Driving to the port in FLL for Reflection Cruise Jan.19th

[marieps]

8 minutes ago, melbrook said:

It's been years since we self disembarked (did it a few times after they lost ALL our luggage) did you find a lot of people used that option?  My celebrity experience seems to be most use the luggage tag service and collect it off the ship.  When we sailed with NCL a ton self carried and getting an elevator was a nightmare with all the bags.  Back then we just did the stairs with our bags...now I don't think I would make it.  🙄😷  I also have to remember there will be a lot less people on board so this will likely be unlike a cruise i have ever been on.  Our last cruise was this same ship/itinerary in Jan/2020

The posted meet time for walk off is 7:20.  They started lining up at 6:30!   We stay in AQ on deck 11 forward so we don't have to fight for midship elevators.  We got up in time to beat the rush to the elevators then enjoyed a last breakfast in Blu.   Kind of a pain to shlep bags forward to aft and back forward again but not too bad.  Yes, there were well over 100 people (out of 1070) walking off.  No Global Entry at Pier 29, but customs was super quick anyway. 

[Turtles06]

10 minutes ago, melbrook said:

Orlando.  

When we cruised out of FLL, we got our test at Fast Test Now, which had been used and recommended by someone here on CC.  Appt in advance. Worked out fine, and we had our test results in about 20 minutes. They have a location in Orlando. Obviously, I have no experience with it, but here’s their info in case that may be helpful:

 

https://fasttestnow.com/booking.php

[kearney]

I am curious how testing is going right now. As I noted DH ended up in line for 2 hours even though he had an appointment and you see long lines in major cities. Are people having any issues getting the home test or getting tested at a testing location... this week. 

[TeaBag]

marieps has said it like I would.  We also stay in AQ and we always do self disembarkation.  The big secret is to get to the area of disembarkation in the first few people, maybe an hour ahead as marie said.  Then you're on your way quickly.

Have a great cruise and Happy Holidays to you.

[melbrook]

32 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

When we cruised out of FLL, we got our test at Fast Test Now, which had been used and recommended by someone here on CC.  Appt in advance. Worked out fine, and we had our test results in about 20 minutes. They have a location in Orlando. Obviously, I have no experience with it, but here’s their info in case that may be helpful:

 

https://fasttestnow.com/booking.php

Thank you - checking it out now.....

[teacherman]

We are on your cruise, but are flying down on the 18th from Detroit.  We live about 20 minutes from the airport. We are scheduling our rapid test for the 17th here at a CVS.  Will you be able to use a USA pharmacy as it looks like you are from Canada?   Hope it all works out well for each of us.  Merry Christmas.

[melbrook]

8 minutes ago, TeaBag said:

marieps has said it like I would.  We also stay in AQ and we always do self disembarkation.  The big secret is to get to the area of disembarkation in the first few people, maybe an hour ahead as marie said.  Then you're on your way quickly.

Have a great cruise and Happy Holidays to you.

I guess after 5 sea days and possibly more if we stay onboard we have no reason not to be rested and ready to go at 630am right?😉

[TeeRick]

25 minutes ago, kearney said:

I am curious how testing is going right now. As I noted DH ended up in line for 2 hours even though he had an appointment and you see long lines in major cities. Are people having any issues getting the home test or getting tested at a testing location... this week. 

The holiday week plus Omicron means that test centers are swamped and at-home tests are not available anywhere near me in the Philly suburbs.  I was not feeling well and the wait at the Urgent Care for me yesterday was quoted to be at least 2.5 hours.  Sitting in a waiting room with a bunch of likely COVID+ people.  So I declined.  Fortunately my son had an at-home kit that he gave to me.  It was negative.😃

[melbrook]

5 minutes ago, teacherman said:

We are on your cruise, but are flying down on the 18th from Detroit.  We live about 20 minutes from the airport. We are scheduling our rapid test for the 17th here at a CVS.  Will you be able to use a USA pharmacy as it looks like you are from Canada?   Hope it all works out well for each of us.  Merry Christmas.

