FLL to MIA port/Transfers or limo?

[sandy toes]

Our flight (booked in April) was cancelled and we have had to rebook. We are now getting into FLL at 1:12PM. Should we book Carnival transfers or use the limo service? I don't want to miss the ship. We were told that the last bus leaves at 2p for MIA port. I know all about flying in the day before but when you have to work, what can you do? I have never had a flight this tight before and am a bit anxious about it. The limo might be quicker but if there is an accident, we are stuck. I had always thought the transfers were a safe bet (the ship would not sail away when their bus was in route to the ship) yet I just recently read a thread about someone (17 people on the bus) missing the ship! Sure don't want that to happen with us. What would you all do? Bus transfers or limo to pier?

[tada]

That sounds like a tight schedule. If your plane is late, the 2:00pm bus could be hard to get to, especially picking up luggage at the carousel. But, I think if you purchased the transfers through Carnival, they would wait for you, knowing you were coming in.

 

We have done a limo from FLL to MIA. It ran about $90 before tip for two people. It was actually a car service, but a limo showed up. They were on time, fast, and knew where we were going.

 

This kind of seems like a toss up to me. It comes down to what you are comfortable with. When does the ship actually leave?

[nanfromatlanta]

Grab a cab. It is cheaper, fast and much easier. There will be tons of cabs outside. Those folks know the fastest way to the pier. They do this every day for a living.;)

[Bequia]

Just as easy is the GO Shuttle Town Car Service. It's only $64 to the Port of Miami, no reservations required, just get off your plane and go.

When you arrive at the airport, collect your luggage and go outside the baggage claim area, lower level, curbside, contact one of the starters (customer services reps.) wearing a white shirt with "GO AIRPORT SHUTTLE" in green on the back of the shirt and an emblem on the sleeve and over the breast pocket. Let the starter know what service you are interested in and he/she will assist you.

Cab runs from $75-85 from FLL to POM

 

http://www.floridalimo.com/Pages/private.html

[irishgirl]

You're cutting it really close with that flight, especially the way the airlines are running now and weather might be a factor too.

 

Using Carnival shuttles doesn't guarantee they will hold the ship for you. I would grab a cab even if it costs $75.

 

Did you buy travel insurance?

[Glama]

I agree, rent a cab, especially because of your tight time frame. I personally can't stand Carnival shuttles, I feel they are overpriced, plus you usually have to wait until the shuttle bus is full before you leave the air/cruise port. I'm not a patient person when I need to get somewhere.

 

Good luck, and have a great cruise!

[sandy toes]

Tight schedules scare me! Yes we have insurance but I would much rather a cruise than an insurance check!!!! I booked this air in April, the flight was cancelled and I have no option but to rebook with the same airline. The original tickets had us in MIA at 8AM, We even change to arrive in FLL and this was the ONLY flight time prior to the ship leaving that we could get!!!! I really am stuck with it. I am worried. I hate things like this. The cost for the Carnival shuttle is more but I had always thought they would make sure we made it to the ship. Then, I read that thread about the ship leaving when 17 people were on the Carnival bus at the pier watching the ropws being pulled up!!!! So now, I am stressed with 50 days to go. I just want to get there on time!!!

[Thirsty Cruiser]

Tight schedules scare me! Yes we have insurance but I would much rather a cruise than an insurance check!!!! I booked this air in April, the flight was cancelled and I have no option but to rebook with the same airline. The original tickets had us in MIA at 8AM, We even change to arrive in FLL and this was the ONLY flight time prior to the ship leaving that we could get!!!! I really am stuck with it. I am worried. I hate things like this. The cost for the Carnival shuttle is more but I had always thought they would make sure we made it to the ship. Then, I read that thread about the ship leaving when 17 people were on the Carnival bus at the pier watching the ropws being pulled up!!!! So now, I am stressed with 50 days to go. I just want to get there on time!!!

 

If the airline cancelled your flight, you should be able to get on a flight that fits your schedule. I would call back and see if you can change the flight time, or else, see if they have a flight to Miami. I have done this with cancelled flights in the past. The best advice is to try to get a flight for the previous day and spend the night and start your vaca one day early!:)

[sandy toes]

I checked even the red eye flights the day before, nothing!!! I was coming into MIS and changed to FLL because there were NO flights into MIA before 4PM. I will looses the money for the flights if I rebook elsewhere, but that is something I am thinking about doing...

[Melissa401]

If your flight is only 20 minutes late (even 2 hours late) and you miss the ship, travel insurance may not help you.

 

Travel insurance policies state that the delay must be between 5-24 hours (depending on the policy).

Generally speaking : If you do not have 5-24 hours in between your cruise and the flight (again depending on the policy), then you may not have a claim for delay/interruption/cancellation.

 

Check your travel insurance policy and/or call your travel insurance specialist/travel agent. Explain your concern & Explore your options.

 

I suggest going even a day prior to prevent a stressful beginning to a well deserved vacation.

[gypsyrose]

Is it only that particular airline that does not have other flights? The day we are flying out in April there are dozens of flights that day to MIA or FLL. Can you not switch airlines? I would not risk a flight arrival time that late. Too much could happen and it will (and IS) cause you too much stress. Keep arguing with the airline to get what will work for you. Let us know.