Ft. Lauderdale Q&A/FAQ

[lss111]

I am staying at Embassy Suites, 17th St in Jan, I know there is a shopping place behind the ES, Harbor Shops , which has a Publix and Total Wine and other stores. But I would love:eek: to go to Macys , is closest one at Galleria Mall? Won't have a car. What is best way to go, bus, suncoast trolley, does water taxi go close to there? Thanks for info in advance. Laura::):)

[royalcruz]

I am staying at Embassy Suites, 17th St in Jan, I know there is a shopping place behind the ES, Harbor Shops , which has a Publix and Total Wine and other stores. But I would love:eek: to go to Macys , is closest one at Galleria Mall? Won't have a car. What is best way to go, bus, suncoast trolley, does water taxi go close to there? Thanks for info in advance. Laura::):)

The closest Macy's is at Galleria Mall. The most direct way is to take the public bus 40 east from ES or the Suntrolley, and they will take you right to the mall. It's about 5 miles away. The water taxi goes there too, use the Gallery One hotel stop, but you will have to walk about 5 blocks to get to the water taxi from the ES.

[royalcruz]

We arrive at Port Everglades on Eurodam on Jan 21. Traveling with 5 in party (2 in their 70's and one is 7). What is something we can all do until check in time at the hotel taking in to account transportation, etc.

 

You will have all of your luggage so I guess you need to go to the hotel and either check in early if available or have them hold your luggage. What to do after that depends on where you are staying.

[lss111]

The closest Macy's is at Galleria Mall. The most direct way is to take the public bus 40 east from ES or the Suntrolley, and they will take you right to the mall. It's about 5 miles away. The water taxi goes there too, use the Gallery One hotel stop, but you will have to walk about 5 blocks to get to the water taxi from the ES.

 

Royalcruz,

Thanks, you are the best!!!!

[bela47911]

Does anyone know the price of a taxi for 5 people from FLL to The Westin Diplomat? Is it worth it to find a car service? Better price/service? Then how much is a txi from Westin Diplomat to the port?

 

Thanks!

[efoote01]

We are getting in around midnight. Just wanted to know if a cab was easy to get to this hotel & how much it would cost.

 

Also, I think there isn't much around here. If we get a cab to port can the driver stop us @ a supermarket to stock up on Sodas etc. Also, is there a breakfast place nearby?

 

Thanks

[larry the lobster]

What is there to do close to Courtyard Marriott on Seabreeze hotel, within walking distance??? :confused:

Going 1 day precruise and will be traveling with with my husband , 12 year daughter and my parents.

[COYELL]

Royalcruz, thanks for all the info. I browsed for awhile but didn't see this one asked. We have a late flight after the cruise - 6:30. Do you have any recommendations for things to do rather than sit at the airport? If we were to rent a car are there any rental companies close to the port or would it be best to rent at the airport? Thank you!

[td1356]

Which is better? Cambria offers free shuttle from airport and free shuttle to the port but no breakfast and Summerfield offers free breakfast and free small dinner but no shuttles. Can someone recommend a shuttle service that could pick up 6 people and luggage? If we go with Cambria I am assuming we will need to cab it for dinner? They both look nice and will save $70.00 by going with the Cambria Suites. Has anyone experienced the free shuttle service with Cambria as we want to get to the port early. Thanks for any help.

[A.Bursell]

Now booked at DAYS INN FORT LAUDERDALE HOLLYWOOD/AIRPORT SOUTH.

 

Thanks for the info in this thread. :D

 

Adam

[Misty_Que]

What would be the best (or should I say cheapest :p) and of course safest way to get to Sawgrass Mills Mall from the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach?

[rjones683-1]

Hello,

Lots of info here. We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale and cruising out of Miami the next morning. Any suggestions on a place that provides transportation from the Ft. Lauderdale airport and to the port of Miami?

 

Regards,

Randy

[royalcruz]

What would be the best (or should I say cheapest :p) and of course safest way to get to Sawgrass Mills Mall from the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach?

 

The cheapest way is by public bus but personally I don't ride the bus. The next cheapest way would probably be by car rental, but if the hotel charges a lot to park then a taxi might be cheaper. It's about a 30 minute ride.

[royalcruz]

Hello,

Lots of info here. We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale and cruising out of Miami the next morning. Any suggestions on a place that provides transportation from the Ft. Lauderdale airport and to the port of Miami?

 

Regards,

Randy

 

There are no hotels that provide this without a charge that I know of. You could book an airport hotel with a free shuttle and check in advance if SAS can take you to the port for a low fee.

[royalcruz]

Royalcruz, thanks for all the info. I browsed for awhile but didn't see this one asked. We have a late flight after the cruise - 6:30. Do you have any recommendations for things to do rather than sit at the airport? If we were to rent a car are there any rental companies close to the port or would it be best to rent at the airport? Thank you!

 

You could go to the beach area, Las Olas, or Galleria mall. I'm not sure about the rental car situation, but most big companies are both at the airport and near the port. Alamo has free shuttle service from the port to airport. It would be easiest to drop off the car at the airport.