We were flying too until this past week when we decided to drive instead.  Too nervous to test ++ and get stuck in Florida for 2 weeks.  According to all the Canadians on the board you just give your hotel address and passport and they test you as uninsured.  If we get tested before we leave Windsor on Sunday it's too far out for the cruise.  Merry Christmas to you as well - you can find us at the World Class Bar.  🥃

[goofysmom99]

I used Park n Go (website bookparkngo.com) in August and September for the first time.  Had always parked onsite in the past. Both times the driver took luggage from my car, loaded onto the shuttle and unloaded at the terminal.  Upon return, he loaded it into my car....in the rain twice.  Shuttle was there waiting both times when I exited the terminal.  So pleased with their service, won't be bothering with onsite parking at Port Everglades again.

[kearney]

Honestly the whole testing thing was the most stressful part of the trip (since we removed the whole flight issues by driving).

 

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 hours ago, melbrook said:

We use a similar service when we fly and the one we like runs every 15 minutes like clockwork while others you have to call for a pickup and then wait.  My only hesitation here is being with hundreds of other people also looking for this shuttle as we disembark when we are trying to get going as quickly as possible.  Can you share how crowded it typically is when you're heading back to you car?  For drop off it sounds like a much easier and less stressful option!  Thank you

 

I would say the shuttle can accommodate 10 people at most.  Remember, everybody has luggage too.  Park n' Go offers airport or cruise port service.  Be sure to specify which one you're booking and make sure you get on the right shuttle.

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

I totally trust the recommendations of others to park off the Port.  Speaking only for myself, I'm not a huge fan of leaving our car keys with anyone else unless we really have to.  We're also not big fans of taking our luggage on and off shuttles.   YMMV, and I'm sure you'll make the best decision for yourself.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

The shuttle driver will take your luggage out of your trunk, put it on the shuttle, and the reverse on the way back.  The shuttle drops you at your car and the driver will put your luggage in your trunk.  Just don't forget to tip him!

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 hours ago, melbrook said:

I have never had to leave my car keys behind - is there a legit reason they need them?  We'd have both sets just in case but I don't love the idea of leaving them there.

 

 

The reason you need to leave your keys with Park 'n Go is that they sometimes move the vehicles around.  I've been using them for years with nary a problem.  When you valet park your car, the valet keeps the keys.  This is the same concept.

[phoenix_dream]

This may not be a popular comment, but here goes.  If you don't need to be off at first call, please have some consideration for those who do and wait half an hour or so.  I know I've been in a situation where the airline changed my flight time and I was in a real tough spot trying to get to the airport on time.  Or these days, with fewer flights people may have to choose earlier times than they normally would as there are so few flights to choose from.  In my case, it didn't help that I had to fight to get an elevator or wait in huge lines.   I just barely made it.  I don't know who was in the same shoes as me versus who just wanted to hit the road early for convenience.  

 

So the moral of the story, and my sincere request, is that if you want off early just for convenience, please wait just a little bit.  Those of us who really need to be off early thank you profusely!

[cbfb]

For us parking at the pier is worth the cost. We prefer not to be in a shuttle with others right now and also, if god forbid we test positive,  we can get in our car and drive home to quarantine. But that’s just us. 

[dabear]

4 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

Worth it to me to park at the port, no waiting on shuttles, etc…it’s very easy at Port Everglades..

That depends . Two weeks for our Millie cruise we departed from terminal 25 which is across the street from the midpoint parking lot & is an easy walk. However, we returned to terminal 29 which was far from the parking lot & we had to use the parking lot shuttle. 

We were informed of which terminal we would depart about one week before departure.

Edited December 24, 2021 by dabear

[ClaudiaB]

We always walk off with our luggage ourselves because we have early flights.   It's easy.   Just ignore the time they say to line up ( your luggage is what saves your place in line for most people).   Get there at least half an hour before that, maybe 45 minutes.   Some people get there an hour ahead.   We don't worry so much about breakfast, we just grab a muffin at al Bacio or nothing at all and just get something at the airport (or you - on the road).   In most cases we're among the first couple dozen off the ship.   Once we were THIRD off!   Obviously if there's a hang-up in customs you'll wait, but so will everyone in line.    Even if we have a later flight or something, we still walk off with our luggage, and there's no wandering around the terminal to find it.    It's worked for us for many cruises.   We also never pre arrange a shuttle.  Taxis are readily available but for you obviously it's not an issue.   Most people we've talked to don't park at the port but use the very convenient shuttle to the parking place nearby.   It's not a short walk to your car otherwise and it's more $$.   

