Ft. Lauderdale pier

[cruiseduo]

Looking to book MSC Lirica for 12 day southern caribbean . . . free bus leaves Daytona Beach at 7:30am . . . . ship departs Ft. Lauderdale at 7:00pm. Anyone know what there is to do for the time we have to wait?

[Dan]

It's been years since I've been to Daytona, but isn't it something like a 3 hour drive or a bit more down to Ft Lauderdale? You may be able to board the ship shortly after arriving there.

[cruiseduo]

Dan,

Thanks . . . we probably will do just that . . . . a three hour drive is much better than a nine-hour wait . . . . We can also stay there for a day or two after and see the sights. Thanks for putting my brain back on track.

[saltydog]

Howard and Pat,

Hi,

We did the Lirica last year and loved it. If the bus gets into FLL about

noon you can probably board around 3 or so. We were able to get

aboard last year around that time. Also, you can walk from the terminal

about 4 blocks on the main drag (don't know the name). Lots of shops

and places to eat. Have a great trip.

Tim

[cruiseduo]

Tim,

Thanks. We, too, were on the Lirica last year . . . April 11 to 22 Panama Canal . . . . great ship, great service!

We decided to drive to FLL and stay the night before. We've never been there except on the 'cruise bus' so this will give us a chance to see it.

Anyone know what hotel has the parking if you stay over the night before?

Thanks.

[Dan]

I'm willing to bet most of them in the airport area have park and cruise/fly packages. Most Comfort Inn (and sister brands) in an airport area have park and fly packages, so I'd think you could do that for cruising too.

I'd do a seach on travelocity for hotels within a couple miles of FLL, and start calling.

[Longboysfan]

There is long term pier parking to the north of the port.

I think this is about $10 a day.

There are also bed and breakfasts just to the North of the pier area - our friends used them the last time.

[cruiseduo]

Does this sound feasible? I found this information on a Lirica review. We live about 5 hrs. from Ft. Lauderdale.

"If you live in Florida (or near your cruise port), rent an economy car – for like $20 and just drop it off at the location. There is a Dollar Rent A Car near where I live and the Ft. Lauderdale Airport has a free shuttle to the cruise port. This way I avoided parking at like $15/day, mileage on my car, and got better mileage (I have an SUV). Same for going home… the bus picks you up at the exit of the cruise terminal and drops you off at Dollar’s door. "

Any thoughts? Sounds like a good idea and will check it out with our local car rental agency.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Howard

[JoeyandDavid]

sounds liek a game plan to me Howard .. I say go for it