What to do with luggage, post-cruise?

[jaime1]

I'm gearing up for our December 30 cruise on the Zuiderdam, and a question just occurred to me: We'll be flying home from Ft. Lauderdale the same day that we disembark, but our flight isn't till 8 pm. (We purchased the airfare separately.) Is there anything we could do with our luggage so we don't have to drag it around all day? I was envisioning a leisurly day before we have to head to the airport, but now I'm starting to wonder...

[Grumpy1]

Have you considered a rental car for the day?

[jaime1]

I have been considering a rental car as an option, although I'm not entirely sure how that would best be done. Are there rental car offices near the cruise port, or would I be better off taking a cab to the airport immediately to rent one there (so I'd be returning it to the point of origin)?

[formercruisestaff]

Take a cab to the airport - it's close (about a $10 ride).

 

But watch out for crooked drivers...I had one over Thanksgiving week and the guy started his meter early (of course we didn't realize at the time) and THEN he told us the fare was $20 when the meter (which was conspicously hidden by some fuzzy dice) read $14.20

 

I wanted to hit him with my suitcase ! :mad:

[Grumpy1]

A quick check of a couple of the rental car companies showed that most will provide a free shuttle to or from the port. Pick one and give them a call, see what they can tell you.

[Grumpy1]

Take a cab to the airport - it's close (about a $10 ride).

 

But watch out for crooked drivers...I had one over Thanksgiving week and the guy started his meter early (of course we didn't realize at the time) and THEN he told us the fare was $20 when the meter (which was conspicously hidden by some fuzzy dice) read $14.20

 

I wanted to hit him with my suitcase ! :mad:

The $20 was the fare for two... you AND your evil twin...:D

[bepsf]

If you'll be near any of the larger hotels, you can always check your luggage at the bell desk for the day. Don't tell them that you're not a guest - just tip well, keep your small bag of valuables with you as you'd do aboard ship and keep track of your claim tickets.

 

While you're there, you might as well enjoy lunch by the pool too...

;)

 

When you're ready to leave, allow enough time to gather the luggage and ask for them to call you a cab. Again, tip generously as the person helping you in the afternoon is probably going to be different from the person helping you in the am.

 

Enjoy!