Either way, have a great cruise.   

[Ipeeinthepools]

19 hours ago, melbrook said:

Hello everyone...after searching for almost an hour with quite a few "searching" circles of death, I will NEVER think badly of someone asking a question I have seen 10x before.  You can tell I am about to ask what is likely a common question...

 

We are driving to the port in Fort Lauderdale for the first time ever (we always fly) to board the Reflection in 3 weeks.  I searched the Everglades website and found there are 2-3 garage options and quite a few terminals and I can't see past 7 days out which terminal the Reflection will sail from and to.  So question #1 is; how do I determine where to park if I don't know the terminals?  Is it always in terminal 18 for example?  Is there a secret CC way to see past the 7 day window?

 

Question #2 is about getting off the ship.  We have always had a flight to catch so we picked a time, with no rush to get off.  Now we'd like to get off as soon as possible and hit the road.  Itinerary says we are in port at 7am - does this mean we can walk off with our bags and clear customs at that time or is that wishful thinking??  

 

You can do a search using the query function on the port schedule.  Here is the upcoming schedule for the Reflection

 

 

 

[PaperSniper4]

On 12/24/2021 at 10:44 AM, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

...Park n' Go.....I've used them for years and they're excellent......

Concur. They are great.

 

Doug

Edited December 29, 2021 by PaperSniper4

[wrk2cruise]

I had a 21 day B2B in Sept and due to cost didn't want to park at the pier.  I also didn't want to do valet (they keep your keys) at Park n Go.   I found Park by the Port in Dania Beach for under $5 per day.  It's a paved self park lot (you keep your keys), part of a large casino parking lot.  Shuttle service to the ship was great.  Only down side was there was a few minute wait for the shuttle for the return and it took quite awhile to load all the passengers and luggage so it was about 1/2 hr to get to the car.   Next time I will just Uber back to the lot cost of which is more than covered by the cost savings of the daily charge.

[marieps]

On 12/24/2021 at 1:42 PM, TeaBag said:

marieps has said it like I would.  We also stay in AQ and we always do self disembarkation.  The big secret is to get to the area of disembarkation in the first few people, maybe an hour ahead as marie said.  Then you're on your way quickly.

Have a great cruise and Happy Holidays to you.

We rushed through the Blu breakfast so quickly it was almost not worth it.  A quick stop for coffee and pastries at Al Baccio then on to the theatre may be our next plan.

[toddmanka]

On 12/24/2021 at 11:44 AM, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

I don't recommend parking at the port.  It's expensive.  Check out Park n' Go.  They're right outside the port, will deliver you and your luggage to the port, and will be there to meet you when you get back.  Sign up and find coupons for reduced rates.  I've used them for years and they're excellent.

 

There is no way to discover the docking schedule past what the port publishes.  

 

If you insist on parking at the port, as you enter the port, the pier locations will be displayed on the overhead sign.  But be prepared to be in a long line.  The shuttle drivers are able to bypass this line.

I second Park n Go. The BEST

[kearney]

1 minute ago, toddmanka said:

I second Park n Go. The BEST

I agree... we have had great luck there...especially during these reduced capacity sailings... we were the only one on the shuttle to the ship...and there were two waiting when we got off. 

[hcat]

Parking at the port works ok for  us EXCEPT at the EDGE Terminal.

The garage is on  opposite side of  street from the  Terminal &  is a healthy walk..in the sun ( sometimes rain) over narrow  uneven walkways.  Best to  drop luggage 1st.. We leave 1 person( me)  with carryons  while husb parks and walks back..   Other lots with shuttles are  much better.  Best was lot we used for Connie closest to Conv Center..self park ground level right in front of Terminal.

 

Next cruise, happy we will fly in a day early and take a cab from our hotel