Suggestions on places to stay in Fort Lauderdale before & after the cruise!!!

[posiedon75]

Our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids (3 & 6) are planning a cruise on Carnival to Western Caribbean (Panama, Costa Rica, Belize) this mid Dec. From the itinerary, our cruise will be leaving port on Monday from Fort Lauderdale. We are from CA and was thinking of flying in a day early. Here's a couple of questions for you experience cruiser.

 

1. Where is the best place to stay and close to port?

2.Would it be easier to rent a car from the airport to the hotel or take the taxi (if taxi, how much does it cost)?

3. Does some hotel offer shuttle service to the port?

3. Are hotel prices reasonable around Dec time?

4. Since this is the first time to the Caribbean for us, is this a good itinerary or should I choose Southern or Eastern instead?

5. After the cruise, we are thinking of staying in Fort Lauderdale for a couple more days. What is the best way to do this?

 

Thanks....

[queenerin]

I will be in Fort Lauderdale in a few weeks going on a Western Caribbean cruise...we are staying at La Quinta (link with details below)

 

http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985[url=http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985][/url]

 

 

 

(Sorry, I'm not an expert, but LQ seemed like a good option due to shuttles being available, and being so close to the airport, etc etc.)

[BrendaB1]

17th Causeway is close to the pier. Close to Publix grocery store, liquor store, etc. Holiday Inn Exprexx or Extended Stay on 17th. HI more expensive but Ext Stay is basic & cheaper & has a kitchen. Excellent pizza place directly across the street with reasonable prices. Free shuttle service from airport & cheap cab ride to the ship.

 

Other Holiday Inn Express is also nice.

 

Embassy Suites & Hyatt Place also in same area.

 

Trolley stop is located at Publix that will take you done to the beach area with lots of restaurants & shops.

[TheVegasMan]

We stayed at a FLL Ramada Inn before and after our cruise in 2006, they had a free shuttle to and from the airport and the cruise port. Free breakfast in the morning as well.