Where to stay before cruise

[bria_68]

Hello. I will be taking my very first cruise on the MSC Divina departing Miami on March 26th. :) We will be flying into Fort Lauderdale the night before. Would it be better to find a hotel in Ft Lauderdale or stay in Miami? If we stay in Miami, which are recommended hotels that are near the cruise ship that perhaps have shuttle service? I have not been to either of these cities before so I have no idea what is around there. Thank you!

[CruiserBruce]

Come over to the Florida Departures board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

 

where you will find lots of info on hotels, transport, etc. You will find there that generally, Ft Lauderdale is cheaper than Miami. You will also find you are going during peak Spring Break, so nothing will be cheap.

Edited January 7, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[cb at sea]

Transportation can be pricey between Miami and Ft. Laud....check into shuttle companies....much cheaper than a cab.

 

If you're arriving early in the day, I'd head to Miami, and just take a cab to the ship in the morning. If you're arriving late..stay in Ft. Laud and get a shuttle to POM in the morning. Few hotels provide shuttles between cities.

[chong67]

Use Priceline and Hotwire to save money.

Edited January 7, 2016 by chong67