Caribbean cruise

[JollyMia]

Hello

We will be traveling from Manchester (U.K.) to Miami in November to begin our cruise Ncl Escape.

No direct flights available so will be flying to Atlanta then on to Miami and returning the same way.

We would like to arrive a few days earlier and see some of what Miami has to offer.We would appreciate any tips and advice

 

 

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[Clarea]

You may also want to take a look at the Florida Depatures forum, for some ideas on local attractions:

 

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

[lifes-a-beach]

There's a sub forum specifically dedicated to Florida departures. You might consider asking those folks. I'm sure some of them will see the question here but there would likely be more responses over there. Good luck and have a great trip.

[cb at sea]

A guidebook on Florida will stand you in good stead! I'm sure your libraries have them! If you will be there for several days, a rental car is the best way to get around. The entire "Miami area" is vast...and cabs will cost you about 3-4 times that of a rental car!

[SuiteTraveler]

Consider staying at the Epic hotel - it is really lovely and the sushi restaurant in the hotel (Zuma) is excellent. Reservations are a must.

 

Less expensive, but right across from the Epic is the Intercontinental Hotel, which is also quite nice, but not as new.

 

Less expensive (sometimes) is the Hampton Inn and Suites Brickell.

 

Whatever hotel you stay in, DO get a package that includes breakfast as this is actually cheaper than buying breakfast.

 

To get to the port, simply take a taxi. It will not cost a lot.

 

Alternatively, you may wish to stay on Miami Beach which is the tourist destination. The most legendary and iconic hotel there is the Fountain bleu. It is expensive, but on the other hand, it is an amazing experience and the property is gorgeous! Their spa is absolutely wonderful with rain tunnels, mineral baths and steam rooms and if you book the Escape package you can go back to the thermal suite anytime you want.

 

Another thought would be to stay at the Versace Mansion. It's very expensive, but oh so special:

http://vmmiamibeach.com

 

 

Located just an hour and a half from Miami is Palm Beach, FL. This is where you can stay at the historic Breaker's Hotel:

https://www.thebreakers.com/?NCK=IBHotelTheBreakersBrandingDesktopGooglePPC&gclid=CjwKEAiAtefDBRDTnbDnvM735xISJABlvGOv55oMbWD5lZuMC0neTsNq_RS9R09NyamEz7xZZu_IIxoC6jLw_wcB

 

 

Only 6 miles from The Breakers is the Henry Flagler mansion:

https://www.flaglermuseum.us

 

Tours:

Do save one day to do an Everglades tour on an airboat. Providers pick you up via bus at your hotel.

 

Some people like to do a walking and food tour in Little Havana.

 

There are also boat tours of Millionnaire's Row, if you enjoy seeing mansions on the islands in Biscayne Bay.

 

In the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, there is the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens which is a historic Mediterranean and Italian Renaissance style mansion.

http://vizcaya.org