FLL to Miami Cruise Port RCCL Transfers?

[Bigboy1978]

I have a few questions as to the transfers we purchased with RCCL for our Sept 21-2008 FOS cruise. We fly into FLL Saturday night and I am wondering as to the time we should expect to be back at FLL to meet the transfer to Miami Cruise Port. What can we expect as our mode of transfer, will it be a van, school bus etc? What time should we expect to be arriving at the cruise port? After the cruise what time should we expect to arrive back at FLL, our flight leaves for home at 4:05 pm. Because we have transfers purchased with RCCL will we one of the first colors called for disembarkation? Sorry for all the questions but this is our first ever cruise. Thanks in advance for all of your help.

[cruiseguy1016]

You will be riding in a bus. A motor coach not a school bus. It won't matter what time you get back to the airport, the bus won't leave until it is full (or at least almost full). If you get there say at 10:00 and it is almost full, you'll get on and the bus will leave. If you are the first to arrive, you'll get on and wait for an hour or two. It all depends on how many people come in on the various flights. As for the return, you will probably be one of the last to leave the ship because of your late departure time. They always let the people with early departures be the first ones off the ship. With that much time to kill, you may want to consider a shore excursion (Everglades tour maybe) before heading to the airport. The excursion bus will drop you off at the airport after the tour.

[Bigboy1978]

Thanks for the information and advice it is greatly appreciated.

[wrp96]

With a 4:05 pm return flight, definitely look into a post cruise shore excursion, such as a trip to the Everglades. Otherwise you will be sitting at FLL waiting to check in for a good portion of the day (the earliest you can check in at FLL is 4 hours before you flight, with some airlines it is only 2-3 hours before your flight).

 

One thing you may want to do is see if you can find a shuttle service or a rental car to get you to the port before your cruise and cancel the cruiseline transfers. That will eliminate the need to return to the airport AND the waiting around for the cruiseline transfers. If you ask this question on the Florida departure board, you should be able to get some good suggestions for shuttle services. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

[pepsicruiser]

Big Boy I agree with above poster. Drop the RCCL transfers. You can rent a car when you arrive day early and drop off in Miami and get a free shuttle to port from car rental. Just make sure your rental co. has free shuttle. It will cost as much as RCCL shuttle. Then because you are flying out so late in day get off early and rent a car and take a ride maybe to Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Lots to do there between shopping, dining and intercoastal taxi (real cheap) that you can get on and off where ever you want or just enjoy the beautiful ride and homes you pass. Then drop car off at Fort Lauderdale maybe on airport property or get free shuttle to airport.

[zebra36]

While renting a car may seem more convenient it may also be a bit daunting if you are not familiar with the area, recently had this experience in another city. If OP wishes to stay with the transfers I would agree with looking into a post cruise excursion which would include the transfer and they should(?) get credit for the return transfer already purchased.