[royalcruz]

What is there to do close to Courtyard Marriott on Seabreeze hotel, within walking distance??? :confused:

Going 1 day precruise and will be traveling with with my husband , 12 year daughter and my parents.

 

The beach is across the street and there are a bunch of restaurants closeby. There are some shops but they mostly sell inexpensive beachwear.

[Asil65]

Love this website- Royal cruise this ine is for you or anyone in Fort Lauderdale-Just wondering how cold the ocean is right now? Being from the north east I am sure it is warmer than summer ocean temps in Rhode Island. Just wondering if a quick swim will be in the cards?

[LBrandy]

Hi this is a great read,my problem is .I booked a room pre cruise on Hotwire,got a room for Jan 27th at the Red Carpet Inn 2460 W State Rd 84.Been looking at the reviews...boy they are not good .....could they be wrong? An we would like to be able to go somewhere , I think its called CVS ,or Wal-Mart just to pick up a few things ,we dont like adding to our lugguge for the flight in ,an maybe a few beer or liquir.Any help would be great .tx

[royalcruz]

Love this website- Royal cruise this ine is for you or anyone in Fort Lauderdale-Just wondering how cold the ocean is right now? Being from the north east I am sure it is warmer than summer ocean temps in Rhode Island. Just wondering if a quick swim will be in the cards?

I'm not sure of the water temperature, but most locals don't go in the ocean in the winter. The weather is really nice and mild this year though. It has been getting close to 80 in the daytime and in the upper 60s at night and early AM.

[royalcruz]

Hi this is a great read,my problem is .I booked a room pre cruise on Hotwire,got a room for Jan 27th at the Red Carpet Inn 2460 W State Rd 84.Been looking at the reviews...boy they are not good .....could they be wrong? An we would like to be able to go somewhere , I think its called CVS ,or Wal-Mart just to pick up a few things ,we dont like adding to our lugguge for the flight in ,an maybe a few beer or liquir.Any help would be great .tx

About 1.5 miles east on State Rd 84 you can get everything you need. There is no CVS or Walmart, but there is Winn-Dixie, Big Lots, and a liquor store, and some fast food and takeout restaurants. There is a Walgreens about another mile east of there. If the hotel has a shuttle, maybe the driver can take you there. I've never heard anything about the Red Carpet Inns in Fort Lauderdale, neither good or bad.

[truffles2]

Love this website- Royal cruise this ine is for you or anyone in Fort Lauderdale-Just wondering how cold the ocean is right now? Being from the north east I am sure it is warmer than summer ocean temps in Rhode Island. Just wondering if a quick swim will be in the cards?

 

Current water temp is 74.

CURRENT CONDITIONS AT FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH

Date/Time:

8:00 A.M. Sunday, December 18th, 2011.

Weather Forecast:

Partly cloudy. Temperature in the high 70s. Winds from the North NW at 10 to 15 mph.

Current Weather:

Mostly cloudy; Air Temperature 65

Marine Forecast:

North NW winds 10 to 15 knots, Chance of showers 0%.

Ocean Water Conditions:

1 to 2

Intracoastal Water Conditions:

A moderate chop.

Air Temperature:

L 65° - H 76°

Water Temperature (Ocean):

74°

High Tide:

1:49 P.M.

Low Tide:

7:41 A.M.

Wind Direction/Speed:

North NW 10-15 mph.

Sea Pests:

None reported at this time

Current Warning Flags:

Green flags. Please remember that the beach is an alcohol-free area for your safety and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting our page and have a safe day.

Google is your friend.

[tip]

CURRENT CONDITIONS AT FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH

Date/Time:

8:00 A.M. Sunday, December 18th, 2011.

 

Water Temperature (Ocean):

74°

 

Seventy-four degrees water temperature? I'll take it anyday over the New Hampsha beaches! If the water temp gets up to the mid-sixties at Hampton Beach in July, it is considered bath water!

[truffles2]

74 is great.....for air! For water? it could be a bit cool for me:o

[Asil65]

Thanks for the info Truffles 2. I think that is pretty on target with Jersey shore temps. I guess it will be quite refreshing.

[LynnTH]

Hey everyone. Going on the Allure on March 11th - 18th. Just starting to look for pre and post cruise hotel rooms.

 

It will be me, DH, DS13 and DD10.

 

Pre-Cruise - We get into FLL at 11:00 PM, so by the time we get to any hotel it will be close to midnight. So, not looking for anything fancy but something decent and safe. Can be close to the airport or pier. Looking for suggestions.

 

Post- Cruise - We don't leave until the next day at 3:00 PM. So, we have an entire day so would like a bit nicer hotel. Either on the beach or a really nice pool. Also, maybe some shopping etc. I have been looking on Expedia to see what hotels look nice. This is what I found. Any input on any of these would be great.

 

1. Beachcomber Resort and Villas $220

2. Renaissance FLL - $209

3. Embassy Suites - FLL/17th St. - $221

4. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - $229

5. Bahia Mar - FLL - $152

 

Thanks for the help. Lynn