janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 Going on Wonder of the Seas on March 11, 2022. I have never been to the port at Ft. Lauderdale. I looked last night and flights look much more expensive than Miami (guessing because it is a smaller airport). Does anyone have tips as far as what airline you typically get the best rates on, if the Royal Caribbean air to sea program might be a better rate, and what hotels would be best for the night before the cruise. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 Google flights is a good way to compare prices. Check out the different prices for different time of day arrivals. In my opinion, FLL is perfect for the port because it’s so close. You can also figure if a cheaper flight into Miami, combined with the transportation cost to the port, would be better than paying more for the flight into FLL. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 1 hour ago, janderson said: Going on Wonder of the Seas on March 11, 2022. I have never been to the port at Ft. Lauderdale. I looked last night and flights look much more expensive than Miami (guessing because it is a smaller airport). Does anyone have tips as far as what airline you typically get the best rates on, if the Royal Caribbean air to sea program might be a better rate, and what hotels would be best for the night before the cruise. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Justin What type of hotel are you looking for? I can help. Neesa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 5 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said: What type of hotel are you looking for? I can help. Just something that is clean and good for a night. I want something fairly cheap like $200 or less a night if possible. Something in proximity to some food establishments would be great too but if we have to Uber Eats or something we can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkaczano Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 1 hour ago, janderson said: Going on Wonder of the Seas on March 11, 2022. I have never been to the port at Ft. Lauderdale. I looked last night and flights look much more expensive than Miami (guessing because it is a smaller airport). Does anyone have tips as far as what airline you typically get the best rates on, if the Royal Caribbean air to sea program might be a better rate, and what hotels would be best for the night before the cruise. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Justin Found decent rates on JetBlue last night direct from Boston for 3/18. Prices were same to FLL as MIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 I will look into that. The cheapest we were finding from Iowa (Omaha or Des Moines) was $484/person and that was taking 2 different airlines going and coming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkaczano Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 5 minutes ago, janderson said: I will look into that. The cheapest we were finding from Iowa (Omaha or Des Moines) was $484/person and that was taking 2 different airlines going and coming. We’re at about $330 pp direct flights for a fare that includes a carry on and seat selection. Southwest extended their fares this morning to late April, so I would check them too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dejavu21 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 @janderson I've been to Ft. Lauderdale (from Houston) twice now and usually the flights from here to Ft. L and Miami are about the same. I also use Google Flights to track prices. Usually booking flights 3+ months out will give you the best pricing options, but usually we fly there anywhere from $125-$250 RT, on United. As for a hotel, we stayed at (Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Downtown/Las Olas), its a new hotel and a walk (2 blocks) from Las Olas Blvd where the restaurants are, and it's a quick Uber to the port. There are also some nice hotels on the beachfront that are fairly inexpensive we've stayed at as well. ** I think your issue with pricing is simply that you are going spring break week to one of the biggest spring break locations in the US. Your Hotel/Flight prices are going to be higher than any other time of the year. ninjakitty 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 11 minutes ago, janderson said: I will look into that. The cheapest we were finding from Iowa (Omaha or Des Moines) was $484/person and that was taking 2 different airlines going and coming. Definitely look into Miami flights. It's a 30-45 minute drive between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale so just factor in an Uber/Lyft ride between the two and see if you end up cheaper overall. Still spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale as it tends to be cheaper than Miami with respect to airports. You also have to consider that your sail date lines up with Spring Break in Florida (early March timeframe down here) so the $$ season starts earlier. SpeedNoodles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plumlee2028 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 A couple weeks ago, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Cruise Port. Its right between the airport and the port. I paid about $150 for the night. They have a free airport shuttle, and at the desk they had a card with the name of a local transport company that picked me up from the hotel and took me to the cruise port for $10 in a nice van. Lyft and Uber were surge pricing at the time for about $45 or so for the 5 minute drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 8 minutes ago, Jkaczano said: We’re at about $330 pp direct flights for a fare that includes a carry on and seat selection. Southwest extended their fares this morning to late April, so I would check them too I did Google Flights and the cheapest I am finding is $472/person round trip but if i change the return flight to something late enough for me to get off the ship (instead of 7AM) it changes to around $600-$700/person. I am going to go out on a limb and say that they don't like to fly out of