCL Getaway and plan to arrive at POM by 11:00 am. Does anyone have suggestions what to do for 5 hours in Miami we are a family of 4. We are taking the red eye from Denver so debating whether to get a day rental hotel. We will be carting our luggage any suggestions would be welcome.

[CruiserBruce]

First, getting in at 5:30 doesn't mean you are waiting for a taxi at 5:35. Just getting off the plane, and claiming bags can take an hour. Take your time.

 

I would then be looking for a leisurely breakfast in the airport somewhere. That can add another hour comfortably. So now, your question is what to do for 3 or so hours before you are at the port.

 

One option is to do a little research on places you might want to see in the Miami area, and ask the taxi driver for a short tour. For the money you might spend on a hotel, you get a mini-tour.

Edited March 14, 2015 by CruiserBruce

[eandj]

Well, you didn't say how old the kids are. But that IS a lot of time to burn with kids for sure..especially if they get little sleep. Personally if doing this in summer when hotels are super cheap, I'd book a room on a discount site for the night before, and get there by 6:30 for naps or crash time. Might get an extra hour added to check out time and head to the ship at noon.

Tough day for you either way. Good luck.

[JohninDC]

In addition to hotels near MIA, there is a hotel inside the MIA airport (cleverly called The Miami Airport Hotel) that offers day rates. No pool, but if you want a shower and nap it might meet your needs.

 

Sofitel near MIA often offers day rooms for about $100 - if you can find a room and don't have to check out until after noon I would not push to arrive at POM by noon. Your stateroom will likely not be available until about 1:00 or later.

[Diver2014]

The Miami Formula E race is going on in downtown Miami today so you won't be able to or want to get anywhere near downtown except to get on your ship.

[Coloradomama]

Thank you for your suggestions. Since there is a race in Miami that day (Thanks for the tip Driver2014) I will check out the cost of day rates at the Miami Airport Hotel (thanks JohninDC). My kids are 21 and 17 so some crash time would be best (thanks eandj). A tour will be great for after out cruise (thanks CruiserBruce) the leisurely breakfast can hopefully be at the hotel before we head over to the port.