Iowa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 14 minutes ago, dejavu21 said: @janderson I've been to Ft. Lauderdale (from Houston) twice now and usually the flights from here to Ft. L and Miami are about the same. I also use Google Flights to track prices. Usually booking flights 3+ months out will give you the best pricing options, but usually we fly there anywhere from $125-$250 RT, on United. As for a hotel, we stayed at (Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Downtown/Las Olas), its a new hotel and a walk (2 blocks) from Las Olas Blvd where the restaurants are, and it's a quick Uber to the port. There are also some nice hotels on the beachfront that are fairly inexpensive we've stayed at as well. I will definitely look into this. Sounds like a pretty good area for convenience. dejavu21 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 13 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: Definitely look into Miami flights. It's a 30-45 minute drive between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale so just factor in an Uber/Lyft ride between the two and see if you end up cheaper overall. Still spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale as it tends to be cheaper than Miami with respect to airports. You also have to consider that your sail date lines up with Spring Break in Florida (early March timeframe down here) so the $$ season starts earlier. I was just getting ready to see what Miami had. If not I might see what the Royal Sea to Air costs because it might be cheaper at this rate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 12 minutes ago, Plumlee2028 said: A couple weeks ago, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Cruise Port. Its right between the airport and the port. I paid about $150 for the night. They have a free airport shuttle, and at the desk they had a card with the name of a local transport company that picked me up from the hotel and took me to the cruise port for $10 in a nice van. Lyft and Uber were surge pricing at the time for about $45 or so for the 5 minute drive. I will look at that. That is a pretty cheap ride from the hotel to the port. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 7 minutes ago, janderson said: I will look at that. That is a pretty cheap ride from the hotel to the port. In Ft. Lauderdale the airport and port are practically neighbors, so if you stay anywhere by the airport or 17th street it's super cheap to get to/from the port/airport. KLA and dejavu21 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 AA has a hub in Miami so they have limited service to FLL. Delta on the other hand has typically been cheaper to FLL compared to MIA. Southwest mostly flies to FLL but had just started MIA service before the pandemic. It all depends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 6 hours ago, janderson said: Just something that is clean and good for a night. I want something fairly cheap like $200 or less a night if possible. Something in proximity to some food establishments would be great too but if we have to Uber Eats or something we can. Embassy Suites on 17th street. I am local and can point you in the right direction regarding dining as well. Neesa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 4 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said: Embassy Suites on 17th street. I am local and can point you in the right direction regarding dining as well. I am very open to hear where a local would recommend for food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 51 minutes ago, janderson said: I am very open to hear where a local would recommend for food. Let me know what kind of food you like and I will send you recommendations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 5 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said: Let me know what kind of food you like and I will send you recommendations. I like pretty much any food. My wife however does not like fish too much. So I would say anything in that area that isn't sea food that you would recommend would be fine. Even if you have like a top 5 must eat places or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wordell1 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 10 hours ago, janderson said: Going on Wonder of the Seas on March 11, 2022. I have never been to the port at Ft. Lauderdale. I looked last night and flights look much more expensive than Miami (guessing because it is a smaller airport). Does anyone have tips as far as what airline you typically get the best rates on, if the Royal Caribbean air to sea program might be a better rate, and what hotels would be best for the night before the cruise. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Justin That week is spring break week for most Southern public schools and colleges. Flights will be more than usual. SuperStarian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted September 16, 2021 Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 1 hour ago, janderson said: I like pretty much any food. My wife however does not like fish too much. So I would say anything in that area that isn't sea food that you would recommend would be fine. Even if you have like a top 5 must eat places or something. If your hotel is on 17th Street in East Fort Lauderdale then your in close proximity to many dining options both a short walk/ Uber ride. Las Olas Blvd has a little of everything. Here’s a good mix: 1. Louie Bossi Las Olas. Great scene and good quality Italian food. 2. Bombay Darbar Las Olas: if you enjoy Indian food I recommend this place. The scene at night is energetic. 3. Boathouse at Riverside Hotel: Adjacent to the New River you can watch the boats. Laid back for lunch and busier during happy hour. Great chef. Menu = all over the place. American fused with a mix of everything. I had some blackened shrimp tacos that were great. 4. Le Tub Saloon- Hollywood: 15 minute Uber from 17th street. Made famous by GQ many years ago for America’s best burger. On the intracoastal and quite a scene. The place is made out of reclaimed driftwood. Burgers take some time to cook but the wait is worth it and the beer is cold. Laid back & very casual. I take my boat there at least once per month. 5. La Bamba 17th Street: Located in the Publix plaza on 17th street & Cordova rd adjacent to Embassy Suites. Great Mexican & Spanish food. Very casual. My kids request the pollo a la plancha every weekend. 6. Sistrunk Marketplace: Food Hall. Mix of everything. Great scene and highly recommended. 10 min Uber from 17th street. I can go to # 100 if necessary. If your into beer breweries there’s many popping up in downtown. I recommend Koffner Brewery inside Sistrunk Marketplace. American Icon Brewery, LauderAle and Invasive Species Brewery. For a laid back locals scene we all go to Laser Wolf which has a great craft beer menu and an AWESOME taco food truck. Everything in East Fort Lauderdale is pretty much accessible by a 15 min or less Uber and you can even take a water taxi to most waterfront locations. teddy, Mrs. RoyalMoyal and Neesa 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 47 minutes ago, wordell1 said: That week is spring break week for most Southern public schools and colleges. Flights will be more than usual. I just found that out and flipped over to the March 4th sailing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2021 47 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said: If your hotel is on 17th Street in East Fort Lauderdale then your in close proximity to many dining options both a short walk/ Uber ride. Las Olas Blvd has a little of everything. Here’s a good mix: 1. Louie Bossi Las Olas. Great scene and good quality Italian food. 2. Bombay Darbar Las Olas: if you enjoy Indian food I recommend this place. The scene at night is energetic. 3. Boathouse at Riverside Hotel: Adjacent to the New River you can watch the boats. Laid back for lunch and busier during happy hour. Great chef. Menu = all over the place. American fused with a mix of everything. I had some blackened shrimp tacos that were great. 4. Le Tub Saloon- Hollywood: 15 minute Uber from 17th street. Made famous by GQ many years ago for America’s best burger. On the intracoastal and quite a scene. The place is made out of reclaimed driftwood. Burgers take some time to cook but the wait is worth it and the beer is cold. Laid back & very casual. I take my boat there at least once per month. 5. La Bamba 17th Street: Located in the Publix plaza on 17th street & Cordova rd adjacent to Embassy Suites. Great Mexican & Spanish food. Very casual. My kids request the pollo a la plancha every weekend. 6. Sistrunk Marketplace: Food Hall. Mix of everything. Great scene and highly recommended. 10 min Uber from 17th street. I can go to # 100 if necessary. If your into beer breweries there’s many popping up in downtown. I recommend Koffner Brewery inside Sistrunk Marketplace. American Icon Brewery, LauderAle and Invasive Species Brewery. For a laid back locals scene we all go to Laser Wolf which has a great craft beer menu and an AWESOME taco food truck. Everything in East Fort Lauderdale is pretty much accessible by a 15 min or less Uber and you can even take a water taxi to most waterfront locations. Fantastic thank you for the help. I will look these up and see what I can line up to eat the day before and on the way back to the airport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda R Posted September 17, 2021 Report Share Posted September 17, 2021 17 hours ago, janderson said: I did Google Flights and the cheapest I am finding is $472/person round trip but if i change the return flight to something late enough for me to get off the ship (instead of 7AM) it changes to around $600-$700/person. I am going to go out on a limb and say that they don't like to fly out of Iowa. I live in Montana, it is always a hassle to get flights. High prices and multiple connections. But, ya do what you gotta do for cruising! WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2021 4 hours ago, Linda R said: I live in Montana, it is always a hassle to get flights. High prices and multiple connections. But, ya do what you gotta do for cruising! I love where I live but I guess we all have our pluses and minuses. I did save $400 on flights by switching my cruise to the week prior though so I won't complain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda R Posted September 17, 2021 Report Share Posted September 17, 2021 9 hours ago, janderson said: I love where I live but I guess we all have our pluses and minuses. I did save $400 on flights by switching my cruise to the week prior though so I won't complain. Glad it worked out. I sometimes stay 2 days before or after a cruise to save on air fares. If it saves me more on a flight than the extra hotel nights. I mostly fly Delta because of air miles, sky club access, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janderson Posted September 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2021 44 minutes ago, Linda R said: Glad it worked out. I sometimes stay 2 days before or after a cruise to save on air fares. If it saves me more on a flight than the extra hotel nights. I mostly fly Delta because of air miles, sky club access, etc. we were going to fly Delta because that is the cheapest flights that came up on Google flights. However at the last second Southwest became cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda R Posted September 17, 2021 Report Share Posted September 17, 2021 7 minutes ago, janderson said: we were going to fly Delta because that is the cheapest flights that came up on Google flights. However at the last second Southwest became cheaper. Sounds like you have a good fare and glad it worked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floski Posted September 20, 2021 Report Share Posted September 20, 2021 Thinking about driving down in April. Are there any good hotels that have cruise parking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted September 29, 2021 Report Share Posted September 29, 2021 @Whiskers try asking your question here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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